Students’ Lives
After 13-Year Absence Antoinette Porter. Courtesy photo. By Antoinette Porter
Church Outreach/Events Director
I eagerly anticipate featuring your church’s “Good News” commu-
nity events, and calendar of events.
Please feel free to reach out to me via email at aporter@postnewsDis
Good News Editor, Antoinette Porter Returns
group.com for any “Good submissions. AfterNews” 13-Year AbsenceAdditionally, ... see pageyou 2 can contact me directly at Courtesy 510-992-1158. Antoinette Porter. photo. I look forward to hearing from you! By Antoinette Porter
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:
After 27 Years, Dee Johnson of Lend A Hand Foundation is Still Making Difference in Students’ Lives
Ms. Eunice R. McDonald is Celebrating 100 Years of Life!
Ms.born Eunice R.on McDonald is Celebrating She was April 16, 1924 100 Years of Life! ... see page 2 and has 12 remaining children.
Ms. Eunice R. McDonald is Celebrating Calendar of Events 100 Years of Life!
After 27 Years, Dee Johnson of Lend A Hand Foundation is Still Making Difference in Students’ Lives ... see page 2
Nvidia CEO Unveils Processing System Named for Black Mathematician... see page 8
Oakland Post
Church Outreach/Events Director
Dee Johnson. Courtesy photo. By Antoinette Porter
1999, 150,000 supply kits have nity events, and calendar of events. In 1997, Dee Johnson, along been distributed. LAHF now supwith her late God-Sister Betty ports Community Closets, which Please feel free to reach out to me via email at aporter@postnewsDimmer Cutrer, founded the Lend will house snacks/food, clothing, group.com for any “Good News” submissions. Additionally, you can A Hand Foundation (LAHF). The toiletries, school supplies, and March 29, 6 p.m. — Good Friday Service, Seven Last Words contact me directly at 510-992-1158. first mission of love provided over other items as needed at several Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME Church I look forward to hearing from you! 100 children at the Henry Rob- elementary schools and a few midSpeakers: Bishop Charley Hames, Jr., Rev. Antoine Shyne, Rev. Elliott T. Ivey, Sr., Dr. Rodney “Where there is noSmith, vision, the people perish...”photo. Proverbs 29:18 Johnson. Courtesy insonDee Multi-Service Center with dle schools. That is the impact this Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr., Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, and Rev. Aaron T. Macklin of God has onsupply her commu1999, 150,000 kits have By baskets. Antoinette Easter A Porter former foster woman postnewsgroup.com nity. been distributed. LAHF now supparent for nine years, community March 30, 1-3 p.m. — Friends of Negro Spirituals – Annual Membership Meeting In 1997, Dee Johnson, along Dee has receivedClosets, several volunteer, a mentor and devoted ports Community which West Oakland Library, 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland with her late God-Sister Betty awards and recognition including parent was all the experience she will house snacks/food, clothing, Contact information: P.O. Box 71956 Oakland, CA 94612 ~ 510-869-4359. Dimmer Cutrer, founded the Lend War- and needed: She Foundation was answering the Thethe Jefferson toiletries,Award, schoolImpact supplies, A Hand (LAHF). March 29, 6 p.m. — Good Friday Service, Seven Last Words riorsother from items the Golden State atWarApril 7, 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. — Music at the Vineyard - Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma call from God. as needed several first mission of love provided over Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME Church riors,elementary Madam CJ Walker AdvoThe organization has grown to Theta Sorority, Inc.’s 20th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser schools and a few mid100 children at the Henry RobSpeakers: Bishop Charley Hames, Jr., Rev. Antoine Shyne, Rev. Elliott T. Ivey, Sr., Dr. Rodney Smith, cacydle Award, SanThat Francisco 49ers this having a nine-member board of dischools. is the impact Casa Real Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA inson Multi-Service Center with Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr., Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, and Rev. Aaron T. Macklin Award, rectors with baskets. a seven-member advi-fosterQuarterback woman of God has onNational her commuMore information: Home | Hayward-Tri-City (deltahaywardtricity.org) Easter A former Coalition of Negro Women Presisory parent board, afor team of ambassadors, nine years, community nity. March 30, 1-3 p.m. — Friends of Negro Spirituals – Annual Membership Meeting recognition and other community partners. In dent’s Award, Dee has received from several Northern California West Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America ~ Choir Events volunteer, a mentor and devoted Oakland Library, 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland OUSD, and many more. its 27th year of giving, Johnson has awards and recognition including parent was all the experience she 13, 11 a.m. Imani Groce Memorial Service ContactApril information: P.O.— Box 71956 Oakland, CA 94612 ~ 510-869-4359. Johnson is a member of Sigma spearheaded 25-year, needed: aShe was successful answering the the Jefferson Award, Impact WarEmmanuel Baptist Church, 467 N. White Road, San Jose Gamma Theta Sigma Stay In School Program which riors Rho, from Beta the Golden State WarApril 7, 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. — Music at the Vineyard - Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter of DeltaCourtesy Sigma photo.call from God. Fre’Drisha Dixon. Chapter and a member of Bethel covers their well-known BackApril 20, 5-8 p.m.— “Choirs United” riors, Madam CJ Walker AdvoThe organization has grown to Theta Sorority, Inc.’s 20th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Missionary Baptist Church, Oak-49ers to-School giveaway, Community Parks Chapel AME Church, 476 Fourth Street, Oakland cacy Award, San Francisco having a nine-member board of diCasa Real Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA CA under theAward, leadershipNational of Closets (new), andadvi-land,Quarterback rectors with scholarships, a seven-member More April information: Home Hayward-Tri-City (deltahaywardtricity.org) 21 – 5 p.m. — |Third Sunday Night Concert Rev.Coalition Frank Darby, Jr. youth activities. of Negro Women Presisory board, a team of ambassadors, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 831 So. 43rd Street, Richmond more information aboutfrom Working with the In For dent’s Award, recognition and other closely community partners. Northern California Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America ~ Choir Events A Hand please visit - www. Oakland Unified School District hasLendOUSD, and many more. its 27th year of giving, Johnson April 27 – 1April p.m.13, — 11 Rev. Kermit Dearman Year Anniversary a.m. — Imani Groce 1st Memorial Service lendahandfoundation.org. (OUSD), goala isStatewide to provide atPartnership Johnson is a member of Sigma By Ken Epstein tion,thethe spearheaded 25-year, successful Star Bethel Baptist Church, 5800 467 San Pablo Avenue, Emmanuel Baptist Church, N. White Road,Oakland San Jose can Rho, reachBeta Johnson at leastStay 10,000 students with their Gamma Theta Sigma In School Program which You Oakland Post for Local School Control, which info@lendhandfoundation.org. educational supply kits. Since Chapter and a member of Bethel covers their well-known BackI eagerly anticipate featuring your church’s “Good News” commu-
March andShe April was born on April 16, 1924 and has 12 remaining children. Calendar of Events March and April
Weekly Edition. Edition. March 27 - April 2, 2024
New Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell Is Ready to ‘Get to Work’ In the Community
61st Year, No. 13
Divisions Over Prop 1 Continue in the Bay Area After Measure Passes With Narrow Margin
Parents Call for Law to Protect CA Public Schools from State-Imposed Takeovers, Closures, and Forced Austerity
April 20, 5-8 p.m.— “Choirs United”
Incoming Chief Floyd Mitchell gives remarks during his introductory Parent organizers in Oakland Parks Chapel AME Church, 476 Fourth Street, Oakland and across California are in an uppress conference. Photo by Magaly Muñoz. April 21 – 5 p.m. — Third Sunday Night Concert hill battle against state politicians “WeChurch, know 831 that So. the 43rd past Street, severalRichmond By Magaly Muñoz Pilgrim Rest Baptist in both political parties, who have years have been very challenging for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in- — Rev. Kermit Dearman 1st Year participated in seizing control of April 27 – 1 p.m.our Anniversary Thao said. troduced the new Oakland Police Baptistcity,” school districts from Black and Star Bethel Church, 5800 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland Since the onset of the pandemic, Chief Floyd Mitchell during a press Brown communities, suspending conference at City Hall on Wednes- reports of business closures all over or curtailing the authority of local the city, distrust in law enforcement, day afternoon. school boards to enforce budget Mitchell, who previously served a rise of retail and violent crimes, cuts, school closures, and force the as police chief for four years in the housing and homelessness crisis, sale of public-school property to Lubbock, Texas, was announced as and overall public safety have been real estate developers. the new leader of Oakland Police of large concern in the community. Districts that have been imThao cited Mitchell’s experiDepartment (OPD) in a statement pacted locally by measures like last Friday by Thao. She described ence in prevention and intervention these include Oakland, Richmond, him as a “strong leader” and “smart strategies and how he was able to Vallejo, South Monterey County, bring down crimes as former chief crime fighter who delivers results.” and Inglewood. Nationally, over The appointment comes after a in Texas, as reasoning for selecting 1,000 predominately Black and year without a police chief due to him out of the four candidates she Brown school districts have faced Thao’s decision to fire former chief was presented in late February. She similar threats. LeRonne Armstrong for alleged expressed that she was confident that A statewide parent organizamishandling of misconduct charges Mitchell would deliver results to the issues plaguing the city. against a police officer. According to data released by The police department was being overseen by Interim Chief Darren Thao’s office, during Mitchell’s Allison, who Thao thanked for his tenure as chief in Lubbock, the city saw overall crime decrease by 5% in year of service and leadership. The mayor emphasized her com- 2020 and 2021 before rising by 7%. “He’s not flashy, but he will roll mitment to prioritizing public safety as a top concern in her administra- up his sleeves and do the real work tion, acknowledging the rise of to ensure our community’s success,” crimes that Oakland has seen since Thao said. Continued on page 10 2020.
is connected to Parent Voices Ac-
to-School giveaway, Community Missionary Baptist Church, Oaktion, is pushing for a new state Homeless encampments in West Oakland. Proposition 1 will allow Closets (new), scholarships, and land, CA under the leadership of law. The California Public School allocation of $6.4 billion towards mental health services, out Rev. Frankfor Darby, Jr. youth activities. Sovereignty Act would protect loand in-patient treatment, and housing for the chronically unhoused For more information about Working closely with the cal districts these draconian Lend A Hand please visit www. Oakland Unifiedfrom School District individuals. Photo by Magaly Muñoz. measures someat backers lendahandfoundation.org. (OUSD), the has goal found is to provide Newsom, who celebrated the Byreach Magaly Muñoz You can Johnson at least 10,000 students with theirnot from in the Legislature, though info@lendhandfoundation.org. educational supply kits. Since senators or assembly members California’s Proposition 1, bill’s passing in Los Angeles at
from the most impacted districts. Local districts are taken over because state officials ostensibly seek to install responsible financial practices and resolve the districts’ budget shortfalls. But experience shows that once these districts fall under state control, they never seem to get out of their financial hole and end up facing a decadeslong series of austerity-driven cuts to educational programs as well as Continued on page 10
The Importance of Women of Color in Medicine
Photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente. By Magaly Muñoz
Holly Martinez, executive director of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Photo courtesy of the CCSWG.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:
A Q&A With the Executive Director of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
By Magaly Muñoz
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Post spoke to Holly Martinez, the executive director of the CA Commission of the Status of Women and Girls, to get her insight on her role in politics and advice for young girls looking to follow her path. Martinez is a CSU Sacramento
graduate and currently resides in the city with her family. Prior to her role on the commission, she was the director of Programs and Advocacy at the California State Parks Foundation, the director of CalEITC4Me, served as director of AmeriCorps at California Volunteers’ Office of the Governor, and Continued on page 10
Black Women Making History as U.S. Ambassadors
U.S. Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.) shares the accomplishments of Black women in service to the U.S. Department of State from the 1960s to the present. See page 9 to read Davis’ account of these luminaries, including former Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice. American Foreign Service Association photo.
Women’s History Month is a significant time for people around the world to celebrate and honor the remarkable contributions that women from all walks of life have contributed to our history and our future. Physicians at Kaiser Permanente East Bay emphasized the importance of having women of color in medicine and STEM related fields because patients benefit from seeing themselves represented in their
healthcare teams. Dr. Nailah Thompson, Internal Medicine specialist at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, practices what she calls “culturally humble care” when treating her patients, rather than relying on a ‘culturally competent’ approach, because it allows for her to learn from them instead of assuming she knows what’s best based on her own culture biases. Continued on page 10
which allows financial changes to how the state addresses mental health, substance abuse and housing, narrowly passed with 50.2% of the vote. But division continues over how the law will affect a highly vulnerable population in the state. About $6.4 billion will be allocated to expand California’s substance abuse and mental health services, with $4.4 billion earmarked for the construction of over 11,150 in-patient treatment beds and supportive housing units and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots. The remainder of the funds will be directed toward permanent housing, specifically for veterans facing mental health challenges. The proposition mandates counties to use more of their funding towards housing for chronically unhoused individuals. The mental health law was strongly backed by Gov. Gavin
a press conference detailing the step forward that this measure represents for the state’s behavioral health system. “This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before,” Newsom said. “Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform – working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.” Despite these positive steps, there is still doubt coming from Bay Area organizations about whether this law will effectively address the mental health and homelessness crisis. James Burch, deputy director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, Continued on page 10
Celebrating 90 Years of Sisterhood
BART Boardmember Lateefah Simon, left, was the guest speaker and KRON news reporter Cheryl Hurd was the MC at the Berkeley chapter of the Deltas celebrated their 90th anniversary. Photos by Auintard Henderson. See page 2.
Elaine Brown. Courtesy of The Guardian. The Black Panther (pictured rightis an affordable housing development, located at Seventh and Campbell streets in West Oakland, that supports very low-income and formerly incarcerated individuals. Courtesy image.
Black Lives Matter Announces $1 Million Contribution to Elaine Brown’s West Oakland Project
By Post Staff
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Black Lives Matter has announced a $1 million contribution to support the work of Elaine Brown and her organization, Oakland & the World Enterprises (OAW). Black Lives Matter has pledged to help launch and sustain a campaign to raise millions more to implement Brown’s model to advance Black community wealth and
self-determination and, ultimately, build a pathway to freedom. This campaign was launched at a private celebration on March 26. In 2015, Brown, as CEO of OAW, acquired a license from the City of Oakland to develop a property at Seventh and Campbell streets in West Oakland in pursuit of her mission to create for-profit businesses for cooperative ownership by forContinued on page 10
Cosmopolitan Baptist Church Women Impact Their Communities
Gwendolyn Webber (left) and Janie Feathers of Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Oakland. Photo by Antoinette Porter. See story on page 2.