March 2024 - Oakland Voices

a group of diverse UC Berkeley students stand in front of a big library

How Has COVID and the Pandemic Impacted Your Life?

March 28, 2024 Ryan Barba and Debora Gordon

Oakland Voices writers reflect on four years since the beginning of the pandemic.

How Has COVID and the Pandemic Impacted Your Life?

March 26, 2024 Sara Rowley, Brandy Collins and Katharine Davies Samway

Oakland Voices alum reflect on four years since the beginning of the pandemic. Some found new hobbies – mushroom foraging, for example – while others were at turning points in their careers.

Over 1,000 People Join 22-Mile Interfaith Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage

March 26, 2024 Katharine Davies Samway

People from all faiths and backgrounds joined in on a 22 mile interfaith walk to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

two brown hands holding hands with white background

Health & Human Connection Four Years After the COVID-19 Pandemic Started

March 19, 2024 Kristal Raheem

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of physical touch and social interaction in mental health, prompting a renewed focus on holistic approaches to well-being.

a diverse group of people holding protest signs about Israel's attack on Gaza

Christian Organizations’ Responses to Israel’s Destruction of Gaza

March 19, 2024 Katharine Davies Samway

Demonstrations in support of Palestinians have highlighted the limited visibility of a strong Christian presence, attributed to historical antisemitism and fear of being labeled antisemitic, despite the Holy Land’s significance to Christianity.

black and white photo of three Chinese American men eating inside a Chinese restaurant

William Gee Wong’s Memoir ‘Sons of Chinatown’ Explores Family Legacy Beginning With Chinese Exclusion Era

March 18, 2024 Momo Chang

In his new memoir ‘Sons of Chinatown,’ veteran journalist William Wong delves into his family’s immigration saga and the vibrant community life of Oakland’s Chinatown, offering a poignant reflection on Chinese American identity and experience.

Lactation consultants empower mothers to navigate breastfeeding

March 12, 2024 Joy Quilatan

Even though breastfeeding seems natural, it can be a challenge for mothers. But moms can get support.

three books that are about African American studies

AP African American Studies to arrive at Bay Area schools in the fall

March 11, 2024 Haley Chelemedos

In 2024-2025, a half dozen Bay Area high schools will offer Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies, a new course promising a deep dive into the history and contributions of African Americans. Bishop O’Dowd, a private school in Oakland, was one of the first schools to pilot the class.

Trashing Oakland is costing us all. Take care of our mess!

March 6, 2024 Daniel Swafford

We are just dirty, disgusting animals and the sooner you admit that the better of this world will be. The litter, the dumping, and the cost individual’s behavior has on everyone’s wallet. Maybe if we all admit we have a problem we can change our behavior in a way that is healthy and frees up resources for a better quality of life.

An African American girl sits inside a bus looking outside the window

From the flats to the hills and back: one Oakland teen’s daily commute

March 5, 2024 Seven Shavers

15-year-old “Seven” Shavers explains why she feels safe—and sometimes doesn’t—in her neighborhood and when taking the bus to school.