A message from the founders of ONGB -
Our goal in founding this organization was to form more than a club or social network (no disrespect to those who have done so because that is great too). We wanted to create a vehicle that would help all of us regain our connection to Oakland in the most meaningful of ways… through acts of giving and celebrating our contributions to the world. Surely, you can call this a “cause” but that sounds too cliché. We’d rather consider this a movement, a crusade. Moreover, this is a call to action and nothing less than that!
We often encounter native “Oaklanders” who have moved away to pursue their life’s goals and drams elsewhere. Many admit that they left Oakland without a desire to return with the exception of visits or family reunions. You’d think that one who would expressed that sentiment may also say that they hate their hometown and that they are embarrassed to claim it as such, but make no mistake about it… The pride we ALL have when it comes to “The Town” is like none other!!! Every single one of us has that commonality: we l-o-v-e Oakland, and if the opportunity is available to us, we will maintain our connectedness to our home- to our roots.
The aforementioned, is why we feel that this is not Tameka’s, Nyeisha’s or Dee Dee’s organization. We created it, for YOU! Therefore, this is the collective OUR organization. We want to show people all over the world how the collective acts of good, performed by Oakland natives, impacts and influences the lives of others.
How many professional athletes do we know who were reared in Oakland or who have parents (Oakland blood) who were?
How many singers, rappers, writers, music producers, industry executives, and promoters can we name who are from Oakland?
How many television and movie producers, directors, actors/actresses, and other movie industry professionals are out there who share our Oakland pride?
How many entrepreneurs, business owners, and successful executive level (CEO type) professionals come from Oakland? Even if their profiles say “Bay Area”… don’t worry… we understand, but we are trying to change that.
Not to mention the many educators, doctors, lawyers, scientist, inventors, scholars, historians, activists, politicians, presidential appointees, public servicemen and women, military men and women, and others who are also contributing to wellbeing of humankind. We can imagine that the results of that tally would be staggering.
Last year, as we were planned our 1st Annual Back to School Rally, we began to ponder those questions. Just how many of us are out there, who have moved away, but are likely giving in other communities, cities and/or nations in the world. Over the year, since forming this organization, we have met many of you who are doing just that. We applaud your efforts, but we feel like this… Oakland is our home; it’s in your fiber… it molded and shaped you. Its schools prepared you and its streets fortified you. Its elders “gamed you up”, “laced your boots”, and gave you the skill and wisdom that has helped you survive and navigate through life.
For a city to have given you so much, you gotta ask yourself this question… What have you done for Oakland lately? What have you done to show your appreciation? Your response would probably be “nothing” (which is about to change). However, like a mother whose child has left her nest, Oakland has been forgiving.
We are not going to let you off of the hook that easy. We are going to find you. We’re going to inspire and motivate you. We are going to be your voice- we want everyone to learn about your passion and causes you represent. More importantly, we want to be your outlet so you can give back to the youth in Oakland. Reparation is due! We owe it to them… We owe it to Oakland.
Join our movement! We need you… The children of Oakland need you. Let’s celebrate our collective giving so that everyone, especially the youth in Oakland, knows that we accept our responsibility and we are making a difference in Oakland and the world.
Join here!