“Oaklanders demand — and deserve — transparency, accountability, and results. With the help of these dynamic leaders and residents, this is what we will deliver together.” Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee unveiled a powerhouse transition team of political veterans, business execs, and community leaders to help drive her ambitious 10-point plan for the city. In this San Francisco Chronicle article, Mayor-elect Lee states the team will tackle urgent issues from homelessness to public safety, boost small businesses, and forge key public-private partnerships. “For all of Oakland, I want to thank those who have agreed to serve — and am filled with gratitude for your leadership and support, which will help Oakland turn the next chapter.”
“I want to make this city livable – make it clean, make it safe, for everyone.” In her first sit down interview since winning the special election, Mayor-elect Lee told KTVU’s Greg Lee that public safety stands at the forefront of her agenda, and she is ready to double down on urgent priorities from her 10-point plan. Change Consulting was proud to support Mayor-elect Lee’s historic, 100+day campaign as media relations lead. Learn more about the campaign here.
“It’s just a community that needs to be restored.” Jasmin Shupper, Founder of Pasadena-based Greenline Housing Foundation (GHF) reflected growing concern among residents in Altadena facing a surge of developers rushing in after the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in January—causing fear of gentrification and displacement – in the Los Angeles Times. GHF is one of many organizations looking to mitigate those economic pressures. Backed by the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund, launched by the California Black Freedom Fund in collaboration with the California Community Foundation, GHF and fellow grantees are on the ground, delivering critical support to Black communities impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. For more information or to make a donation to the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund, please visit blackla.cablackfreedomfund.org or text BlackLA to 707070. See the full list of grantees here.
This week, Essie Justice Group demonstrated once again the power of women with incarcerated loved ones, especially when they organize. In honor of the annual Black Mama’s Bail Out action, part of the National Bail Out campaign, Essie worked to bail out four Black mamas ahead of this upcoming Mother’s Da, providing each with critical reentry support. This year, Essie released The Hidden Heart of Reentry – a first-of-its-kind report highlighting the impact of pretrial detention and the bail system on Black mothers and of 8 years of Black Mama’s Bail Out actions. Since its inaugural year, Change Consulting has provided Essie with strategic communications support to lift up Black Mama’s Bail Out Day and Essie’s leadership. Watch this year’s emotional journey here and check out Fiona Apple’s music video for her new song, “Pretrial (Let Her Go Home),” which features stories from women impacted by pretrial detention but helped by Black Mamas Bail Out.
Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible individuals who nurture, support, and fill our lives with love, strength, and endless inspiration! We celebrate YOU – the heart and soul of every family. Thank you for every hug, every laugh, and every sacrifice.