The Pergola at Lake Merritt — Attraction in Oakland

What a day! Visiting the Black International Marketplace (BIMP) in Oakland California which is held at Lake Merritt. Still promoting the new businesses we are launching. The vibe was unreal with so many vendors there selling wonderful products.

My 5-star rating is not for the BIMP; no this 5+ star rating goes out to the OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT (OPD).

Yes, the OPD came through for me and my family like true community leaders should. I will try to make this quick but it probably won't happen. Officers Wilson, Dowd and partner, Morris, and Supervisor Gilbert all worked hard to get us in a spot!

First, they allowed us time to get unpacked, then we had to get repacked in order to move, then unlocked ( keys locked in truck), which they personally did themselves with the help of a community friend Mr. C.

Once we got all that done family, my car was dead! I had to get rebooted so I could find a park away from the "no parking zone" on Grand Ave.

We complain about the injustice, hate, lack of support, and even treatment from OPD and other community leaders daily. Yet, this day marks a day of change, commitment, and cooperation all shown by OPD.

Yes, we still have a long way to go before we can get our world 🌎 back right-side up, but "it takes a village" of people to connect and make it happen!

Thank you OPD for showing us that you do care and that Oakland ❤ their community! Blessings to you all!!

Oh, btw if you do not believe the incredible, crazy, testing my faith day I had then CHECK THE BODYCAM!!! I'm...

A small but beautiful town near SF, it is in the centre of Oakland, with a beautiful lake that was created around 150 years ago when a Dam was built. The necklace of lights in the evenings, is a sight you should not miss. It is a bird reserve with a lot of local and migratory birds. Swimming and fishing are not allowed as it is a reserve. It is a multi cultural society with East and South Asians, Brazilian's and Ethiopian's. So you have restaurants with authentic food options from these regions and some restaurants that also offer a pool view. A nice place for a picnic, BBQ. You can also view or participate in some Salsa Dancing which is...

In its hayday, this was a jewel for the northern side of the lake, but nowadays it likens to a flea market. Drunkards lay their garbage can finds onto old and stained blankets for the slim chance they will find customers from walkers-by. 3 individuals, homeless, and appearing to be mental disturbed, have set up permament residency at the flanking entrances since summer 2018. Sunday's are a little busy with the drummers and slack liners. Cafe's and boutique shops near by...but so is Charlie with his pants around his ankles in the middle of the intersection yelling at the hipster Lime...