By Post Staff

The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC), in collaboration with Akoma Outdoor Market, celebrated the season at the 4^th Annual Black Sunday Holiday Expo on December 5, at 73^rd Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in Oakland.

OAACC was joined by the city’s other ethnic chambers of commerce in this community event.

The East Oakland Black Cultural Zone is a safe place for families, professionals, and children. It was a time to celebrate Black culture as we continue to promote “Oakland for the Holidays” campaign in collaboration with KRON 4. Guests enjoyed free admission and parking and came ready to kick-start their holiday shopping!

OAACC also promoted several Black-owned businesses which needed to boost revenue because of the ongoing pandemic. “The Culture Zone has offered vendor spaces for a number of businesses that do not have a store front,” said District 6 Councilmember Loren Taylor. “Growing their businesses by participating every month is a step closer too to a permanent location and job creation.”

“We have to continue to support Black-owned businesses to help them survive and thrive,” said Cathy D. Adams, who is president and CEO of the OAACC. “Our job is to promote our businesses as much as possible and find resources to support them.

“This year we featured live entertainment by the legendary West Coast Blues under the direction of Ronnie Stewart. Desserts were provided by Grandma’s Desserts business owner Sherry Vance. Food was catered by Magnolia Street Catering, a member of OAACC.

Mayor Libby Schaaf joined the Holiday Expo to provide an official greeting and San Francisco Mayor London Breed made a guest appearance as did recording artist Dewayne Wiggins.

District 7 Councilmember Treva Reid and Congresswoman Barbara Lee were not able to attend but both sent a representative.

Also present was Carl Davis Jr., the new president and chief executive officer of the California African American Chamber of Commerce. He is also known as the founder of the Northern California Black Chamber Presidents Association, which was represented by its current president Elease Cheek. Frederick Jordan, board chairman and founder of the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce was present as well.

OAACC partnered with Lend a Hand Foundation in collecting toys at the Expo. The organization is still in need of unwrapped toys for children 1-11 years old. Toys can still be dropped off at OAACC’s office at 333 Helgenberger Road, Suite 269 in Oakland, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Please call the office at (510) 268-1600 if you are able to donate a toy.

OAACC was established in 2003. We are a private non-profit organization whose mission is to advance economic opportunity and strengthen Oakland’s Black business community. We provide several services for our business associates and members including access to workshops, business development opportunities and advocacy.

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