In the early 1970s, the Brookfield Athletic Advisory Council, Inc. was formed by Mr. Ira Jinkins to assist and improve services to youth in the Oakland area. Initially focused on sports, the Council developed subcommittees to work on specific areas of interest. As sports activities were absorbed into city wide organizations, Mr. Jinkins started a Drum and Bugle Corps in 1989, followed by the addition of a Marching Band, Drill Team and Tall Flags in 1990. The Council had been sponsoring a community pride day for five years at this time, with an emphasis on honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work for peace and non-violence. Starting in 1987, this activity included a parade and celebration joined by residents from the East Oakland community and organizations throughout the Bay Area.

Mr. Jenkins was intent on including as many youth and community resources as possible in his efforts to involve youth in positive activities. The Annual March held on Dr Kings birthday started at Eastmont Mall and followed Hegenberger Rd to San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline Park where a Rally was held. Participants included local community leaders, the Black Cowboys Association, Castlemont Marching Groups, Mr. Jinkins Drum Corps, youth and community members, faith leaders and politicians . The youth and anyone else who was interested would engage in a service learning project at the park after the rally. In 1986, Mr Jinkins contacted the supervisor at the park about planting a tree in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a community action for the youth.

Supervisor Suzio agreed with Mr. Jinkins, and helped select a site, but wanted to have irrigation lines brought in to insure the tree would thrive. This led to the creation of a plan by the Regional Parks for not just a tree but a Memorial Grove, and an application for a grant to fund the project. At this time an effort was begun to consider changing the name of San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline to honor Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The Port and City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Park District joined in this effort and on August 18,1992, a dedication was held at the Memorial Grove site on Swan Way to rename the entire park as the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.

As time went on, the March and Rally Committee became the most viable part of the Advisory Council. Weather intervened and led to the Rally being held indoors at one of the local Union halls on Hegenberger rather than in the park. Save the Bay, the California Conservation Corps and the East Bay Regional Park District now lead the community service projects in the park on the Rally day. But another outcome of the work started by Mr. Ira Jinkins was the founding of the Martin Luther King Jr Freedom Center. This center works on educating youth to be involved in civic engagement, learning how to speak to power, and be in touch with their own thoughts and power. (add contact data here).