Black Veteran Historical Corridor Unveiling

The honorees are Major General John Stanford, Major Howard Jackson, and Sergeant Morrie Turner. This street plaque unveiling establishes what’s expected to be the most Black Veterans honored through street naming efforts in the same location nationwide, resulting in the creation of a “Black Veteran Historical Corridor.” We’ll begin the public ceremony in front of that building at 10 am, and then we’ll walk to the intersection of 2100 Maritime St and 000 Burma Rd for the unveiling at around 10:45 am.
The commemorative street plaques meet at an intersection where a street named after another Black Veteran, Admiral Robert Toney, is also located. While this historic transportation corridor now supports the Port of Oakland, it once served the Oakland Army base, where Army Major General John Stanford formerly served as a Commanding Officer. Born in Oakland, Army Sgt Morrie Turner was a mechanic with the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII and is known as the first cartoonist to create a comic strip made up of ethnically diverse characters. Marine Corps Major Howard Jackson, a Vietnam-era veteran and long-time resident of Oakland, is noted in military history for creating the first Human Relations program in the Armed Forces.
The Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on issues pertaining to veterans and their families. Black military history is a cornerstone of African American declarations for equal rights and opportunities. This initiative memorializes local Black military history in a way we hope inspires others to overcome adversities so they can grow, flourish, and be self-sufficient. These goals are in alignment with the County’s Vision of having Thriving and Resilient Communities.

Host or Publisher Omar F.