From Blacks to Brown and Beyond

From Blacks to Brown and Beyond: The Struggle for Progressive Politics in Oakland, California, 1966-2017 examines Oakland social issues and politics from the inception of the Black Panther Party through the election of President Trump to answer the following questions: Is Oakland a progressive city? Who are the progressives in Oakland? What are they trying to accomplish? The book provides firsthand accounts of political events and historic moments from the past 50 years through the eyes of a former resident of Oakland, author Robert Stanley Oden, who was a community activist involved in political formations and actions within the city. It explores the city’s mission to embrace racial equity and the social empowerment of the poor and people of color. Students learn how the social climate of Oakland has evolved over time and the dynamics of multicultural politics in the urban sector.From Blacks to Brown and Beyond features real-life accounts and oral histories that provide students with a political dynamic and social context to analyze urban issues. The book is well-suited to courses in urban politics, ethnic studies, urban education, and local government.Dr. Robert Stanley Oden is a lifelong community and political activist from his hometown of San Diego and the Oakland/Berkeley communities in California. He is a former Black Panther Party member. After 15 years of working as a management analyst in city government in Berkeley, he earned a Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology. He is currently a professor at Sacramento State University. Dr. Oden has several published essays including, “Race, Poverty, and Social Justice” (2007), “Hurricane Katrina, Response and Responsibilities” (2005), and “Introduction to Ethnic Studies” (2004). He is the author of From Blacks to Brown and Beyond: The Struggle for Progressive Politics in Oakland, California, 1966-2011 (2012).Other Cognella titles by Robert Stanley Oden: California Politics: Shifting Majorities, Emerging Minorities (Revised First Edition) Rivers of Struggle and Resistance: A Social Political History of the Underrepresented in the United States (Second Edition)