Blues City: A Walk in Oakland

This book isn't a concise or in-depth discourse of Oakland history, but it covers enough of the city's past and present to inspire the reader to learn more. I am, for example, quite interested to learn more about the Black Panter movement, but I can't say that I got a clear view about what the movement was and who was involved from "Blues City." Additionally, the book covers some minor recent local events in Oakland, and the book may be a somewhat difficult read for somenone not familiar with the events or people involved. Reed has a somewhat muddled view of recent change in Oakland. He clearly despises Jerry Brown and his plans to move people downtown, build redevelopment projects, and bring businesses back to the city. However, Reed cherishes redevelopment projects of the 70s and 80s, such as Jack London Square, Preservation Park, and the Old Oakland district. (If you've been to downtown Oakland, you can judge for yourself whether Brown or Reed's vision of the city is correct.) I definitely get the feeling that if you came to the city after 1999, you are not welcomed or liked by Reed. The Oakland of the '60s, '70s, and '80s was Reed's city, and now that it has changed, Reed is clearly bitter about it. Altogether though, the book is a pleasant short read for anyone interested in Oakland. It is a fantastic place with lots of cultural and racial diversity. Reed celebrates the city's people in "Blues City," and I couldn't agree with him more.

That famous quote "There is no THERE there" was in reference to her childhood home, which had burned down. It didn't have anything to do with oakland itself. Glad to see this book - looking forward to reading it.

"Blues City," which is a part of a series of books published by Crown that features prominent authors and their observations of several key locations around the United States, is written by Ishmael Reed ("Mumbo Jumbo," "Flight to Canada," etc.) about Oakland, California. Reed, known for his "writin' is fightin'" style of nonfiction (see his most recent collection of essays, "Another Day on the Front" [2003], for a taste of his pugilistic prose), is as calm as you will see him in "Blues City." A journal of sorts, Reed relates his experiences on various historical tours around Oakland as well as his attendance at scattered cultural festivals around the city. In the process, Reed portrays Oakland as an important site of multicultural achievement, as a city inhabited by whites, blacks, latinos, asians and gays who have contributed significantly to the economic and cultural development of the city. It is interesting to note that Reed does not dwell on Oakland's present-day reputation as a hotbed of crime. But he is not entirely apologetic about this city which he definitely loves. He cites how the founding of Oakland happened because East Coast whites stole land from the Peralta family who inhabited the land before them. He also talks about the drug epidemic that plagues the Oakland neighborhood he lives in. The most poignant sections of the book focus on David Hilliard, one-time chief of staff of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. Reed attends a tour of sites of historical importance to the Black Panthers. The Panthers had been highly influential regarding Oakland politics over the years, but their contributions have been neglected, forgotten or viewed as criminal disruptions (see Elaine Brown's "A Taste of Power" [1992] for a more detailed description of the Black Panthers' immersion into the political world of Oakland), and Hilliard's tour is filled with fond memories as well as darker ones. Reed's portrayal of Hilliard's disappointment, disgust and sadness with how the Panthers were destroyed as well as the kind of political movements that currently operate on the Left is well-balanced and poignant--never condescending or reverent. But if there is anything this book seems to be, above all else, it is a rant against current Democratic mayor Jerry Brown. Brown, according to Reed and others, has betrayed his campaign promises to the minority communities who supported them by gentrifying Oakland. In these instances, the Reed's punchy rhetorical style returns. For those such as I, this is classic Reed. But others might find that some of his more controversial statements have little to do with Oakland, and that the book lacks any sort of organizational system. This book is far from being a complete statement on Oakland, but it does not have to be--it is simply one man's perspective on the city.

Ishmael Reed, Oakland, CA's longtime resident, poet, novelist, essayist, and faculty member of UC Berkeley, pens a love song to the much maligned city across the bay from San Francisco, its more glittery neighbor. In the process, he proves that Gertrude Stein was wrong, wrong, wrong when she pronounced, "There is no There, there." Au contraire, there's plenty of There: beautiful hills, vibrant waterfront, central Lake Merritt, richly diverse neighborhoods, political radicalism that spills over the Berkeley line, cultural diversity, etc. Reed delves into Oakland's past: Bret Harte, Jack London, Bobby Seale and the Black Panthers, Gay Pride uprisings - and into the present with Mayor Jerry Brown who lives along the newly-emerging gentrified waterfront, Yoshi's (the Japanese jazz restaurant and nightclub, the artists and blue-collar workers and the ordinary working stiffs who give the "other" city by the bay its uniqueness.I've lived here for more than 30 years myself, and I learned a LOT I never knew before.

When I first found out that Ishmael Reed was writing a book about Oakland, I didn't know how to react. My first reaction was excitement. I couldn't believe that Ishmael Reed, someone that is so well known and respected particularly among the African American community, was ACTUALLY WRITING A BOOK ABOUT OAKLAND. I was overjoyed that someone chose to write a book about the city that I love so much. I felt that it was important that he wrote it, because Oakland has been given such a bad wrap. I realized the inner beauty of the city but since I moved away I found out that others do not feel the same way. A Walk In Oakland gives you an idea of what you're missing. Rather than writing it like a history book, Reed chose a diary type format. He discusses the various events he attended including the Black Cowboy Parade, the Dia de los Muertos festival, an Indian Pow-Wow and the Chinatown parade and festival, just to name a few. He also takes th reader on a walk through various tours, including the Black Panther Legacy tour. He stays true to the title of the book. He definitely walks you through all of the events and tours he attends but doesn't not get carried away with details. He gives enough information to leave the reader satisfied. He touches on all important aspects of Oaklands history such as the value of the Port of Oakland, the impact of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and the mixture of culture that makes Oakland so valuable. He also discusses the current issues in Oakland, particular the negative effect of Mayor Jerry Brown who seems to be trying to clear Oakland of the racial mixture that Oakland is so known for. This book was very well written and fascinating to read. If you are from the Bay Area it is even more interesting because he uncovers facts about the city that are not very well known. If you are not from the Bay Area, this book might convince you to take a trip there so you can discover the value of this great city. One topic that Ishmael discusses but does not go in depth about is the music scene in Oakland. Many people do not realize that Oakland is home to many great acts such as En Vogue, Toni Tony Tone, Sheila E, Luniz, Hieroglypics and Goapele, just to name a few. Oakland is a rich city in all aspects and this book is a must read because it exposes those aspects. Ishmael Reed, if you are reading this, thank you so much for writing this book. I am overjoyed to find that someone likes Oakland enough to write a book about it from a positive perspective. Every book that I have found about Oakland is written by a white journalist that seeks to expose "the ghetto" side of Oakland. The ebonics issue really changed the way people viewed the city. This book was needed to show people what Oakland is really about. If you are from the bay area there is no excuse. READ THIS BOOK! If you are not, READ THIS BOOK! This book is a great treasure for any reader!