Formerly incarcerated students return to school

Last year in June, East Bay-resident Dieudonné Brou graduated from UCLA in African American studies. During his commencement speech, he revealed himself as formerly incarcerated. Even though higher education offers a chance to break the cycle of recidivism, barriers like financial difficulties and social stigma are high for formerly incarcerated people.

Read More

Community photo of the week: Laney College

Scenery shot of Laney College. Photo by Melissa Neal.

Every week, Oakland North will publish a photo submitted by one of our readers. This week’s image from Melissa Neal was taken at Laney College. If you’d like to contribute to “community photo of the week,” just send a favorite photograph taken in Oakland to staff@oaklandnorth.net with the subject: PHOTO. Please make all photographs large-sized and…

Read More

Parks, taller buildings and bike-friendly streets planned for Lake Merritt BART area redevelopment

Saturday's meeting about the future of Chinatown and the area near Lake Merritt BART attracted a crowd of more than 50.

The area around Lake Merritt BART, including Chinatown and Laney College, could see taller buildings, new park area, and more pedestrian and bike-friendly streets in the next 25 years as part of a development effort presented on Saturday. The plan, four years in the making, was developed by the City of Oakland, BART, and the Peralta Community College District.

Read More