Dear Oakland

Edreece Arghandiwal is the co-founder and CMO of Oakland Roots SC, a soccer club that’s redefining what it means to represent a city. Inspired by Oakland’s vibrant culture and resilient spirit, Edreece set out to build a team that goes beyond soccer, one that reflects the community, drives social impact, and gives locals something to rally around. From starting at Laney College to taking the Roots...

Baba Afolabi is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and community advocate who has called Oakland home for over two decades. After immigrating to the U.S. at age 21, he established himself as a business leader and civic voice in the city. Baba is the founder of Mushin Sports Lounge, an upscale, internationally themed bar in downtown Oakland. The concept originated from a graduate school project aimed at...

Akintunde Ahmad is a multimedia creative, journalist, and entrepreneur from Oakland, California, whose work is deeply rooted in his love for his city, its culture, and his family’s multigenerational legacy there. Through storytelling, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Akintunde is dedicated to highlighting systemic injustices — not just to expose them, but to help remedy them and build pathways for...

Jen, a nightlife industry professional with a gift for crafting unforgettable experiences, and Alan, a classically trained pianist and violinist with a deep love for jazz, have come together to create something truly special—Baba’s House. Located in downtown Oakland, Baba’s House is more than just an immersive community event space and Asian snack shop; it’s a living tribute to their family’s lega...

Tarek Morad was a seasoned defender for Oakland Roots SC, bringing grit, leadership, and experience to the backline. With a career spanning multiple clubs in the USL Championship, he has established himself as a disciplined and reliable presence on the field. Known for his tactical intelligence and strong defensive abilities, Morad played with a passion that mirrored the resilience of the city he...

Brittsense is a visionary documentarian, photographer, and storyteller from Deep East Oakland whose work shines a light on the raw, unfiltered beauty of overlooked communities. With a camera as her tool and storytelling as her purpose, she travels the world capturing the essence of resilience, struggle, and love, amplifying voices that are often unheard. Rooted in a deep love for her hometown, Bri...

Victor Diaz of Renegade Running, an independent specialty-running store in Oakland, California. More than just a retail space, Renegade Running serves as a community hub where runners of all backgrounds can connect, train, and grow. With a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to inclusivity, Victor is working to reshape running culture by fostering greater BIPOC representation and allyship...

This week, we’re joined by Kylee and Lou Lou, the duo behind Heads or Tails Collective, a vintage clothing store celebrating bold expression and secondhand fashion. San Francisco native Lou Lou grew up surrounded by costumes and props, shaping her fearless style and love for unique textiles. Kylee, from Wisconsin, embraced bold fashion despite standing out in her small town. Their shared passion l...

Kanitha Matoury is a small business owner, mother, U.S. Air Force veteran, and political refugee running to represent District 2 in Oakland’s April 15th special election. A first-generation Cambodian immigrant, she served as an Air Force reservist before earning a Finance degree at San Francisco State. For 17 years, she has built and nurtured local businesses like Spice Monkey Restaurant & Bar...

In our latest episode, we sit down with Langstyn Avery, one of the innovators behind @negusinnature, to talk about the inspiration behind the movement and the nature-centric experiences they’re curating for the community. Langstyn is a creative powerhouse shaping Oakland’s cultural scene. A mixed-media artist, comedian, and event manager, producer, curator at Wolfe Pack Studio, Langstyn curates vi...

Flygerian Jeff is an international DJ, cultural curator, and the visionary founder of United Tribes of Africa. Hailing from Oakland, he’s on a mission to ignite the dance floor and unite communities through the powerful rhythms of the African diaspora. With each beat, he weaves together global sounds and deep-rooted cultural vibes that bring people together, whether it's at his electrifying ev...

It was a pleasure talking to Charlese, the creative behind The Town Experience. On this episode, we delve into what the intention was behind The Town Experience, how Charlese turned what she thought was a weekend project into a collaborative business with Visit Oakland, which prioritizes tourism in the city, and we get into many of the epic events that we can look forward to including Black Joy Pa...

In this episode, we sit down with Yakpasua Zazaboi, one of the godfathers of sideshows, who has made a significant impact on both the Oakland community and the world of filmmaking. A proud father, entrepreneur, and award-winning filmmaker, Yakpasua shares his journey through the gritty streets of Oakland, his passion for the city's culture, and the artistic vision that has driven his success. With...

Join Chelsea and Jas, two Oakland residents, as they celebrate the heart and hustle of this city. Each episode highlights inspiring small business owners, creatives, and changemakers who share their stories and visions for a thriving Oakland.