Members of the West Coast Blues Society now have to pay to replace 40 bronze plaques that were taken from the historic area that honors the city’s musical past on Oakland’s 7th Street Walk of Fame.
“What you’re seeing are four plaques of various performers who once played on 7th Street. By placing the plaques, we attempted to preserve the heritage,” Ronnie K. Stewart, executive director of the West Coast Blues Society, told CBS News Bay Area. “You’re just strolling along when you spot Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, or Etta James. ‘Wait a minute!’ you say when you see their names.”
Stewart established the West Coast Blues Society, an organization that preserves the blues, jazz, and gospel traditions of performers and artists throughout the Bay Area.
“Bobby” Blue “Bland, Al Green, Etta James, they all performed there in their early part of their careers,” he stated.
Stewart is alluding to Oakland’s renowned jazz club, Esther’s Orbit Room, where great performers performed.
“I recall a time when this street was bustling with activity. “I would come down and buy cigarettes for my mother when I was around ten years old,” Stewart recalled.
Despite the fact that all of the businesses are now boarded up, the 7th Street block was once known as the “Harlem of the West Coast.”
“History got lost because of the downfall of 7th Street,” Stewart stated.
For this reason, he led the effort to put about 180 plaques throughout Oakland to honor the lost piece of cultural heritage. According to Stewart, it will cost roughly $150,000 to manufacture and install new plaques in place of the ones that were taken.
“Why do you want to come and do that? Our prizes that are lying throughout the streets?” Lee Ashford, an Oakland artist, told CBS News Bay Area. “I grew up on 7th Street down here. It was down here that I performed. The plaque featured me.
“We went out there and had every chance to make 7th Street what it ought to be. The singer “Terrible” Tom Bowden Jr. told CBS News Bay Area, “And for someone to come in and destroy the things that we immortalized and try to recognize the people from the Bay Area.” “We must work together more effectively. We must work together to do it. Numerous things are happening down here, including a lot of violence.
To raise money for the stolen plaques, the West Coast Blues Society has launched a GoFundMe page. Participants are hoping that someone will come forward with information on the person responsible for this.
“History was stolen by you. The piece of history that has been preserved for ninety years was stolen by you,” Stewart remarked.
He went on to say that he reported the incident to Oakland police and urged anyone with knowledge to do so in the hopes that it would help identify the culprit or suspects.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.