“Oaklanders expect and demand that we must govern in a new way. And y’all know me, right? Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And it starts with the people.” Barbara Lee was sworn in this week as Oakland’s 52nd mayor. During her inaugural remarks, Mayor Lee reinforced her 10-point plan for the first 100 days and promised transparency, accountability, and results every step of the way. She concluded by affirming her faith in The Town and what we are capable of when we come together: “I know this country, and I know the city very well, and I know that we’ve been through a lot and will continue to go through our share of challenges. But what I know about Oakland is that we are a community that punches above our weight.”
Change Consulting was proud to support Mayor Lee’s historic, 100+day campaign as media relations lead. Read and watch more from Mayor Lee’s inauguration on ABC 7 News and KTVU.
Rise East is celebrating a historic milestone — surpassing their $100 million fundraising goal! On Thursday, KQED Forum held a live broadcast with East Oakland community leaders and members of the 40×40 Council discussing the groundbreaking initiative to drive systemic change — with a focus on education, public safety, housing, health, and wellness. Rise East, led by the 40×40 Council, will inject $100 million of privately raised funds into a 40-square-block section of East Oakland over a 10-year period. The 40×40 Council is composed of four neighborhood anchors including: Roots Community Health, Black Cultural Zone, East Oakland Youth Development Center, and the Brotherhood of Elders Network. During the live broadcast and press conference, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee made a surprise appearance to express her support and excitement for the plan. Listen to the live broadcast here and read more on KQED.
“The Reparations, Power, and Healing Convening was created with love, joy, and the unstoppable spirit of liberation to bring together hundreds of people committed to supporting the movement for reparations in California and strengthening our community,” said Quinton Sankofa of the Brotherhood of Elders Network. Hundreds gathered in downtown Oakland to celebrate culture, build power, and deepen their commitment to healing. Organized by the Brotherhood of Elders Network’s Bese Saka Initiative and East Bay Community Foundation’s ASCEND: BLO, the three-day event included service projects and wellness activities across the Bay Area. Organizers also awarded $2,000 mini-grants to 10 local nonprofits, injecting $20,000 into vital community work. Check out more here.
More than 400 people with old conviction records, along with community advocates and public officials, gathered at Oakland’s 4th Annual Bay Area Student Barber Expo and Expungement Clinic. Held at the Bridge Yard, the event combined a high-energy hairstyling and braiding competition with an expungement clinic where over 200 Californians successfully began clearing their records. Hosted by Californians for Safety and Justice and Bay Area Community Resources in partnership with A1 Barber Shop, the event gave residents from San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties access to free legal help. “Helping people regain family stability and economic security must be a key pillar of any comprehensive safety strategy,” said Tinisch Hollins, Executive Director of Californians for Safety and Justice.
“When we bar people from things like jobs, housing and educational opportunities because of a past mistake, we destabilize individuals and entire communities. When people are allowed to move forward and thrive, we are all safer.” The expo is part of a statewide push to help 250,000 people expunge old convictions. Blending style with second chances, the experience celebrated local talent while opening doors to brighter futures.
Over 300 Californians joined forces with We Are California in a powerful 12-hour solidarity fast this week, standing shoulder to shoulder with eight multi-day fasters to send a loud and clear message to Congress: Don’t Starve CA! This bold action called out California lawmakers who are backing brutal federal cuts to essential programs. Despite the solidarity, the House of Representatives voted Thursday to cut $4.5 trillion worth of funding for critical life-saving programs to health care, food assistance, education, childcare, veteran benefits and more. Read more here.