Events

Marcus Books Hosts Producer-Writer DeVon Franklin

Published

8 years ago

October 23, 2017

Oakland’s Marcus Bookstore was filled to capacity on September 16th as excited guests waited in line to purchase best-selling author, DeVon Franklin’s latest book, “The Hollywood Commandments.” Subtitled “A Spiritual Guide to Secular Success,” the NY Times best-selling author penned strategies he’s learned and applied throughout his career and faith-filled life as a devoted Christian.

Franklin, an established Hollywood executive and native of Oakland was met with a combination of fans, old friends, family and church members. Franklin says he was raised in the church and throughout his journey he learned how to balance his professional life with his Christianity.

“I was inspired to write the book because I wanted people to know that you can still hold onto your faith and beliefs and be successful in my industry and anything you put your mind to,” said Franklin. “You don’t have to compromise who you are,” he said.

In blueprint fashion, Franklin outlines 10 rules to live by in the secular industry while maintaining your faith and beliefs. Subjects covered in the book include; identifying your talent and propelling your career, overcoming fear, gaining confidence and negotiating the life and career you deserve.

While addressing the audience, Franklin shared his enthusiasm for life, devotion to wife, actress Meagan Good and commitment to keeping a Sabbath day throughout his busy life.

As a sought after preacher, motivational speaker and success coach, Franklin says the book expressed his desire to help others reach their highest potential. “Many people told me I could not maintain my faith and still be a success in Hollywood, but I want people to know, God is bigger than Hollywood and your prayers don’t stop at the gates of Hollywood.”

Staying humble, trusting ones instincts and avoiding getting stuck in the past are other traits Franklin suggests. “For starters don’t just stop with prayer, take action after you pray.” Franklin also discussed the power of negotiation. “You don’t get what you are worth, you get what you negotiate,” he said.

Using his wife as an example, Franklin discussed the power of preparation, “so you are ready for all the opportunities that God has for you.”

Franklin shared that his wife, Meagan Good, sought action roles but was not working out at the gym to get in shape. When Franklin prompted her to work out and the studios saw her transformation, the action role opportunities began to flow.

“Because my wife prepared and did not just wish for a particular role, she will star in the up-coming television re-imagining of the iconic Foxy Brown for Hulu,” he said.

As a studio executive at Sony’s Columbia Tristar Pictures, Franklin became one of the highest- ranking African-American executives in the Hollywood prior to launching his own production company Franklin Entertainment. Franklin’s list of blockbuster films includes, “The Karate Kid,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” and “Jumping the Broom.” Franklin is best known for “Heaven is for Real” produced on a $12 million budget and grossing over $100 million worldwide.

He also produced the hit inspirational film “Miracles from Heaven,” starring Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah. Franklin will make his animation debut this fall, with “The Star.” Franklin is also working on the remake of the classic 1975 film Cooley High; the high-profile reboot of the “He-Man” and “Masters of the Universe” franchise; and a pair of inspirational true stories The Impossible and The Boy Who Knew Too Much, which he’ll produce through his newly signed multi-year deal with 20th Century Fox.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 11 = 17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 11 – 17, 2026

Published

1 week ago

February 16, 2026

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Community Celebrates Turner Group Construction Company as Collins Drive Becomes Turner Group Drive

The event drew family, friends, and longtime supporters of Turner Group Construction, along with a host of dignitaries. The mood was joyful and warm, filled with hugs, handshakes and belated New Year’s greetings. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a festive display of gourmet cupcakes as they conversed about the street sign reveal.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

The Turner Construction group members.

By Carla Thomas

It was a family affair on Friday, Jan. 23, at the corner of Hegenberger Road and Collins Drive in East Oakland as community members, local leaders, and elected officials gathered to celebrate the renaming of Collins Drive to Turner Group Drive. The renaming saluted the Turner Group’s 45-plus years of economic development and community investment.

Special guests included former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, veteran broadcaster Valerie Coleman-Morris, Chevron Senior Public Affairs Representative Andrea Bailey, community leaders Cephus “Uncle Bobby” Johnson and Beatrice “Aunt Bea” Johnson of the Oscar Grant Foundation, and Oakland City Councilmembers Ken Houston, Carroll Fife, and Kevin Jenkins. Members of WEBCORE, the Nor Cal Carpenters Union, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), Swinerton and Alten construction companies, activists Elaine Brown and David Newton, and many others joined the celebration.

Inside the event tent, an emotional Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston spoke of his deep connection to the Turner family.

“I grew up on the same street with the Turners,” he said. “When my father passed away, their parents and siblings embraced me like family. This is our city, and it’s an honor to name this street Turner Group Drive because of the love and effort this company and family have given. Many dreams came out of this building. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Turners.”

Councilmember Kevin Jenkins, whose father once taught the Turner brothers, added, “Len Turner is an amazing person. He’ll help anyone.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee praised the company’s legacy, noting its creation of the Construction Resource Center, which trains and mentors the next generation of builders and developers through partnerships across the region. “This is a great day for Oakland and a profound acknowledgment of the Turner Group’s contribution to our community,” she said.

Fife echoed that sentiment: “This is a day for celebrating Black excellence. The Turner Group has poured into people and the community, showing us what’s possible.”

Among the many family members in attendance was the Turners’ 92-year-old patriarch, whose presence underscored the strength of the family’s legacy.

A touching highlight of the event came when Coleman-Morris was honored for her lasting mentorship of LaTanya Hawkins, now program manager of the Construction Resource Center. In 1979, Hawkins, then a fourth-grader, wrote Coleman-Morris a letter seeking advice. Coleman responded with words of encouragement that inspired Hawkins to pursue her dreams. The two stayed in touch for decades. On stage, they embraced as Coleman reflected on “the power of small acts of kindness to change a life.”

Coleman-Morris also shared reflections on leadership and community spirit, saying, “If we change the way we look at things, the things we see will change.” She then recited the Serenity Prayer, reminding the crowd, “We are a powerful community, we just need to believe it.”

Company leaders Len and Lance Turner closed the ceremony with words of gratitude and humor. Len thanked his mother, wife, family, legal team, and longtime supporters including Carson, Geoffrey Pete, and the late Dorothy King of Everett & Jones Barbecue. He also acknowledged the challenges the company had overcome, saying, “Without all of this support, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Through Turner Group Construction and the Construction Resource Center, the Turners have created new opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry and continue to inspire the next generation of builders.

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Cracking Down on Human Trafficking, California DOJ Announces 120 Arrests

According to the California DOJ, 87 arrests were made for loitering, 25 for solicitation, and eight for pimping and pandering. Officials said the operation focused on reducing demand for commercial sexual exploitation while prioritizing a survivor-centered approach.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Jan. 26 that 120 people were arrested during a coordinated, multi-county law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting human trafficking and connecting survivors with support services.

The arrests stem from Operation Stand On Demand, a six-day effort conducted from Jan. 19 through Jan. 24 across San Diego, Sacramento, Tulare, and Fresno counties. It involved more than a dozen state and local law enforcement agencies working together to target individuals involved in sex trafficking, including traffickers and buyers.

“This operation reflects an ongoing commitment by California law enforcement to target those who fuel trafficking and exploitation,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta.

“It’s a coordinated, multi-county law enforcement effort focused on disrupting sex trafficking, holding perpetrators accountable, and connecting survivors with support,” said Bonta.

San Diego County accounted for the majority of enforcement activity during the operation. District Attorney Summer Stephan said law enforcement agencies worked around the clock to identify and arrest individuals attempting to purchase sex.

“Our officers, in less than one week during this operation, took action, not words, by working around the clock and arresting and citing 105 people who thought that they were going to go out and buy a human being like they’re a hamburger or a slice of pizza,” Stephan said.

San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez chimed in.

“Communities like Santee and San Marcos, which were part of this operation, face unique vulnerabilities tied to transportation routes, student populations, and employment opportunities,” she said.

Bonta said the arrests are part of broader statewide efforts to combat human trafficking. Since 2021, the Attorney General’s Office said its human trafficking task forces have led to more than 900 arrests and connected more than 1,000 survivors to services and resources.

“Human trafficking is a complex, devastating crime, but when we work together, we can make a real difference, and this operation is proof positive of that fact,” Bonta said.

California DOJ officials said similar operations will continue as part of the state’s ongoing strategy to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable communities.