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IN MEMORIAM: Eddie Abrams, Community Historian
Eddie leaves to mourn Rose, his wife of 60 years, four children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a host of relatives and friends.
Special to the Post
Mrs. Rose Abrams and family is mourning the passing of Edward Earl Abrams. Mr. Abrams passed on Monday, Jan. 6. The Oakland Community knew him as Eddie Abrams, the man with a video camera in his hands, always prepared to capture history as it was being made.
Eddie was born in Hub, Mississippi, and came to Oakland, CA in 1946 at the age of 15. He attended McClymonds High School and was also a member of the Army Reserve. Although Eddie did not play sports, he could give you history and stats on all the great ball players who came through McClymonds’ doors.
In 1950, Eddie worked at the Naval Air Station as a warehouse supervisor until he retired in 1985. After his retirement, he organized and provided leadership to the Family Resource Community Center known by many as The House of Unity. He also hosted a show with Soul Beat TV titled “O.U.R.S. Hour,” for One United Resource System.
The mission was to provide Black empowerment and unity by bringing Black leaders to speak. Comedian/Activist Dick Gregory, educators John Henry Clark, and Frances Cress Welsing were often invited guests.
The House of Unity was a place for local leaders in Oakland to also speak to provide encouragement to students, seniors, and its residents. Eddie loved his community and wanted to provide it with as much history and education as possible through his hand-held video camera.
Eddie leaves to mourn Rose, his wife of 60 years, four children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 20 at Beth Eden Baptist Church at 1183 Tenth St. Oakland, CA at 11 a.m. For more information, please contact Kim Abrams via text at 510-757-6366.
