We’ve lost 25% of the African-American population because they have left Oakland. And moved to other communities
Joe Coto
California State Assembly Member
Our mission is to bring attention to the various impacts that gentrification has had on Oakland and its people. Tell me where to go explores the city’s greatest challenges, analyzing everything from the rising cost of living and increasing homelessness to the recent loss of the city’s major sports teams.
Oakland is a city with strong cultural and community ties. The people of Oakland consider its traditions, its diversity, and its arts and culture to be the main sources of Oakland’s strength. Historically, the city has been a refuge for marginalized groups, a place where difference was cherished, not merely tolerated. Pride in that multicultural heritage is emblematic of Oaklanders to this day.
The oldest of three children, Romeo T Brown was raised in Oakland, California. Romeo first became interested in acting during his time at Oakland Technical High School and went on to further his pursuits while attending Cal State Northridge in the Los Angeles area. Booking his first national commercial in 2002 (McDonalds), which led him to booking other memorable roles in ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ (2011), ‘Welcome to the Family’ (2013), ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (2017) as the city Councilman of Los Angeles, ‘Being Mary Jane’ (2018), ‘All Rise’ (2020) ‘9-1-1’ (2020) and ‘Shameless’ (2021).
The oldest of three children, Romeo T Brown was raised in Oakland, California. Romeo first became interested in acting during his time at Oakland Technical High School and went on to further his pursuits while attending Cal State Northridge in the Los Angeles area. Booking his first national commercial in 2002 (McDonalds), led him to book a multitude of other national commercials with major brands such as Foot Locker, Dr. Pepper, Coors and Playstation to name a few. Making the transition from commercial acting to TV, his first roles included the likes of ‘Yes, Dear’ (2003), ‘American Dreams’ (2003), and the hit TV series ‘Dexter’ (2006), but his best known roles came later in shows like ‘Women’s Murder Club’ (2006), where he played a hot shot rookie quarterback and memorable roles in ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ (2011), ‘Welcome to the Family’ (2013), ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (2017) as the city Councilman of Los Angeles, ‘Being Mary Jane’ (2018), ‘All Rise’ (2020) ‘9-1-1’ (2020) and ‘Shameless’ (2021).
Hosted by Romeo Brown
Oakland’s homeless population rose 47% between 2017 and 2019, one of the largest two-year increases of any Californian city. While many consider homelessness to apply only to individuals living on the street with no roof over their head, the reach is far greater than that.
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