Bay Area

Eddie R. Dillard, 76

On Dec. 21, 2023, angels peacefully carried Eddie Rudolph Dillard away as he was awakened to eternal life from his home in Sacramento, California, after a fearless battle against complications of several medical issues. Eddie was 76 years old.

Published

11 months ago

January 8, 2024

Oakland Post

Born Sept. 27, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ben Smith and Annie Lee Holmes-Dillard, Eddie’s journey was one of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.

After honorably serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he channeled his leadership into academics, earning an A.A. from Oakland’s Merritt College before becoming one of only four Black students to graduate from the University of California, at Berkeley, in 1977 with a B.A. in Economics.

Eddie’s passion for giving small, minority-owned businesses an opportunity to do it big was kindled in 1980 as the Northern California delegate for the first ever White House Conference on Small Business Development under then President Jimmy Carter in Wash., D.C.

His pivotal role in the City of Oakland’s Office of Economic Development laid the groundwork for minority businesses to flourish. As the meticulous steward of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s $25 million loan program for 15 years, he helped shape Oakland’s economic landscape into one of opportunity and growth.

Eddie cemented his legacy and love for all things Oakland in 1997 when he established the Oakland Black Board of Trade and Commerce, where, as president and CEO, he transformed the prospects of local Black contractors, aiding them in securing over $100 million in contracts.

His efforts however were not confined to the boardroom; Eddie’s voice resonated in the corridors of power, influencing policy and local elections to reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities he championed.

Eddie wrote over 100 articles on politics, small business development, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In 2020, he moved to Sacramento and gave his grandchildren everything he had. His love for his family was boundless and there is no doubt he will continue to watch over them as the years pass.

Eddie’s passing calls for not just local or state recognition, but a national acknowledgment of his contributions. It is fitting for proclamations and commendations to honor a life so well-lived, one that has laid the foundation for future generations to continue the fight for economic equity and representation in the construction industry.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers; Bertha, Ada, Floyd, Elijah “Slim,” William “Chi,” Doug, Roger, and Nathaniel.

He is survived by his sister Lillie Yancey; daughter Frances Bost in Germany; sons Kevien, Jason (Damia), and Jesse (Stephanie) Dillard; eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us on Jan. 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Oakstop Event Hall, 2323 Broadway in Oakland, to celebrate this beautiful life. Please come and share your stories of this incredible father, brother, business consultant and friend.

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

3 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

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.

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Activism

OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

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Bay Area

Richmond’s New Fire Chief Sworn In

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” noted Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi,. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Chief Osorio (far left) was sworn in at a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Hall on Nov. 15. All photos by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

Richmond Fire Chief Aaron Osorio was sworn into his new role in a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Council Chambers on Friday, Nov. 15.

The crowd included Osorio’s family and friends, rank-and-file Richmond firefighters, fellow fire chiefs from Bay Area agencies, elected officials and community members.

Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl provided an introduction and acknowledged Chief Osorio’s “heroic service to Richmond.”

Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi, presented the chief with a Congressional Commendation, citing his 23 years of serving in the fire service in Richmond in numerous positions.

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” Sandhu noted. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

The chief’s wife, Maria, and two sons Roman and Mateo helped perform the badge-pinning.

Richmond City Clerk Pamela Christian then conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief Osorio thanked his family, colleagues, and city for their support, calling it “very humbling” to take on leadership of an “amazing organization.”

Once the ceremony was done, the chief stated, “I’m ready to get to work.”