In 1959, Tobie Gene organized the Dragons, a loosely knit club for black men. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? He is an Oakland treasure that will be sorely missed. all that is interesting Hells Angels' old ladies (girlfriends) sit during a rest stop on the group's ride from San Bernardino to Bakersfield, California. Brothers Motorcycle Club. He is a real estate agent with over 30 years of experience in Oakland. The men riding them had on polished boots and Levi jackets, blue jean pants and matching striped motorcycle helmets, Harper said. Formed in 1959, the Dragons hail from Oakland, CA, and still ride to this day. That reputation made Levingstons club a pillar of cycling culture, regularly paid tribute to in fictionalized references, and by celebrities like former Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who shared a video clip of a recent clubhouse visit last week for his Jay Lenos Garage CNBC show. He says bikes were cheaper, and they didnt get hassled by cops as much on two wheels. Norman and former The Walking Dead cast mate and friend, Steven Yeun, visit the clubhouse of the East Bay Dragons during their ride through the California Bay Area. The weekend is known as the Halfway Run -- because of Fresnos location roughly halfway between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. 10 Richie Rich. The East Bay Dragons MC is an all-black, all-male, all-Harley Davidson riding motorcycle club founded in Oakland, California, in 1959 by Tobie Gene Levingston, who died in July 2020. Double Dragon Menu. This insidious belief of EBDs threat traveled all the way to Oakland and with the help of the Oakland Police Department, and at the conclusion of the 60th anniversary celebration, on September 2, 2019, the EBD were surrounded by Oakland Police Department officers due to racist motives as they were enjoying themselves at Level 13 in Oakland, the civil complaint says. The bakerys website says its founder, Kim Clark, is proud of that fact because his family benefited from the Panthers free breakfast program as kids. Contact information for its California chapter: (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group). (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group), OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 29: Memorabilia of the East Bay Dragons decorate the walls at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. Prosecutors say Aryan Brotherhood spoke of wanting to build an army within California prisons and forming a new Aryan Brotherhood composed entirely of hardened killers, It was in this way of building bikes together that the group fostered a sense of community, said Liam ODonoghue, a local historian and host of the podcast, East Bay Yesterday. Related Articles East Bay Dragons President Tobie Gene Levingston at the group's clubhouse in East Oakland. Nelson grew up idolizing the Dragons, he said, watching them roll en mass to his grandmothers house, popping wheelies and burning rubber down the street. MotorBooks International, 15 Feb 2009, The Harley-Davidson Reader. The suit is still in its early stages. He passed in July 2020. East Bay Dr. 1 product rating - Ripper Magazine Vol.15 Old School Chopper Motorcycle Japan Book East Bay Dragons. They really interact with the young kids out here in East Oakland and with families.. In Fresno, the Dragons team up with two L.A. clubs to rent out a Days Inn. 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EXCLUSIVE: Rockmond Dunbar, the director-producer of the feature film Pastor Brown, has optioned Tobie Gene Levingston's autobiographical book Soul On Bikes: The East Bay Dragons MC And The . According to the lawsuit, the trouble for the planned August 2019 event started when a county employee learned that a member of the Dragons owned Its All Good Bakery in Oakland, located at 5622 Martin Luther King Way, the Black Panthers first headquarters. The Dragons are an all-male, all-black club. East Bay Rats MC. Donate. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group), OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 29: East Bay Dragons motorcycle club member Ernest Big E13 Brown is photographed in a motorcycles mirror at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group), OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 29: An East Bay Dragons motorcycle club member known as Slow Motion arrives at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. Levingston and the Dragons made the switch from cars to bikes in 1959. Three Bay Area men, including justice reform activist, plead guilty in Norteo RICO murder case, Californias hardest to book campground isnt in a famous park. Undisputed MC. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular and widely available lizards to keep as pets. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 29: Memorabilia of the East Bay Dragons decorate the walls at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. [11], The East Bay Dragons were featured in the 2015 victory parade through downtown Oakland commemorating the 2015 NBA Championship of the Golden State Warriors. When Huey P. Newton went to jail for the 1967 shootout between the Oakland cops and the Panthers, many members of the Dragons attended Free Huey rallies at De Fremery Park. Add in the cultural differences between regions separated by a few simple bridges, and Spellman found a personal formula that ticked off all the narrative boxes for her. And they was kind of crazy! he remembers. Founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale and chief of staff David Hilliard often came in and ate in Joes restaurant. "I hope the Dragons ride on for years and years to come." Chosen Few Motorcycle Club- Photography by Gold Mustache Photography, Elliot M. Gold. In 1959, and even well into the sixties, although there were two Harley Davidson dealerships in Oakland, no dealership in the Bay Area would sell bikes to black customers. The club is turning 60 years this weekend at the same and only location it was founded in East Oakland in 1959. To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy. The East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club has gunned its Harleys through the meanest streets of Oakland, California, since the 1950s. A lot, to be honest. Bob Stokstad Photo. What we're about. Mr. The East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club of Oakland, California, started in the 1950s as a car club. Motorcycles were more practical because they were not depended on by an entire household. I seen a lot of good men, I mean a whole bunch of them, get hooked on that s---" Levingston recalls. Enough to shut down every resort. The East Bay Dragons are a motorcycle club in Oakland. On Wednesday, the club shared newsof Levingstons passing and asked well-wishers to keep Levingstons wife and children and club members in their prayers, saying: Rest in Heaven, Pres.. The car club did not adopt the official name "Dragons Car Club" until 1958. OAKLAND Tobie Gene Levingston, who founded the East Bay Dragons as the Bay Areas first all-Black motorcycle club and one of the nations first, died Tuesday of natural causes. Real-life California is packed with motorcycle clubs, from the notorious Hells Angels (founded in Fontana, with its best-known chapter in Oakland) to the hundreds of clubs that crisscross the state on bikes today. Lodi Motorcycle Club. Due to the support both organizations had for each other, some of the Black Panthers eventually became members of the East Bay Dragons after the Black Panthers disbanded. Levingston and his four brothers were born in Louisiana to a sharecropper father who made the migration West, along with thousands of other black American families, in the 1950s. 2,671 were here. 3 of 8 4 of 8 Members of the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club mourn the killing of their brother Hassan Sayyid also know as Ike, Monday September 28, 2011, at the club in Oakland, Calif. Sayyid . The club is turning 60 years this weekend at the same and only location it was founded in East Oakland. The club was originally started as a car club by Tobie Gene Levingston, who wrote a book Soul on Bikes: The East Bay Dragons MC and the Black Biker Set along with Keith and Kent Zimmerman. Over more than six decades as club president, Levingston rode alongside the clubs members and rubbed shoulders with famous figures like the Hells Angels Sonny Barger and members of the Black Panthers. That was 1964. This is a brand page for the EAST BAY DRAGONS MC OAKLAND CALIFORNIA trademark by Shadrick, Melvin in *****, *****, ***** ****. Its the traffic, its the people youre riding with.. Can I still get Beyonc tickets? If you came out here and talked to folks, no one is going to say anything negative about the East Bay Dragons, Reid said. Check out the home to the first African-American motorcycle club in the nation, founded in 1959. But through all the changes, the Dragons stuck with the same man as president: Tobie Gene Levingston. [3] The Phoenixes are the only franchise team in the EASL, with other participating teams seeded from domestic leagues from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group), OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 29: East Bay Dragons motorcycle club member Ray Nelson shows the first painting of the club at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. The suit, filed last June, claims that the Dragons planned a 60th anniversary event at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo that was to be attended by at least 3,800 people and would have featured an impressive lineup of music and comedy. Both the Phoenixes and the P. League+ champions of Taiwan were designated by the EASL as Greater China's representatives.. Internet personality Yo Pesci receives seven year sentence after flashing firearms on social media, Gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, Jury finds Bay Area man guilty of annoying or molesting a child, Convicted murderer charged in 1980 cold case slaying of woman found in rural Solano County. French soccer legend dies at 89; scored record 13 goals in 1958 World Cup, Obituary: Richard Roth, 83, was former vice mayor of Alameda, Olympic gold medalist Bob Richards dies; was first athlete featured on a Wheaties box, Rapid demise of Dilbert no surprise to some who were watching, Respect the patch: How Oaklands oldest Black motorcycle club survived nearly 60 years. The East Bay Dragons - an all-Black motorcycle club -- has been proudly riding along since 1959 and will roll right into the next decade as strong as ever. In front of his hotel room, Ali Ar Rasheed takes in the scene. Every November they hold an annual turkey drive for Thanksgiving, providing turkeys and other food staples for families in need. "I like the idea of driving across the [Golden Gate] Bridge, she says. Before Rosa Parks took her historic bus ride and before Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Huey P. Newton and the Black Panthers stood bravely for equal rights, the East Bay Dragons MC risked life and limb during the days when it was a revolutionary act for a . They nevertheless built up a positive reputation in the . Richard Serrell or better known as his stage name Richie Rich is a rapper from Oakland, California. [11] However, they would lose to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 43. They believe "you are either a member of the club or not, no in between". Instead, the event was canceled at the last minute, after the Dragons had spent thousands in fees and planning. I love the East Bay Dragons Outside of journalism, he doesn't do much. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! East Bay Dragons-Hells Angels and incident in Iowa between clubs#BIKERNEWS- A popular Murrells Inlet biker bar will be allowed to hold a fall pre-bike week rally this weekend. Like the Bandidos Motorcycle Club and Flaming Knights Motorcycle Club,[15] their club name is prominently displayed in red text over a yellow background, however, the Dragons are not affiliated with either club in any way be it "dominant MC" or "support MC" and was founded prior to both clubs. Letters: Plethora of problems | Creating AL | Provenance of woke | Teen girls | Public bank If you haven't heard about them, listen to this episode of East Bay Yesterday. VALLEJO The East Bay Dragons, the first all-Black motorcycle club to exist in the Bay Area, has filed a federal lawsuit against Solano County alleging that a county employee concocted a reason to cancel a planned club event at the fairgrounds after hearing that one of its members had associations with the Black Panthers. See Copyrights. Born June 30, 1934, in Lillie, Louisiana, Levingston was one of 10 children raised by sharecropper parents who moved to [] It was originally created by Gene's big brother as a way to help keep his younger brothers off the streets and out . He is part of East Bay Dragons, an all-black and all-male Harley Davidson riding motorcycle club in Oakland, California. The clubs are grilling food, lounging by the swimming pool and checking out each others rides. packs - $99.00 Were like family to each other, said Levingston, whos in his 70s. Except where otherwise noted, this content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. That includes dozens of African-American groups, like Oaklands East Bay Dragons. East Bay Dragons motorcycle club founder dies, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements. The East Bay Dragons started out in Oakland in the 1950s and only allows African American members to join. The East Bay Dragons MC. If you came out here and talked to folks, no one is going to say anything negative about the East Bay Dragons, Reid said. He aspires to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group), OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 29: East Bay Dragons motorcycle club member Ray Nelson points out at a wall with nicknames of late club members at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. In addition to trouble with the Oakland Police Department, at that time the idea of sustaining a car club became difficult. Crime and Public Safety | Instead of getting a passing look at Sutters all-black biker gang, Truth Be Told gives audiences a nuanced understanding of the familial connection this motorcycle club has with Parnell. Their founder, Tobie Gene Levingston, remained president until his death last July. In suit against Solano County, East Bay Dragons, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements, In suit against Solano County, East Bay Dragons motorcycle club allege racism was behind canceled fairgrounds event, Letters: Plethora of problems | Creating AL | Provenance of woke | Teen girls | Public bank. In East Oakland, the biker club is beloved, said Councilman Larry Reid, who said the groups clubhouse in his district on International Boulevard has produced food distribution on Thanksgivings and toy drives during Christmas. Flower arrangements may be sent to Acts Full Gospel Church the morning of the service. Going up North with a story about a Hells Angels Motorcycle Club member. View more on Amazon (link opens in a new tab). Members of The East Bay Dragons must own and ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle. But it wasnt just the bikes, he said. Reach him at 925-779-7174. The Dragons were founded in the 1950s as a car club, but switched over to motorcycles in 1959. 2,657 were here. [7][8][9] In May 2022, former NBL coach and incumbent Australia Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian was announced as the team's first head coach. While work remained relatively plentiful in post-war Oaklands factories and foundries, Levingston initially began a car club as a way to help keep his family out of harms way. Still SEXY at SIXTY The East Bay Dragons have a a rich history as the first all-black motorcycle club. The club is turning 60 years this weekend at the same and only location it was founded in East Oakland. He has worked as an online coordinator and, before that, a copy editor and page designer for Bay Area-based newspapers and magazines. He will be interred immediately after at Rolling Hills Memorial Park, 4100 Hilltop Drive, in Richmond. Being a pillar of the community is inseparable from membership in the club, said Ray Nelson, one of the clubs youngest members who is also a third-generation cousin to the Levingstons. Part of Parnells character is rooted in her fathers life. Thi. The East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club has gunned its Harleys through the meanest streets of Oakland, Calif., since the 1950s. The county has not responded in court. Bay Area Dragons Hold Charity Event in Manila in Collaboration with Chinese Embassy of the Philippines. He is survived by his wife Ernestine, his three brothers Jonas, Joe Louis and Vic, and his three daughters Billie Simmons, Debrah Giles and Angela Killingsworth. Unlike many outlaw motorcycle clubs, the East Bay Dragons do not claim a state as territory by wearing a bottom "rocker". The East Bay Dragons, LA Defiant Ones and Outcast MC (founded 1969),[9] are the oldest surviving all black motorcycle clubs requiring members to only ride American made motorcycles. What does Spellman know? For Jones, playing the biker and bar owner not only provided him a fully developed character to sink his teeth into something he refers to as "a dream role" the subject matter helped him tap into his own New Jersey upbringing. And they ride only Harley-Davidsons. They called themselves the East Bay Dragons and even stuck plates with their logo in the rear windows. The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide. Harper, the third longest-serving member of the Dragons, first showed up at the groups clubhouse, which was then across the street from a barbecue restaurant where the members used to hang, with a Honda before being told to come back with a Harley. The back of Joe's vest is emblazoned in the original East Bay Dragons MC patch and surrounded by red rhinestones. During the Christmas season, they sponsor a toy drive and deliver toys to Oakland children on their bikes, while dressing up as Santa Claus. Now in its 60th year of existence, the East Bay Dragons are one of America's first-ever all-black motorcycle clubs. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. A year later, they switched to motorcycles, which were cheaper, more accessible and didnt draw as much attention from the police, Tobie Gene Levingston wrote. These are the cool names for motorcycle clubs you can use: Mustang Motorcycles. The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 29: East Bay Dragons motorcycle club member Charles Darth Jones, left, chats with friends Kym Heedley, center, and DeeDee Dejan at the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. Thats the reason I ride the Harley Davidson.. Listen to the Hollywood and ChinaDoll Show at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hollywood-china-doll-show/id1533228385CHECK OUT #ROCKON CLOTHING! Their friendship with the Black Panthers may have caused confusion for law enforcement, oftentimes putting the bikers in contention with police, but that bond placed the crew in the spotlight which energized members of the East Bay community. The East Bay Dragons colors are red and gold. More than 50 made the trip to Fresno, including Levingston. Our brothers, the East Bay Dragons, would be honored and enshrined forever in the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC as one of the 1st all Black Biker Clubs in American history; photographed in front of another Oakland BBQ restaurant. The East Bay Dragons are a motorcycle club in Oakland. Thats how this clubhouse got built and why it will stick around, he said. Prospective members who are "hangarounds" are referred to by club members as "rookies" while they are being vetted for membership prior to being voted in as full patch members.[17]. 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