Business

Wells Fargo Donates $2 Million to Main Street Launch in Oakland

OAKLAND POST — Wells Fargo Bank gave a $2 million grant to an Oakland-based small business lender on Monday morning, according to bank officials. The donation to Main Street Launch, described as a Community Development Financial Institution, was announced at a news conference at a small business in Oakland – McMullen Boutique at 2257 Broadway in Oakland.

Published

7 years ago

May 22, 2019

Oakland Post

By The Oakland Post

Wells Fargo Bank gave a $2 million grant to an Oakland-based small business lender on Monday morning, according to bank officials.

The donation to Main Street Launch, described as a Community Development Financial Institution, was announced at a news conference at a small business in Oakland – McMullen Boutique at 2257 Broadway in Oakland.

Sherri McMullen, the boutique owner, spoke about the importance of small business loans, and her experience as a Main Street Launch client.

“An investment in a small business, like McMullen, is an investment in someone’s dream and in the growth of the local economy,” she said in a statement.

In an interview, McMullen noted that she had been uncomfortable attempting to get conventional funding when she decided to open her boutique. She ended up going to friends and using her savings. Eventually, she was introduced to Main Street Launch and applied for a microloan.

It made all the difference for her. Robert Lattimore, who helps provide access to capital for African American entrepreneurs at Main Street Launch, understood small business in general, and specifically understood McMullen’s business and personal goals as a single mother trying to raise a son and maintain her Oakland roots.

“With that funding, I’ve been able to bring on people, you know, more staff management, employees who are employed in Oakland and live in Oakland. That’s also important to help my staff with their needs as well,” McMullen said.

Wells Fargo’s commitment at this time helps extend Main Street Launch’s reach. “And, (the grant) is helping support a community, it’s helping support people who are really grounded and rooted in helping the economic growth of a city that they care so much about,” McMullen said.

Lattimore, Main Street Launch executive vice president of diverse markets, is also passionate about “small businesses in the Bay Area because small businesses are really the backbone of the economy of the United States. For example, there are about 2.85 million African-American small businesses located throughout this country. As we move toward the year 2046 the demographics of this country will change. And, it’s critically important that small businesses and particularly businesses of color are a part of a vibrant community, and by them being vibrant it will allow them to create assets, wealth, and income.”

For more information on Main Street Launch, please go to: https://www.mainstreetlaunch.org/.

Bay City News, Internet sources contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

3 days ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.

By Post Staff

The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’s young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more.

At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students ages 8 – 17 from more than 10 different schools

This is accomplished through no-cost school and community programs for more than 300 Oakland youth each year. Performing company members from Prescott, where the program began, perform and make appearances at as many as 40 Bay Area events each year.

The summer program is funded in part by Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, California Arts Council, Port of Oakland, and the West Davis & Bergard Foundation.

Performances will be held Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted) and Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m., at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. For free reservations go to

https://PrescottCircusSummerShows.eventbrite.com

For group reservations for camps, childcare centers, senior centers, go to www.prescottcircus.org

A community show will be held Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at DeFremery Park,1651 Adeline St., Oakland.

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Activism

NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com