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This is about Oakland, why bring race into it?

If the original poster had moved his startup to Stockton, we would be having the same conversation.

Race is always a factor for anyone who knows anything about the history of Oakland. For example, the Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland. There has been class war and racism at the heart of Oakland for many, many years.

This post is another example of a long history of gentrification, which also has a racial component. Race is absolutely on-topic here.

That doesn't mean I expect said discussion to be productive.

The BPP starting at Laney is one of the cool things about Oakland. There's history around the corner when you're roaming the city. That and the Oakland Museum and Chinatown. And Flints BBQ, and E&J, and Doug's. And the markets in Fruitvale. And the anarchist and communist stuff in Berkeley. I'm getting all misty-eyed.

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