Oakland North reports that the push to bring a Historically Black College and University to Oakland is now in jeopardy after the recent recall of Mayor Sheng Thao, who officially left her position on Tuesday. Thao had appointed Deputy Mayor Kimberley Mayfield to lead a task force for the initiative to address educational disparities in the city.

Uncertain Plans

Mayfield, who has spearheaded efforts since February 2023, expressed optimism before the election that momentum would continue even following Thao’s removal. “This is something we believe the community wants,” she stated in October, emphasizing the initiative’s significance for Oakland residents. 

As part of the proposal, Mayfield’s task force, which includes City Councilmember Carroll Fife and attorney Kim Thompson, identified the closed Holy Names University campus as a potential site for the HBCU. BH Properties purchased this property after the university closed in May 2023 and listed it for lease earlier this year. A BH official indicated that educational organizations are expected to show considerable interest in the site.

To qualify as an HBCU, an institution must primarily educate Black students and was founded before 1964. Mayfield clarified the city’s aim, stating, “When we say bring an HBCU, we really are saying we would like a satellite campus of an HBCU.” 

Thao’s administration planned to engage with various HBCUs over the next six months to gauge their interest in establishing a campus in Oakland. However, with her departure, prospects for these discussions remain unclear.

Why It Matters

Establishing an HBCU in Oakland is seen as crucial for supporting Black students. Statistics show that only 33% of Black Oaklanders hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 71% of white residents, highlighting the educational gap within the community.

If successful, the initiative could provide vital resources and support for the city’s Black community, fostering educational opportunities and closing the existing achievement gaps.