Oakland Activists Demand Free Groceries or Bust

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The following article, Oakland Activists Demand Free Groceries or Bust, was first published on The Black Sphere.

A Black Leftist in Oakland is mad at Safeway. How dare Safeway not allow these Black folks to steal routinely from the store?

Reports indicate that the store was losing about $7,000 per day due to theft. According to MSN:

“It’s convenient because this is the only store that’s close,” said Gibbs.

When the store closes on February 7th, there will be other options for Gibbs who has a car. But the farther distance to the next closest store and price point are concerns for many.

“You can go to a store like Molly Stone, but it’s really expensive,” said Gibbs.

Landry, from the video, is upset because residents will now have to shop at a more expensive store. More expensive than what? Theft!

Safeway did the community a favor by opening a store in the area, pricing their products competitively. And how were they rewarded? Rampant theft. Now, this Black activist is complaining that Safeway is closing this location, as if the company invested millions just to tease the neighborhood. The level of entitlement is staggering.

It’s become cultural for some Leftist Blacks to believe they should get something for nothing. But this closure impacts more than convenience. While Safeway is no Whole Foods, its presence signifies community growth. Neighborhoods dominated by bodegas or convenience stores are often associated with economic decline. Safeway, with its large footprint, parking lot, and wide selection, indicated potential for improvement in Oakland. But now? The vacuum it leaves will likely result in economic backsliding.

Safeway shopper Sabine Dabady commented:

“A store this size and footprint being vacant, as well as the parking lot, doesn’t bode well for the surrounding community. Instead of one with an active livelihood, it becomes this desolate ground that feels strange.”

It’s a visceral loss—like losing a limb. The closure doesn’t just inconvenience; it signals a retreat from progress. As I’ve mentioned before, when Spike Lee criticized Whole Foods for “gentrifying” Black neighborhoods, he ignored the economic realities. Grocery stores like Whole Foods or Safeway often increase property values, encourage new businesses, and bring jobs. Their absence leaves residents with few options—or worse, the need to rely on car services or delivery apps that many can’t afford. Even those services are hesitant to enter areas with high crime rates.

Safeway didn’t just cite theft in their decision; safety concerns for employees and customers were also major factors.

“I’ve seen people running out the door with stuff and running across the parking lot,” said Gibbs. “I’ve seen folks walk out in handcuffs for stealing something.”

Gibbs’ disappointment is understandable. He recognizes why the store is closing, even if it pains him.

“A lot goes on here that doesn’t go on at other stores,” Gibbs admitted.

The closure is a blow to Gibbs and his neighbors. It’s not just about fewer shopping options; it’s about what the store’s presence represented. Safeway says it will continue to serve San Francisco residents at 15 other locations, but this closure leaves a gaping hole in Oakland’s Fillmore District.

Ironically, the same Leftists who decry gentrification and corporate greed are now pleading with Safeway to stay open. Perhaps they should take a cue from Spike Lee’s misplaced outrage about Whole Foods. If you want thriving businesses in your neighborhood, stop incentivizing failure through entitlement and theft. Otherwise, you’re just driving progress away—one Safeway at a time.

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