East Oakland celebration marks 60 years of the Coliseum

On Friday, September 18, more than 75 people gathered at Youth UpRising in East Oakland to celebrate Coliseum 60, marking the 60th anniversary of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex. The event, themed "One Community. One Legacy. One Future. Forward Together," brought together residents, performers, and long-time workers to honor the iconic venue and its rich history.

The celebration highlighted the Coliseum's significance to the community, not just as a sports venue but as a cultural landmark that has hosted numerous memorable events and performances. The event featured the national anthem performed by the sisters Anese Jade, Amina Benjamin, and Zaza Benjamin, along with African dance and drumming by the Diamano Coura West African Dance Company. A mini-documentary showcased the Coliseum's storied past, including performances by Prince and Tina Turner and games featuring the Oakland A's and Raiders.

Organizer Quixote Atkins of VillageGIVE emphasized the importance of recognizing the people who have contributed to the Coliseum's legacy over the past six decades. The program honored longtime workers such as Robert Preston, who managed the beer stand for 40 years, and Kenyatta Gentry, who worked for 24 years and used her earnings to purchase her first apartment. The celebration also underscored the venue's ongoing impact, with Ray Bobbitt, president of the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, discussing a partnership with Castlemont High School's architecture program to reimagine the Coliseum's future.

The Coliseum 60 event took place exactly 60 years after the Coliseum Complex first opened its doors on September 18, 1960. The celebration was a day of reflection and forward-looking discussions, featuring performances and recognitions that celebrated the venue's past and its continued role in the community. The event was free and open to the public, with attendees gathering to share stories and look toward the future of the Coliseum.

Looking ahead, the community can expect continued discussions and initiatives aimed at reimagining the Coliseum Complex. The partnership with Castlemont High School's architecture program is just one example of how the community is engaging in the planning process for the Coliseum's future. Residents interested in staying informed about upcoming events and redevelopment plans can follow updates from VillageGIVE and the African American Sports and Entertainment Group.