Articles by Katherine Brown

Health of the Hood – What Makes the Mills College Neighborhood Healthy?

January 28, 2013 Katherine Brown

By Katherine Brown When trying to identify what makes my neighborhood healthy, I was hard pressed to find glaring examples of what is traditionally associated with “healthy living.” There aren’t any farmers markets, open green

Nail Salon Owners’ New Strategy to Go Green & Improve Relations with Black Clients

January 23, 2013 Katherine Brown

By Katherine Brown It amazes me how priorities change as you grow older. Feats and experiences that seem so trivial now, meant the world to me as an adolescent. One activity in particular was getting

VIDEO – ‘Tis the Season: Laurel Neighborhood Harmonizes to Help Others in Need

December 26, 2012 Katherine Brown

Is harmony and unity possible in East Oakland? The Laurel Merchant and Laurel District Association strive to prove that it does. The second annual Laurel Holiday Stroll and Donation Drive is just one of over 20 events held in the Laurel District geared towards strengthening relationships between the community and local business.

A Message to Oakland: Love’s in Need of Love Today

December 19, 2012 Katherine Brown

Is there any love left in The Town? If we look at the homicide rate of 2012 alone, one might say that love is impossible, if not non-existent. But I beg to differ. I see the love here.

VIDEO: Health of the Hood – What Makes the Mills College Neighborhood Unhealthy?

December 12, 2012 Katherine Brown

I have lived in this community for over 20 years, and I have definitely seen many changes over time that do not aid in improving the health of my neighborhood. For example, over the last year, there has been a rash of break-ins and robberies. In one instance, a family was at home when would-be robbers tried to kick their door in.

Heart and Soul – ‘Ladies Rock Da Mic’ Brings Harmony to Oakland

November 14, 2012 Katherine Brown

For two soul-filled hours, the audience is treated to the raw talent that each and ever singer possesses. Each act brings to the stage their passion for helping others and for singing. The energy is infectious as the singers lead the near capacity crowd in rock, R&B, and jazz songs. With their voices, the singers unify the audience in song, and in the spirit of giving.

The Power of Love: Swimmers Join Forces in Oakland to Beat Cancer

October 11, 2012 Katherine Brown

I find it pretty ironic that my sister and I cannot swim to save our lives, yet this past weekend we joined hundreds of others in a swimming pool to save the lives of others.

“Let’s Go Oakland!”: The Town’s Bittersweet Relationship with The Athletics

October 4, 2012 Katherine Brown

As excited as we are over the A’s improbably success, the thought of the team leaving sobers things just a little bit right now. And for many fans, the preoccupation could also rob Oakland of the opportunity of being acknowledged for something positive for a change.

Sweet Memories: Sizing Up Obesity & My Love of Sugar

September 20, 2012 Katherine Brown

If good food, exercise, and low stress are keys to fitness and beating back obesity, then I know lots of communities that are in big trouble. In order for us to even move the needle on this obesity issue, we have to consider so much more than what people or eating and how physically active they are. Bear in mind why people are eating what they eat, and why they aren’t being as physically active as they would like to be.

‘Just Win, Baby!’ High Hopes for the Raider Nation & The Town

September 11, 2012 Katherine Brown

By Katherine Brown Commitment to excellence. Pride and poise. As a Raider fan, these words go far beyond mere mottos for a football team with such an esteemed legacy. To me, these words are extensions