Agenda Memo
CITY HALL - ONE FRANK H. OGAWA PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR - OAKLAND - CALIFORNIA - 94612
FROM:
ZACHARY UNGER (510) 238-7001
Councilmember (District 1) E-mail: [email protected] TO: Oakland City Councilmembers and Members of the Public
SUBJECT: A resolution (1) honoring the remarkable Robert George Seale, “Bobby Seale” for his contribution as a co-founder of the Black Panter Party, activist, engineer, author, and for his commitment to social justice for the people of Oakland; (2) declaring October 22nd as Bobby Seale Day in the City of Oakland; and (3) commemoratively renaming 57th and Martin Luther King Jr. Way as “Boby Seale Way” and (4) authorizing the installation of a plaque or sign honoring Bobby Seale pursuant to the policy and procedure established by Oakland City Council Resolution No.77967 C.M.S.
DATE: June 17th, 2025
Colleagues on the City Council and Members of the Public, I am writing in support of a resolution to recognize the profound contributions of Bobby Seale and to formally designate October 22nd as Bobby Seale Day in the City of Oakland, as well as the installation of a commemorative plaque on 57th and Martin Luther King Jr Way. Mr. Seale, a co-founder of the Black Panther Party, is a nationally recognized figure in the civil rights movement whose legacy began here in Oakland. His leadership advanced critical initiatives addressing food insecurity, access to healthcare, and educational equity—many of which served as models for public programs across the country. In 1973, his historic mayoral campaign energized a generation of new voters and played a key role in the eventual election of Lionel Wilson, Oakland’s first Black mayor. Honoring Bobby Seale is a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm Oakland’s values of justice, equity, and civic participation. His impact on our city and nation is both historic and ongoing. Designating a day in his honor ensures that future generations understand and appreciate his contributions.
I respectfully urge your support in adopting this resolution and joining me in recognizing October 22nd as Bobby Seale Day in the City of Oakland.
Thank you
Councilmember Unger