In a speech to an audience of local residents and community leaders, Port Commissioner and Maritime Attorney Derrick Muhammad delivered a presentation recently to answer a question that might seem simple on its surface but one that has many aspects that are crucial for the future of the East Bay. “What does it mean for the City of Oakland to be a port city?”
Summing up the theme of his talk on Saturday, July 25, at Youth Uprising in East Oakland, Mr. Muhammad said, “Rather than advocating a particular policy, the presentation sought to increase public understanding of one of Oakland’s most important public assets by connecting the city’s history, labor movement, transportation network, and global economy into a single narrative.”
In attendance were many East Bay residents and community leaders, including retired third-generation longshoreman and prominent Black labor leader Clarence Thomas, civil rights attorney and former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, Secretary-Treasurer of Alameda Labor Council Keith Brown, Isaac Kos-Read of Kos-Read Group, president of the National Council of Negro Women, and Alameda County Aisha Williams.
Quiana Canada, C.O.O. of Youth UpRising, said she was excited to learn
about the pathways and workforce development opportunities for our youth. This weekend provided a wonderful introduction to the history and impact of being a Port City. We thank all of the organizers and sponsors for their ongoing commitment to the future of our youth.”
Commissioner Muhammad explored the evolution of Oakland as a Port City,
how rail, the waterfront, and wartime expansion were catalysts for the growth of West Oakland, both locally and for the development of containerization and global trade.
He also examined the Port of Oakland’s role as an economic engine and its contributions to creating career pathways into the maritime economy, developing small-business opportunities connected to the waterfront, advancing environmental stewardship and modernization, and shaping potential futures for the port.
He also emphasized that the Port is much more than ships and cranes that the public can see as it passes by on the highway. It is a major economic engine that provides a gateway to middle-class careers, international trade, a public asset, and an important part of Oakland’s historic identity.
The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session that addressed topics including contracting, automation, workforce development, international trade, environmental sustainability, and maritime careers.
Looking ahead, this presentation was intended to become part of an ongoing community education initiative designed to increase public understanding of the maritime economy and encourage broader civic engagement around Oakland’s waterfront.
Future presentations are expected to expand on additional topics related to transportation, logistics, labor history, international trade, and economic opportunity.
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