Uncle Willie's BBQ and Fish

“Knowing the worth of our homes, businesses, and community’s assets – starts with knowing that our assets are constantly being devalued. The devaluation of our assets affects us physically, psychologically, and economically in negative ways, one of which is to rob us of our sense of self-worth and dignity.“

(Know your Price, Valuing Black Lives and Property in American’s Black Cities. Perry, Andre M. Brookings Institution Press. 2020) 

Dear Community,

In a few days, the Marriott ownership group will unveil their new hotel in Oakland.  They will speak glowingly about the jobs created for Oakland residences, the influx of tax funds to the city, and their overall excitement investing in the beautification of Downtown Oakland.  

What they won’t share at the grand opening is how their development destroyed an African American family-owned business that served the Oakland community for almost two decades.  

Uncle Willie Thomas and his family provided more than amazing Bar-B-Que. They’ve served the Oakland Black Arts Movement Business District (BAMBD) well before the area was a desirable place for any large scale-corporate development and most importantly, provided hope, inspiration, and  love to a city and surrounding community that fell on hard times. 

While the family initially supported  Marriott’s investment in our community, they did not anticipate the development would come at the expense of the restaurant and their family’s legacy. 

The Facts:

• Marriott hotel and ex-Oakland A’s owner Lew Wolf’s unsolicited offer to purchase the property was rejected by the family in an effort to preserve their legacy.
• The developers proceeded to build the hotel next door to Uncle Willie’s and as close to the property line as possible.
• The construction directly adjacent to the restaurant resulted in damages to the restaurant’s foundation, the building itself, and littered potentially toxic dust throughout the interior and exterior of the property.
• The damages have rendered the restaurant inoperable and the party responsible for the damages should be held accountable.

• Despite several attempts by Mrs. Beverly Thomas and her family to work with the Marriott Hotel regarding the significant damages, business losses, and nuisance caused during the development, the developers have been dismissive and disrespectful to the family’s plight.
• As a result of the extreme toll on the family’s physical, emotional and financial health, the family has filed an official complaint against the project team. (can you add the project team name?)

We need your help. 

The goal has always been to protect their property rights and leave a lasting legacy in the Oakland community where they live and serve. Please share this page with at least one other person (and on your social media accounts) so we can support the Thomas family and lift up our community.

Blessings.

Thank you.

Thomas Family + Community

Please direct any questions and inquiries to:

Develop Don’t Destroy Community Advocates

510-299-7696

developdontdestroyourlegecy@gmail.com