More than a profile of stories, this project is meant to advance a message that is critical in our time; that we step back from our phones and step towards each other. This book is for those that are disheartened by seeing a BART train full of people staring at their cell phones, online dating being the primary ways we find love, for those that are disgusted by the studies that show the alarming increases of anxiety and depression from social media, and how many of us never speak to our neighbors. At the same time, we desire more connection, are looking for meaningful friendships and are curious to understand how others are making a way in a place we all call home, Oakland.
The people of Oakland have a history of making calls to action that can serve as a catalyst for an awakening. Whether it’s armed self-defense groups in the 1960s or recalling a Mayor that’s too weak on crime, this is a city that will take action to advance an idea. Participating in this interview is also in support of the advancement of a powerful idea. That communities are stronger when we take time to get to know one another. If you decide to move forward with an interview, know that the questions will be extensive, at times invasive, but the overarching goal is honoring you for taking time to sit down with the author to help make this message a reality.
This project will profile 365 people that live and work in the City of Oakland. It will include a range of ages, ethnic backgrounds, areas of the city, world views and life possibilities. Every participant must be over the age of 18: some are in school, others work steady jobs and others make a living outside the law. They are all a part of our city, what makes it unique and what makes it ours.
The author has 4 months to complete all 365 interviews and would kindly ask invitees to use the number on your card within the next 48 hours to schedule your interview. The interview will be conducted at a cafe, park or another agreed upon public place. The discussion will go for about 60 to 90 minutes. No questions will be shared in advance of the interview. Being that the author is a Sunni Muslim, no interviews will be conducted at bars or night clubs. Also, meetings with women will not start or conclude with hand shakes or hugs, that is a religious observance but also is meant to be a sign of respect for the women. It is also to let the woman know that if they are approached to participate the objective is completing the project and there are no ulterior motives.
Nothing from this book will ever exist on social media. If you find something it is a false account not associated with this project. This website will be the only web tool used to complete the project. As a way to honor the in-person and hands-on value this book seeks to promote, the author is only using the physical card you received, a pen and paper, typewriter, a polaroid camera and manual film camera to capture words and images of the interviewees. For legal or religious reasons some people may not want their faces shown. In those instances, we will collaborate to create an alternative way to capture what best represents their identity.
Saabir Sultaan is a resident of Downtown Oakland and was raised in San Francisco’s Fillmore District. After spending most of his career in education, politics and serving as a strategic advising consultant for business leaders, he had a spiritual awakening that started during the pandemic and promoted a year-long stay in Nicaragua. Upon his return to the Bay Area in 2022, Saabir moved to Oakland, reverted to Islam, and became an avid practitioner of jiu jitsu. In 2024, he got married to a school teacher of Somalian descent that was raised in the United Kingdom. They are now expecting their first child, by the permission of Allah.
Currently, Saabir works a full time job as he works to transition back into his full-time consulting work as a strategic advisor, writer and investor in small/medium size businesses.
This book will only exist in the physical and will never have any interviews available online. It will never be marketed online through any means under no circumstances. There will only be 1000 copies created for sale at a price that will be determined upon release of the book. We are relying on the conversations the book starts to be the primary driver for how it finds its intended buyer. The author will never, under any circumstances, participate in any interviews to promote the book or take any paid speaking engagements about the book.
If the book is successful and the message grows, or it fails, it will be by the permission of Allah. We trust this message, we trust our community and we’re grateful for any purchase that is an affirmation that we need more of what this book stands for in our city.
Participating in the interview does not entitle a person to a free copy of the book or at a reduced price. We appreciate your understanding in this agreement and will also understand that this discourages you from moving forward. The cost, labor and time are all coming at the expense of resources for the author and his family, and hope you would understand that any gain will go toward supporting them. The author will find a way to reward your participation and hope those efforts, whatever they may be, will be appreciated. Finally, in observance of Islam, 2.5% of profit of any book sold will go toward charity (rental-assistance for low-income families).