Oakland Community Celebrates Turner Group Construction Company's 45-Year Legacy

Collins Drive is renamed Turner Group Drive in recognition of the company's economic development and community investment.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The community gathered in East Oakland to celebrate the renaming of Collins Drive to Turner Group Drive, honoring the Turner Group Construction Company's 45-plus years of service. The event drew family, friends, local leaders, and dignitaries who praised the company's contributions to economic development, job training, and community support.

Why it matters

The Turner Group has been a pillar of the Oakland community, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry and inspiring the next generation of builders through its Construction Resource Center. The street renaming is a symbolic gesture recognizing the company's lasting impact on the city.

The details

The celebratory event featured hors d'oeuvres, cupcakes, and remarks from community leaders like Oakland City Councilmembers Ken Houston, Carroll Fife, and Kevin Jenkins, as well as Mayor Barbara Lee. They praised the Turner family's legacy of support and mentorship, with Councilmember Houston recounting how the Turners embraced him after his father's passing. The ceremony also honored veteran broadcaster Valerie Coleman-Morris for her decades-long mentorship of LaTanya Hawkins, now the program manager of the Construction Resource Center.

  • The event took place on Friday, January 23, 2026.
  • The Turner Group Construction Company has been operating for over 45 years.

The players

Turner Group Construction Company

A construction company that has operated in Oakland for over 45 years, creating economic development, job training, and community investment opportunities.

Ken Houston

An Oakland City Councilmember who grew up on the same street as the Turner family and was embraced by them after his father's passing.

Valerie Coleman-Morris

A veteran broadcaster who was honored for her decades-long mentorship of LaTanya Hawkins, the program manager of the Turner Group's Construction Resource Center.

LaTanya Hawkins

The program manager of the Turner Group's Construction Resource Center, who was mentored by Valerie Coleman-Morris since she was a fourth-grader.

Len and Lance Turner

The leaders of the Turner Group Construction Company, who closed the ceremony with words of gratitude and humor.

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What they’re saying

“I grew up on the same street with the Turners. When my father passed away, their parents and siblings embraced me like family. This is our city, and it's an honor to name this street Turner Group Drive because of the love and effort this company and family have given. Many dreams came out of this building. I wouldn't be where I am today without the Turners.”

— Ken Houston, Oakland City Councilmember (postnewsgroup.com)

“Len Turner is an amazing person. He'll help anyone.”

— Kevin Jenkins, Oakland City Councilmember (postnewsgroup.com)

“This is a great day for Oakland and a profound acknowledgment of the Turner Group's contribution to our community.”

— Barbara Lee, Oakland Mayor (postnewsgroup.com)

“This is a day for celebrating Black excellence. The Turner Group has poured into people and the community, showing us what's possible.”

— Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember (postnewsgroup.com)

“If we change the way we look at things, the things we see will change.”

— Valerie Coleman-Morris, Veteran Broadcaster (postnewsgroup.com)

What’s next

The Turner Group Construction Company plans to continue its work in the Oakland community, providing job training and mentorship opportunities through the Construction Resource Center.

The takeaway

The renaming of Collins Drive to Turner Group Drive is a testament to the Turner family's decades-long commitment to economic development, job creation, and community support in Oakland. Their company's legacy serves as an inspiration for other businesses to invest in and uplift their local communities.