Founded in the year 1953, Laney College is a major educational institute falling under the ambit of Peralta Community College District. Originally christened as Oakland City College, it is named in honor of Joseph Clarence Laney, a celebrated Oakland-based journalist. The college runs credits and certificate programs for incumbents interested in Associate of Arts, apart from offering degrees required to enroll for four year colleges. Laney College also conducts a number of cultural and community events. In the past, it hosted an event to provide an engaging platform for East Bay's African-American community and help them find new business avenues and opportunities in the region.