On Friday, September 17, hundreds showed up for the nonprofit, West-Oakland-based organization Oakland & the World Enterprises (OAW) as they launched its Soul on a Roll food truck business, operated and soon to be cooperatively owned by chefs Sarah Germany, Keshia Evans, Howard Harrison and GaQuayla LeGrone. The latter three are formerly incarcerated.

This is another step in the Mission of OAW, to launch and sustain for-profit businesses for ownership by formerly incarcerated and other socioeconomically marginalized people.  The Oakland A’s made a significant contribution to the start-up of the food truck in their efforts to support economic development in West Oakland.

The event was held at OAW’s base at 7^th and Campbell Streets. Along with free food from Soul on a Roll, entertainment was provided by the West Coast Blues Society, with founder Ronnie Stewart and performances by blues legends featured on the historic Seventh Street Walk of Fame, including Terrible Tom, Lee Ashford and Minor Williams. The Seventh Street Walk of Fame runs along the front of OAW’s base.

Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval was presented with a commendation from both OAW and the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC).  Accepting for Dave was Stephanie Gaywood of the Oakland A’s.

OAACC President and CEO Cathy Adams presented the  Oakland African American Chamber’s award at the press conference and community event.  Adams said, “Dave has made it clear that the Oakland A’s commitment to the community is steadfast.”  And, Elaine Brown, CEO of OAW said, “OAW is grateful to the A’s for providing real support to a business venture based in the community. We intend for Soul on a Roll to be a model for a thousand businesses to bloom.”

Certificates of recognition to OAW’s four chefs were provided by the offices of Mayor Libby Schaff, Supervisor Keith Carson, State Senator Nancy Skinner, and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office, represented by Tatyana Kalinga.

Another OAW business, its first, West Oakland Farms, also operated by formerly incarcerated people and in business since 2016, presently sits on the site at 7^th and Campbell.  In late November 2021, OAW will break ground on its 100% affordable housing complex there, which is co-owned by OAW and its development partner McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS).

MBS Senior VP Adhi Nagraj will be on hand for questions.  West Oakland Farms will be temporarily dismantled and reincorporated into the new housing complex. For more information, please log on to the website www.oaklandandtheworld.org

The Oakland Post’s coverage of local news in Alameda County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program created by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support community newspapers across California.

Isabelle Price

Posts by Isabelle Price