APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE HISTORY,
LEGACY, AND CULTURAL IMPACT OF 7 TH STREET IN WEST
OAKLAND AND DECLARING JUNE 10, 2023 AS LEGENDS OF 7 TH
STREET DAY IN THE CITY OF OAKLAND
WHEREAS, from the 1920s to the early 1970s, 7th Street in West Oakland, California was the music mecca for all of the top traveling musicians to stop and perform at the many entertainment night spots located on both sides of the 7 th Street corridor from Wood Street going east to Adeline Street; and
WHEREAS, The Legends of 7th Street helped shape what is called the West Coast Blues Sound and this indigenous Blues, Jazz, and Gospel sound is only found in the City of Oakland and has influenced musicians all over the world; and
WHEREAS, as the most popular entertainment district on the West Coast for over 50 years, 7th Street is sometimes referred to as the Harlem of the West Coast, because of its likeness to the famous Harlem district, in New York City; and
WHEREAS, due to urban renewal and other discriminatory public policy decisions, many small businesses and entertainment venues were displaced from the area; and WHEREAS, 7th Street no longer has the bright colorful neon lights flashing on awnings over the front entrance of night clubs with hundreds of people walking up and down 7th Street but the memories still live on in the hearts and minds of the people of West Oakland and all who patronized the businesses and clubs of 7th Street; and
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2023, the West Coast Blues Society will host the Legends of 7 th Street Festival to honor the unique history and legacy of the musicians and business establishments that made 7th Street a cultural and entertainment hub; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council is proud to honor the impactful musical and cultural legacy of 7th street and its contributions to the West Coast Blues Sound; and be it
2 FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council declares June 10, 2023 as Legends of 7th Street Day in the City of Oakland.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS NOES – ABSENT – ABSTENTION – ATTEST: ASHA REED City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Oakland, California
3273021v1 / SW