Growing up in Old School Oakland meant that every day was an adventure. We didn’t have smartphones or video games; we had the streets, our bikes, and the sense of adventure that only childhood could offer. Our days were filled with daring feats and bold escapades.

One of the most exhilarating memories I have was the time my friends and I would race in the center of the train tracks. In 1961, we used to play “chicken” with the trains. I remember the adrenaline as we dared to run directly in front of the train in the middle of the tracks, each of us pushing the limits of fear. The train would come barreling down at full speed, and we wait to jump off of the tracks until the train was approximately 50 feet behind us, hearts pounding. There was something about facing danger with your best friends that made it feel like we could conquer anything.

Another memory that stands out was our “backyard” escapades. We weren’t just playing-these were life-defining moments. At the creek, which claimed 2 of our friends’ lives, these experiences weren’t just about mischief; they taught us how to navigate the world around us-how to act quickly, think on our feet, and always stay a step ahead.