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Guide to the Oakland Post Photograph Collection
MS 169  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
The Oakland Post Photograph Collection consists of 11,797 photographs appearing in the Oakland Post newspaper between 1963-2005. A majority of the photographs are portraits of African American politicians, business and community leaders, entertainers, athletes, and community and social groups from Oakland, California. The collection documents significant social and political events in Oakland, California, including social protest movements during the 1960s-1980s, festivals and sporting events, visits to Oakland, California by notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton, and activities of Oakland politicians.
Background
The Oakland Post newspaper was founded by attorney Thomas L. Berkley and wife Velda M. Berkley in 1963. Published weekly, the newspaper was dedicated to covering the major issues confront African Americans in Oakland - education, civil rights, crime, employment, and the fight against racism. The newspaper became the largest African American newspaper in Northern California with a circulation over 55,000 and was the central paper of the Post Newspaper Group which included five Bay Area newspapers including the Richmond Post and the Spanish language newspaper El Mundial. In 1972 the newspaper moved its business offices and printing facilities from Berkeley, California to 630 20th St. in Oakland, California. Following Thomas Berkley’s death, the newspaper was purchased by Paul Cobb in 2004.
Extent
56 linear feet (116 boxes + 1 oversized box)
Restrictions
Permission to publish from the Oakland Post Photograph Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.