Give Homeless Advocate Nino Parker a Proper Farewell
$2,460 raised of
Nino Parker Sr was an activist and homeless advocate who was well-known in Oakland, Ca. He grew up in San Francisco, where he worked first as a dock worker and later switched to the non-profit sector, first operating an after schcool bicycle safety and maintenance program for children and later directing a graffiti removal program for those convicted of graffiti who wanted to perform community service to have their crimes expunged.
In his 50's Parker moved to Oakland, where he eventually became homeless, living first in a tent and later in a van in the Lake Merritt area for a number of years. During that time he became a staunch homeless advocate and activist, organizing community discussions, operating a bike repair shop, and advocating for the rights of homeless people. He orchestrated protests against city efforts to remove tents and homeless encampments, including the ones located at the Athol tennis courts and near the 12th Street bridge. Parker was very active within Oakland city council, to which he pitched the "Green Teams" concept, proposing that funds from the sales of luxury sport event tickets be allocated to hire unhoused people for neighborhood clean-up events. Parker's fierce activism was documented in articles featured in The Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Oaklandside and Oakland North. (See links below) https://oaklandside.org/2021/08/10/the-city-wants-to-close-2-prominent-oakland-homeless-camps-not-so-fast-some-residents-say/
https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Something-surprising-happened-in-Oakland-when-a-16242689.php
On September 1rst, 2026, Nino Parker passed away in his sleep due to complications of congestive heart failure. He was 72 years old. He had no life insurance or savings and left behind his immediate family, a 19-year-old son and a former partner who is the mother of his son. Nino Sr. lived in his van, across the street from their residence.
The family is struggling financially and could use help with final expenses as well as Nino Jr.'s upcoming college education next year. Please donate to this fund to help them. Thank you and may God bless you!
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