The City of Oak, Smoke, and Broke

Vietnam, 1966. Oakland... Home


Most people have heard of the iddy biddy city by the water before. But most people have only heard horror stories of gang violence and murders. This is true, no doubt, that the violence that inhibits the city of Oakland has hindered its growth tremendously. But the troubles that this city has gone through has given it a soul, something only a few other cities can claim. Yes, its true that some say Oakland is the home of Funk, and I whole heartedly agree with that statement. Because throughout our history we have had some of the funkiest, crazy, clever characters this country has ever seen.


Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, and Bruce Lee all have been residents of our city at some point. Sports legends like Rickey Henderson, Leon Powe, and Marshawn Lynch have all gone through our gates. Even the first Medicinal Marijuana dispensary was founded in Oakland. Its people like these that make me proud to be from Oakland. And I'm not the only one, every street you walk down you'll see A's, Raiders, Warriors, and Oaklandish gear proudly rocked, and we rock it well too. Its a different style in the Bay, there is something in the air that makes us all feel a little different. Its made the Arts scene is incredible too. Rappers, rockers, and even hippies all grace their presence in the history of our incredible city.



The reason why most people are proud to be from Oakland, is what I like to call the underdog effect. It feels good when we see it happen and we all like a good story, so why not help support Oakland? A great friend of mine has been telling me the same quote for as long as ive known him, "Its not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." And we always give this guy so much shit for saying the lamest cliche ever, but you know what. People like cliches, we like to see Rocky beat Apollo. We like to see Will Smith kill aliens, and we sure as shit like seeing the Giants win the World Series. And it doesnt matter to us, because in Oakland, seeing love is hard sometimes and the more you see it the better it feels.

P.s. Best dancers in the world too... I would know.