Activism
Council of Islamic Relations Applauds Alameda County Decision to Divest $32M from Caterpillar
The divestment from Caterpillar, a company criticized for its human rights abuses globally—including the destruction of Palestinian homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, as well as in the U.S. prison-industrial complex, border militarization, and immigration detention centers—is a significant step in ensuring that Alameda County’s financial resources do not perpetuate harm.
Special to The Post
The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, this week welcomed the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ decision to divest $32 million in public funds from Caterpillar and unanimously commit to adopting an ethical investment policy.
The Board’s decision follows months of advocacy by Bay Area Divest!, a coalition of community organizations calling for accountability in public investments.
The divestment from Caterpillar, a company criticized for its human rights abuses globally—including the destruction of Palestinian homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, as well as in the U.S. prison-industrial complex, border militarization, and immigration detention centers—is a significant step in ensuring that Alameda County’s financial resources do not perpetuate harm.
In November, CAIR welcomed the reported freeze on the delivery of bulldozers to Israel as an “implicit admission” by the Biden Administration that the far-right Netanyahu government is using that equipment in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.
CAIR-SFBA Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq said:
“This is a historic moment for Alameda County, demonstrating the power of community advocacy and the County’s leadership in ethical governance. The decision to divest from Caterpillar sends a clear message that public funds should not support corporations complicit in human rights violations.”
In addition to divesting from Caterpillar, the Board voted to move forward with developing a comprehensive Ethical Investment Policy, recommended by District 5 Supervisor Keith Carson.
This policy will include criteria to exclude “investments in industries, corporations, or governments that perpetuate harm to communities and the planet,” such as fossil fuel extraction, weapons production, and entities involved in war crimes, apartheid, and other severe human rights violations.
Alameda County has a proud legacy of socially responsible investment. In 1985, the County divested from South Africa to protest apartheid, and in 1996, it barred investments in companies doing business with Burma due to human rights abuses.
“This forward-thinking policy positions Alameda County as a leader in socially responsible investing,” added Tariq. “By committing to craft the policy within 90 days and implement it within six months, the County has set an ambitious and commendable timeline.”
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.
He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.
Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.
Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.
Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.
He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.
A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.
His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.
WORK FROM HOME
Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540
Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors
LIHEAP Funds Released After Weeks of Delay as States and the District Rush to Protect Households from the Cold
Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections
Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections
Teens Reject Today’s News as Trump Intensifies His Assault on the Press
Thanksgiving Celebrated Across the Tri-State
Breaking the Silence: Black Veterans Speak Out on PTSD and the Path to Recovery
Trinidad and Tobago – Prime Minister Confirms U.S. Marines Working on Tobago Radar System
‘Tis the Season: Festive Holiday Pop-ups Happening Around Atlanta
IN MEMORIAM: Mardelle Walker, 101
Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
‘Targeted’ Shooting of Two National Guardsmen Blocks From the White House
Meet Roxanne Brown, The First African American And The First Woman President Of The United Steelworkers
Tax Refunds Expected to Rise by About $1,000 Next Year
CFP Rankings: Top Five Remains Unchanged; Major Decision Looms for Lane Kiffin
Oakland School Board Proposes Budget Solutions to Avoid State or County Takeover
A Call to Save Liberty Hall: Oakland’s Beacon of Black Heritage Faces an Uncertain Future
Port of Oakland September Cargo Volumes Dip Amid Shifting Trade Patterns
Oakland Post: Week of October 22 – 28, 2025
Prescribing Prevention: Doctors Turn to Lifestyle, Herbs and Veggies to Protect Against Chronic Illness in Black Californians
Mayor Lee Responds to OPD Chief Floyd Mitchell’s Decision to Resign
Past, Present, Possible! Oakland Residents Invited to Reimagine the 980 Freeway
Oakland Post: Week of October 29 – November 4, 2025
California Teachers Association Rallies Behind Prop. 50: A Stand for Education and Democracy
Man Arrested for Making Death Threats Against Mayor Barbara Lee
Essay: Intentional Self Care and Community Connections Can Improve Our Wellbeing
Oakland Post: Week of November 12 – 18, 2025
Oakland Post: Week of November 5 – 11, 2025
IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
MLK Way at 57th Street in Oakland Renamed Bobby Seale Way for Black Panther Co-Founder
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Parking, Safety, and 360 View #shorts
2025 Ioniq 5 New Wiper & Powerful Performance! #shorts
Electric SUV Range: Is 259 Miles Enough? #shorts
EV Charging: How Fast Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle? #shorts
Biometric Cooling… Messaging Seats…Come on! 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph 4WD
Charged Up: Witness the Magic of a Fully Electric Car! #shorts
Range Rover Sport PHEV Included…: See What’s Inside This Luxury SUV! #shorts
Invisible Hood View: Perfect Parking with X-Ray Vision! #shorts
AI Is Reshaping Black Healthcare: Promise, Peril, and the Push for Improved Results in California
ESSAY: Technology and Medicine, a Primary Care Point of View
Sanctuary Cities
The RESISTANCE – FREEDOM NOW
STATE OF THE PEOPLE: Freddie
ECONOMIC BOYCOTT DAY!!!!!
I told You So
-
Activism3 weeks agoOakland Post: Week of November 12 – 18, 2025
-
Activism3 weeks agoIN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
-
Activism3 weeks agoHow Charles R. Drew University Navigated More Than $20 Million in Fed Cuts – Still Prioritizing Students and Community Health
-
Bay Area3 weeks agoNo Justice in the Justice System
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks agoThe Perfumed Hand of Hypocrisy: Trump Hosted Former Terror Suspect While America Condemns a Muslim Mayor
-
#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks agoTrump’s Death Threat Rhetoric Sends Nation into Crisis
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks agoProtecting Pedophiles: The GOP’s Warped Crusade Against Its Own Lies
-
#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks agoLewis Hamilton set to start LAST in Saturday Night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix
