COMMENTARY: ‘I Have a Dream,’ MLK Says We’re Owed a Check Too ... see page 2
Dr. Patricia Bath: A Legacy of Visionary Achievements ... see page 4
Acknowledging Our Ancestars is Good for Our Souls ... see page 7
What Are School Teachers Thinking? Report Gives Insights ... see page 8
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
Weekly Edition. Edition. August 30 - September 5, 2023
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Giving Back is a Manifestation of the Heart
Racist Bomb Threat Forces Evacuation of Chabot Elementary School
KRON4 reported the racist bomb threat against Chabot Elementary School in North Oakland. By Ken Epstein Chabot Elementary School in the Rockridge District of North Oakland was evacuated Tuesday after receiving a racist bomb threat and “multiple threatening emails, phone calls and social media posts,” according to statements released by the Oakland Unified School District. The threats came in response to an on-campus “Playdate” organized by Chabot’s Equity and Inclusion Committee last Saturday,
“which was intended to build and promote positive affinity spaces for students and families of color,” wrote OUSD Supt. Kyla JohnsonTrammell, in an email to the public-school community. These incidents are being taken seriously by the school district and the Oakland Police Department, and the FBI is “now involved in this active investigation,” wrote the superintendent. The bomb threat and threatenContinued on page 10
San Diego Supervisor Nora Vargas Endorses Barbara Lee for Senate First Latina Chair of SD Board of Supervisors Supports Lee’s Historic Campaign for Senate
Nora Vargas. Courtesy photo.
Supervisor Nora Vargas, the first Latina ever to Chair the San Diego Board of Supervisors, has endorsed Barbara Lee for Senate, the Lee campaign announced. “As a healthcare and education champion I am thrilled to support Congresswoman Barbara Lee for US Senate,” said Vargas. “She is exactly the type of ad-
vocate Californians need in the US Senate. Her track record of always tackling the tough issues while lifting people up and making sure everyone’s voice is heard is what we need from our next Senator. I am very excited to endorse Barbara Lee for US Senate and to work with her to advance our communities.” Vargas was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2020 and quickly became known as a champion for veterans, children, and seniors. She is also the co-chair of the county’s COVID-19 subcommittee, chair of the San Diego Association of Governments Transportation Committee, as well as of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, and a member of the California Air Resources Board. Continued on page 10
Reform Advocates Applaud Alameda County’s DA for Prioritizing Youth Rehabilitation
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price By Post Staff The Alameda County DA Accountability Table (ACDAAT), a coalition made up of 10 community-based organizations, is praising Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price’s office for investing in keeping children within the juvenile justice system rather than sending them to adult incarceration. In Alameda County, youth who
remain in the juvenile system are more likely to benefit from ageappropriate rehabilitation opportunities such as restorative justice programs, educational opportunities, and trade and certification programs, as well as progress reviews in court every six months, services that better prepare youth to re-enter as contributing members in the community. Research shows that prosecuting youth as adults is racially discriminatory, harmful, and disruptive to youth development. Youth in the adult system face longer and harsher sentences, are less likely to receive age-appropriate care and services and are more likely to be re-arrested than youth who stay in the juvenile system, according to a press statement issued by ACDAAT. The ACDAAT Coalition supContinued on page 10
60th Year, No. 33
Pastor Phyllis Scott talked about the need for Oakland to support antiviolence programs with jobs with community leader Samantha Wise and her granddaughter Izabella Scott as they attended the citywide revival at Good Hope Baptist. Photo by JonathanfitnessJones
Where is Oakland’s Outrage for One Mother’s Child?
By Pastor Phyllis Scott Special to The Post
It was like any other Monday. I would, like many Oaklanders, get up, have my coffee and prepare my granddaughter for school. But little did I know that this particular Monday and the events that followed would forever be etched in my mind and heart, affect me unlike any Monday For on this day in August, I would open my front door to police officers, yellow crime tape and the body of an unidentified young, Black woman lying dead in the streets of a residential area of East Oakland. She was somebody’s daughter, somebody’s, sister, even somebody’s mother but on this Monday, she was just another unidentified dead woman in Oakland. She was left on the streets, wrapped in a sheet. She had been pushed into hedges with a mattress pressed against her nude body. No one knew her name. No one seemed shocked as windows and doors closed so as not to see the horror lying in front of them. Is this the new norm? Is there no outrage? Have we become numb to the lawlessness that is plaguing our city? This is a human rights issue! A
right for every citizen in Oakland to be able to live a healthy and vibrant life. To walk the streets without fear of being assaulted. To drive their car without being carjacked. To live in your home without fear of home invasion. And every woman, daughter, sister, wife, should not fear being beaten, killed and wrapped in a sheet and left on the streets like garbage. Where is the OUTRAGE? It is a shame to have to do this butHave a Safety Plan • Keep doors and windows locked • While on the streets be aware of your surroundings • Don’t walk alone — Walk with someone • Walk with keys in your hand until you reach your destination • Be aware of those around you while at an ATM Become an Oakland Community Chaplain and learn how to protect yourself and your community. For more information on how you can become an Oakland Community Chaplain contact 510-6887437, or email oaklanccimmunitychaplains@gmail.com
Speaking at Good Hope Baptist, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Promotes Community Initiatives
(L-R) Carde Taylor, Mistah F.A.B. and Richard Johnson. Photos by JonathanfitnessJones
By Richard Johnson
Under the warm rays of the sun, Stanley “Mista” Cox orchestrated his annual back-to-school backpack giveaway at the 44th and Linden Park in North Oakland. The event, a heartfelt endeavor, saw a diverse crowd of people coming together to partake in a day of celebration and community bonding. Attendees of diverse genders, races, ages, and political orientations gathered not only to receive school supplies but also to exchange positive thoughts and ideas that stimulate the mind and nurture growth. Known as a prominent figure in the community, Mr. Fab’s sense of pride, love, and generosity has left a mark on the fabric of time. His actions have become a guiding example for all to emulate, highlighting the importance of giving back to one’s community. Such values resonate deeply with me as the founder and CEO of Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping and giving back. FIGB is committed to serving the community it originates from, and it finds great pleasure in collaborating with individuals like Mr. Fab who embody the true essence of giving back. I had the honor of contributing a substantial number of donated books, many of which were geared towards children. This gesture underscores the collective responsibility to nurture healthy minds and bodies in the upcoming generation.
Some of our elected officials and other public personalities such as State Senator Nancy Skinner, Oakland City Councilman Kevin Jenkins, and other distinguished individuals came to engage and support the cause. We have a responsibility not only to ourselves but also to invest in the younger generation because they will inevitably shape the future. In a world increasingly dominated by the promise of artificial intelligence (AI), the human intellect and spirit of giving back and caring for others must remain foremost. While machines are tools operated by humans, it is the innate power of the human mind that propels progress. The potential for a brighter future lies within the collective efforts of the people, and it is essential to provide the upcoming generation with the tools, resources, and most importantly, the knowledge required to lead society forward. Given the difficulties we are now experiencing in this postCOVID era, we must recognize that the present cannot serve as a blueprint for the future. Instead, it is imperative to equip the youth with the determination and skills necessary to elevate society to new heights. FIGB emphasizes that the prospect of better days hinges on the dedication of individuals to pave the way for success. In a world driven by change, the human mind remains the ultimate force to usher mankind through its journey of progress.
Genesis Worship Center to Hold Community Safety Meeting for Oakland on Sept. 9
Oakland, California – Genesis Worship Center, 2708 Ritchie Street, Oakland, CA 94605, we will be hosting a Community Safety Meeting with local city officials on Sat., Sept. 9, 2023, from (l-r) Pastor Ray Lankford, Mayor Sheng Thao, Rev. Joe Smith and Rev. 12 noon to 2 p.m. Lawrence Van Hook gathered in Smith’s office prior to her speech at This meeting is sponsored by new Hope Baptist Church to pray for peace and solutions for Oakland’s Bishop George Matthews, and it citizens. Photo by jonathanfitnessjones is open to residents of Oakland who are interested in learning By Ken Epstein bringing together communities,” more about how to keep their community safe. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, she said. Privately funded, Rise East will The meeting will provide an speaking recently at Good Hope focus on an East Oakland commuopportunity for community memBaptist Church at 5717 Foothill nity known as “40x40,” – 40 blocks bers to interact with elected offiBlvd. in East Oakland, pledged to by 40 blocks, which run from Semicials and law enforcement agenbring new investments to the comnary Avenue to the Oakland-San cies. Some attendees will have the munity to improve the quality of Leandro border and from MacAropportunity to ask questions and lives and educational opportunities thur Boulevard to the Bay. This area voice their concerns about safety for Oakland residents. is home to the largest concentration in their neighborhoods. One initiative is Rise East – of Black residents (over 30,000) The goal of the meeting is to which is already funded with a $50 who remain in Oakland flatland foster a closer relationship bemillion matching grant that “will Continued on page 10 tween the community and city ofbe invested in Deep East Oakland,
ficials and work together to create a safer Oakland. Bishop Matthews is committed to making Oakland a safer place to live and work. He believes that by bringing together community members and city officials, we can work together to address the concerns of the community and create a safer environment. We encourage all residents of Oakland to attend this important meeting and take an active role in their community’s safety. For more information about the Community Safety Meeting, please contact Genesis Worship Center at (510) 633-8111 or visit our website at www.genesisworshipcenter.com. Bishop George A. Matthews, Genesis Worship Center
Alfreda Lyons-Campbell, GWC Church Administrator