The Oakland Sunshine (1897-1923) was a weekly newspaper. It was founded and edited by John A. Wilds who was the first African American civil servant in Oakland: city hall's custodian and night watchman. The newspaper may have been taken over by the California Voice in 1917. 2,*
Delilah Beasley wrote for the Oakland Sunshine in 1915. 1
Wilds was the editor until at least 1908. 4 He sold the paper to J. M. Bridges some time before 1913. 5
J. M. Bridges was the owner and president of the paper from at least 1913 to 1922. Rev. G. C. Coleman, D. D., was the Editor and Manager. 3,5
From at least 1920 to 1922 the paper had an office at 405 - 8th Street. 3
* Issues/Questions:
- The Wikipedia entry on Delilah Beasley suggests it began publication in 1902. The Library of Congress entry says "189?-19??" and that it was published by J.M. Bridges. The initial stub said 1897-1923 (which is also in The Pullman Porters and West Oakland). What years was it published?
- The LOC says the California Voice didn't start until 1920, so 2 seems in doubt. But which is correct?
Links and References
March 27, 1915 page 1
- Delilah Beasley on Wikipedia
- The Pullman Porters and West Oakland by Thomas and Wilma Tramble, Arcadia Publishing: 2007
- Oakland Sunshine at The Portal To Texas History
- Art and Industrial Convention of Negroes San Francisco Call May 3, 1908
- Negro Trail Blazers of California by Delilah Beasley
