By Post Staff

For the first time in OCCUR’s 65 years in operation, its offices were burglarized on Wednesday March 23, 2022.

That morning Post News Group employee Brenda Hudson alerted OCCUR’s Executive Director Sondra Alexander that a burglary had taken place at the OCCUR office.

When Alexander arrived at the office, the floors, normally clutter-free, were strewn with paper. Her desk drawer and those of associates were pulled out, and their contents rifled through.

Besides OCCUR, the Post News Group offices, which are located in the same building were also burglarized and vandalized.

Reports from both organizations were filed with the Oakland Police Department, which is still investigating the crimes. “There was this moment of sheer disbelief,” said Alexander upon discovering the break-in. “And then a variety of emotions ranging from confusion, fear, and tremendous anger that our personal and professional spaces and property had been invaded and violated,” she said. “Why would anyone want to do this?”

OCCUR’s Enduring Relevance

Alexander’s questions are especially poignant in light of OCCUR’s objectives and relevance in Oakland for decades. Founded to provide economic opportunities for low-income people of color in Oakland, the organization has continuously implemented programs that have made profound enhancements to neighborhoods in most need.

The David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center located in East Oakland is a perfect example. The facility is an extensive technological training center for residents of all ages. Founded in 1987, the Center makes it possible for anyone seeking knowledge to be trained in computer skills and receive early-stage access to coding, artificial intelligence, programming, and other marketable skills.

It is crucial that Oakland’s most marginalized residents acquire these skills to compete and succeed.

“With the ramping up of our capacity-building programs, OCCUR is not letting the burglary derail us,” said Charla Montgomery, OCCUR’s program consultant. “Now more than ever, it is important that OCCUR reaches as many communities as possible and all those committed to positive change throughout the Bay Area.”

Despite Oakland’s ever-changing demographics, which is vividly apparent in dwindling Black residency and homeownership, school closures, and an unprecedented homelessness crisis OCCUR remains committed.

Organizational and neighborhood leaders across the city and the greater Bay Area know how vital OCCUR has been and continues to be for marginalized communities.

Whether it be the mini-grant program for Oakland small businesses, or the capacity building/development resources for nonprofits and faith-based organizations, OCCUR has been an ever-present stalwart supporter.

Today, Alexander and the entire OCCUR team are focusing on doing what they and their predecessors started 65 years ago: That is being a catalyst for bringing together neighborhood residents, merchants, and government to strengthen the economic development potential of emerging communities.

With the shock of the burglary also comes a determination to continue and to carry on and OCCUR looks forward to providing the crucial programs our community needs and deserves.

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