About

What is Oakland Branches?

For decades, redlining and racial segregation have shaped the City of Oakland, and only by learning from that history can we begin to heal the divisions in our city.

Oakland Branches is a publication aimed at bringing attention to these divides, from major environmental concerns that disproportionately impact the health of Black and Brown communities to everyday issues affecting our neighborhoods—including illegal dumping, access to open space, street safety, air quality, and more.

By understanding how we got here, Oakland Branches will explore how we can build a cleaner, greener, safer, and more connected Oakland for everyone.

About the Author

Brandon Harami is an Oakland resident who previously served as Director of Community Resilience in the Oakland Mayor’s Office, Policy Director for the District 4 Council Office, and Operations Director for Oakland Pride.

His work has included helping restore the Joaquin Miller Park Cascade, for which he was recognized as a Partner in Preservation by the Oakland Heritage Alliance; working with the Melrose community on the restoration of Courtland Creek Park; and helping establish the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District, for which he received congressional recognition from then-Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

But remember: you never achieve anything of value on your own.