Reviving Seventh Street: ‘The Black Panther’ moves forward with state funding

In urban areas, “revitalization” all too often means “gentrification.” But Elaine Brown, CEO of Oakland & the World Enterprises (OWE) and former Black Panther Party member, has a very different vision for the 7th & Campbell project in Oakland. And this time, the State of California is on board.

For decades, beginning in the early 1900s, through the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, West Oakland’s Seventh Street competed with San Francisco’s Fillmore District for the title of “Harlem of the West.” The area bustled with business during the day, and jumped with jazz clubs at night. It was bisected by a streetcar line leading to the Oakland Mole freight and ferry terminal...