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January 10, 2026
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HomeAuthorsDera R. Williams

Dera R. Williams

About Dera R. Williams
Dera R. Williams, an Oakland Voices alum, is a lifelong Oakland resident whose family was a part of the Great Migration movement. She has both published widely in both nonfiction and fiction. Dera recently released a second volume of childhood stories, "In my Backyard: More Stories of Growing up in Oakland."
Arts & Culture

Black Panther ‘Cub’ paints party legacy

September 18, 2025 Dera R. Williams

Refa One is a Panther Cub, a child of two Black Panthers, who continues their legacy.

Arts & Culture

Black Panther ‘Cub’ tells her story 

August 26, 2025 Dera R. Williams

Meres-Sia Gabriel’s childhood connections to the Black Panther Party significantly shaped her life.

a black and white photo of a Black man in a suit in front of a house
Feature

Dad’s Sundays at DeLauer’s

June 10, 2024 Dera R. Williams

A cherished Sunday ritual of Laybon Jones, Sr., an influential Oakland realtor and community leader, remembered by his daughter, Dera Williams, highlighting his love for literature and family traditions.

a colorful mural depicting African Americans and the words "Marcus Books est. 1960" in red letters
2023 Journalism Academy

Opinion: A Vandal Breaks into Legendary Marcus Books: Where is the Love?

June 3, 2024 Dera R. Williams

A vandal broke into the legendary Black-owned bookstore, Marcus Books, last October, leaving the community questioning, “Where is the love?”

2023 Journalism Academy

Improving prenatal health access, care for Black Women in Oakland

March 5, 2024 Dera R. Williams

A range of resources exist for Black women experiencing pregnancy.

2023 Journalism Academy

Black Gold Storytellers brings Oakland’s Great Migration stories to life

November 28, 2023 Dera R. Williams

There is Gold in Oakland Great Migration Stories

2023 Journalism Academy

Oakland hosts top Sci-Fi writing awards show

November 1, 2023 Dera R. Williams

On June 24, Oakland-based Locus Magazine hosted an awards show for speculative fiction writers. Special effort was made towards inclusion.

2023 Journalism Academy

Talk of the Town: Is crime surging in Oakland? How has it affected how you live?

October 5, 2023 Dera R. Williams

With reports of increased crime in Oakland, how are residents adjusting how they live and move about the Town?

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History and Mission

Dera R. Williams, an Oakland Voices alum, is a lifelong Oakland resident whose family was a part of the Great Migration movement. She has both published widely in both nonfiction and fiction. Dera recently released a second volume of childhood stories, "In my Backyard: More Stories of Growing up in Oakland."
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