By Richard Johnson
I write this article with pride and admiration for having the opportunity to speak with and ask of a son of Oakland who shares my background of being formerly incarcerated, but not allowing it to be a hindrance to positive growth toward becoming a better man, better father, and a contributor to this precious thing we call life.
Born and raised in East Oakland, William Haney has traveled the world managing and promoting his boxer son, Devin Haney, who holds four undisputed championship belts as the world’s youngest world champion in his weight class.
The elder Haney, known to many as Bill, has raised his son to be a world champion, not only in the ring but equally as a man.
Bill responded with very inspiring, insightful answers to my questions in a way that demonstrates his dedication to fatherhood and shared what it takes to nurture and raise kids to be true to their nature as kings and queens.
I asked Bill if he considered himself to be an entrepreneur or a philanthropist; he said the latter. He embraces the concept of giving back to the community by contributing to its prosperity in various forms as his body of work plainly demonstrates.
There are several great sportsmen from Oakland who haven’t given back to their place of origin in any form. Giving back motivates others and helps to shine a light on the needs of our city.
Bill was quite receptive when asked about partnering with others who share similar visions for Oakland. Bill presently resides in Las Vegas, an ideal spot to train his world-champion son. He is very interested in helping to create safe places where kids can seek refuge, get training and learning skills that will help them become better men and women as they transition into whatever life has in store for them.
Bill considers himself a cultural engineer. He is a practicing, dedicated Muslim and a true believer. He sees Oakland as presently being in a state of turmoil, but not hopeless. He summarizes some of his advice to us by saying “we don’t need to be looking to the stars for help because help rests within our own desires and determination. It’s within our grasp.”
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