Amplify Oakland is a series of stories told by Oaklanders, in their own words, about how they experience our city and how their lives are being directly impacted by policies, events, and systems.
Have a story to tell, or want to nominate someone? Email The Oaklandside’s Managing Editor at jacob@oaklandside.org
Helping East Bay residents avoid overdose, without judgment
Oakland-based case manager Sabrina Fuentes draws on personal experience to assist people navigating homelessness and addiction.
‘Rent is getting more expensive’: An Oakland family’s quest for affordable housing
When Mirna Arana was evicted from her East Oakland apartment despite paying rent, the high cost of East Bay housing left her scrambling for solutions.
How do you move forward after losing a child to violence? An Oakland mother speaks
Kesse Taylor-Jenkins’s son, two brothers, and more loved ones were killed in Oakland. Now she is focused on healing herself so she can help others through her work at Youth Alive.
An Oakland father finds hope in a new California immigration law
Pedro Ramírez worked hard to afford college for his son, who dreamed of working in law enforcement but was denied, despite his DACA status. Now, SB 960 offers a second chance.
‘The Coliseum is our palace’: Lifelong Oakland A’s fan reflects on news of team’s departure
Jorge Leon has given his all to the A’s as the founder of a supporters group, the Oakland ‘68s. Now he’s struggling to come to terms with the team’s announced move to Las Vegas.
We want to hear more from Oaklanders, in their own words. Here’s how
Since 2020, our “Amplify Oakland” series has featured personal stories by community members navigating COVID, gun violence, homelessness, prison reentry, and more.
‘Everything piled up’: surviving COVID-19 and gun violence in East Oakland
Francisca Sánchez never imagined she’d hear gunshots after leaving Mexico, but that changed during the pandemic.
Curbsteading: One West Oakland resident’s reflections on living outdoors
Mavin Carter Griffin, founder of the Wood Street People’s Collective, says we’re thinking about “homelessness” in all the wrong ways.
‘Many blessings’: In a year of job loss and debt, one Oaklander found silver linings
For most, the past year brought hardship and strife. For Emilia Zarate, a Mexican immigrant living in East Oakland, it also brought unexpected joys.
‘Until I moved to Oakland’: How the city helped one young immigrant find her identity
High school sophomore Azi Jao discovered parts of herself that were previously hidden after moving to Oakland from the Philippines.
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