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Oakland Forms Bonds with Bolton, England and Sanzule Kingdom, Ghana New Sister Cities Strengthen Cultural, Economic Ties and Promise Mutual Growth for All Communities Involved

On the heels of a groundbreaking trip to the United Kingdom, Oakland Post Ambassador Jonathan Fitness Jones, a member of the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG), and global ambassador Dr. Maritony Jones, founder of LIFH and Maritony & Associates, have successfully laid the foundation for two new sister cities, representing a monumental stride in Oakland’s efforts for global unity and peace.

Published

6 months ago

November 7, 2023

Oakland Post

Dr. Maritony Jones and Jonathan Fitness Jones (third and fourth from respectively) in Kingdom Fellowship with the Bolton Youths discussing Youth Bootcamps and exchange programs with Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International.

By Post Staff

From Oct. 8-17, spearheaded by Jones, the pair visited Bolton in Greater Manchester and London to solidify sister-city relationships and explore economic and cultural possibilities. They were hosted by Bolton leaders and business partners Dr. Ronnie and Constance Chikwama.

Through a series of meetings, they explored opportunities in community development, mental health, labor, youth engagement, and several investments. The Bolton business community was enthusiastic about the tie-up, already planning youth programs for the coming year and looking forward to the formation of Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International (OBSCI).

Bolton youths planning next year’s Kingdom Youth Bootcamp in the UK and are excited to host Oakland youth. In return, Oakland is geared to welcome youth from Bolton, whose families have immigrated primarily from Zimbabwe, Jamaica and various African nations.

The Joneses also visited Bolton’s urban and rural areas, malls, markets, transportation, restaurants, local shops and landmarks like Bolton Town Hall in Victoria Square. They also visited different parts of Manchester.

(L-R) Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones, Dr. Maritony Jones, Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa) in London England (UK) discussing Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International

(L-R) Dr. Ronnie Chikwama, Constance Chikwama, Dr. Maritony Jones, Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones in Chinatown, Manchester England (UK) after Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International meetings

A pivotal part of the trip was meeting with Queen Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa), spouse of King Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III of the Sanzule Kingdom in Ghana.

They discussed the Sanzule Kingdom’s role in the newly formed “Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International” (OGSCI) and creating the partnership to strengthen economic opportunities and deepen cultural understanding.

The Sanzule Kingdom, which is part of the Greater Nzema Kingdom became the first African nation to free themselves from the British Empire and then went on to establish the democracy and government of Ghana.

Nana Ofei, who invited Mr. and Dr. Jones to London, introduced them to some of her Ghanaian royal family members and took them to the Speakers’ Corner which is located in London’s Hyde Park, a stone’s throw from Marble Arch and Oxford Street shops.

Historic figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, Marcus Garvey, and Lord Donald Soper all came here and joined the common man, and occasionally woman, to give public speeches. The Joneses also visited Buckingham Palace and explored the heart of British culture and lifestyle during the annual London Art Week.

In summary, the Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities Int. (OBSCI) and Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities Int. (OGSCI) initiative aims to foster economic development and entrepreneurship; empower youth and women; strengthen cultural and historical bonds; promote peace and mutual understanding; capture the wisdom of elders, and promote tourism and sports for both communities.

“Together, we have the opportunity to build a remarkable bond that transcends borders, uplifting both communities and contributing to a more harmonious world,” Jonathan Fitness Jones said.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

19 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

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Oakland Schools Honor Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties

Every Jan. 30, OUSD commemorates the legacy of Fred Korematsu, an Oakland native, a Castlemont High School graduate, and a national symbol of resistance, resilience, and justice. His defiant stand against racial injustice and his unwavering commitment to civil rights continue to inspire the local community and the nation. Tuesday was “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” in the state of California and a growing number of states across the country.

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Oakland Post

Fred Korematsu. Courtesy of OUSD.

By Post Staff

Every Jan. 30, OUSD commemorates the legacy of Fred Korematsu, an Oakland native, a Castlemont High School graduate, and a national symbol of resistance, resilience, and justice.

His defiant stand against racial injustice and his unwavering commitment to civil rights continue to inspire the local community and the nation. Tuesday was “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” in the state of California and a growing number of states across the country.
One OUSD school is named in his honor: Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy (KDA) elementary in East Oakland.

Several years ago, founding KDA Principal Charles Wilson, in a video interview with anti-hate organization “Not In Our Town,” said, “We chose the name Fred Korematsu because we really felt like the attributes that he showed in his work are things that the children need to learn … that common people can stand up and make differences in a large number of people’s lives.”

Fred Korematsu was born in Oakland on Jan. 30, 1919. His parents ran a floral nursery business, and his upbringing in Oakland shaped his worldview. His belief in the importance of standing up for your rights and the rights of others, regardless of race or background, was the foundation for his activism against racial prejudice and for the rights of Japanese Americans during World War II.

At the start of the war, Korematsu was turned away from enlisting in the National Guard and the Coast Guard because of his race. He trained as a welder, working at the docks in Oakland, but was fired after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Fear and prejudice led to federal Executive Order 9066, which forced more than 120,000 Japanese Americans out of their homes and neighborhoods and into remote internment camps.

The 23-year-old Korematsu resisted the order. He underwent cosmetic surgery and assumed a false identity, choosing freedom over unjust imprisonment. His later arrest and conviction sparked a legal battle that would challenge the foundation of civil liberties in America.

Korematsu’s fight culminated in the Supreme Court’s initial ruling against him in 1944. He spent years in a Utah internment camp with his family, followed by time living in Salt Lake City where he was dogged by racism.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford overturned Executive Order 9066. Seven years later, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco vacated Korematsu’s conviction. He said in court, “I would like to see the government admit that they were wrong and do something about it so this will never happen again to any American citizen of any race, creed, or color.”

Korematsu’s dedication and determination established him as a national icon of civil rights and social justice. He advocated for justice with Rosa Parks. In 1998, President Bill Clinton gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom saying, “In the long history of our country’s constant search for justice, some names of ordinary citizens stand for millions of souls … To that distinguished list, today we add the name of Fred Korematsu.”

After Sept. 11, 2001, Korematsu spoke out against hatred and discrimination, saying what happened to Japanese Americans should not happen to people of Middle Eastern descent.
Korematsu’s roots in Oakland and his education in OUSD are a source of great pride for the city, according to the school district. His most famous quote, which is on the Korematsu elementary school mural, is as relevant now as ever, “If you have the feeling that something is wrong, don’t be afraid to speak up.”