APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. _______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE
RESOLUTION IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY AND FUTURE
MONTH IN FEBRUARY 2024 BY HONORING BLACK CHANGE-
MAKERS IN THE CITY OF OAKLAND WORKING TOWARDS A
TRANSFORMATIVE FUTURE THAT SEEKS TO DISMANTLE
OPPRESSIVE SYSTEMS AND ADVANCE TRUE LIBERATION,
SAFETY, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, Black History Month provides us th e opportunity to recognize the innumerable achievements, contributions, and im pact of Black people, while acknowledging the extensive work that still needs to be done to address the fact that the Black community in the City of Oakland and across the nation continues to grapple with racist structures that perpetuate inequality in housing, education, health care, jobs and more; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that the history of Black people in this country is the history of this country; from chattel slaver y and emancipation to Jim Crow policies of segregation and the enduring fight for socioeconomic justice; and
WHEREAS, the vestiges of these oppressive system s remain to this day and in spite of the injustice, inequality, and brutality that Bl ack people in America have faced and still face, they continue to serve and adva nce their communities and this nation as innovators, educators, leaders, organizers, activists, artists and so much more; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the following individuals a nd organizations for their work to help shape a better Oakland; and
WHEREAS, District 1 hereby recognizes honoree Ali Rasheed for his work helping those in underserved communities build better liv es for themselves. Ali has served with many organizations in Oakland incl uding SPAAT, the Sparkpoint Ce nter, Oakland Unite Street Services, and Center Point Inc. These groups have been invaluable to our city with SPAAT and Oakland Unite working to help young Oakland resi dents steer themselves on the right path and into advanced education and jobs going forward. A li Rasheed led the efforts of Center Point Inc. in Oakland has been invaluable in our city pr oviding rehabilitation and treatment services to combat issues such as substance abuse, po verty and homelessness. Center Point Inc’s rehabilitation services for those formerly incar cerated, have been proved to reduce instances of substance abuse, relapse and recidivism among t hose who participated in the program. We can’t 3330998/LL 2
thank Ali Rasheed enough for his work here, and we hope to honor his legacy of service here in Oakland by prioritizing the initiative he has worked on throughout his career.
WHEREAS, District 2 recognizes Dr. Tanisha Cannon for her work as a cultural strategist where she focused on the creation of safe and equitable spaces for all community members at Lake Merritt, with an emphasis on engagement with vendors who have historically been present at the Lake. Through her work, she in itiated equitable shifts in the way the city understands its own role in governing public space, its perceived impacts on vendors who are Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, and how the city supports vendors in policy and practice, while also increasing understanding be tween different groups of people who use the Lake.
Dr. Cannon believes in the power of civic e ngagement and community organizing to drive meaningful change. She is the managing director at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and has worked in government and nonprofit organi zations. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State East Bay. Dr . Cannon ensures that he r work is guided by empathy, respect, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. She seeks to create a space that recognizes and va lues the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, fostering an environment that promotes equity, justice, and positive change.
WHEREAS, District 3 is proud to honor Rashida Chase. A performing vocalist, artist advocate, and Oakland native whose artistic pa lette has expanded to include real estate development; Rashida Chase is fo cused on building out the East Ba y for future generations. Her unwavering commitment to promoting equitabl e growth and development for underrepresented communities in Oakland and around the world is evident in her work as an artist, as the director of AMP Oakland (a curated performance series and cultural placemaking initiative piloted in Downtown Oakland), and as a Masters candidate for Real Estate Development and Design at UC Berkeley, and an Arcus Social Justice Fellow.
As a dedicated advocate for art, wellness, and culture, Chase has a distinguished history of community organizing and a wealth of experience with organizations founded by both artists and community members including working with local activists to increase cultural funding and reinstate the Cultural Affairs Commission, servi ng as a grant panelist for Oakland’s Cultural Funding program, being chosen as a participant in the Creatives in Place program, serving on the inaugural Artist Council for Bridge Live Ar ts, and founding Libera ted Culture, a cultural enterprise that supports local artists and works to repair intergenerational gaps.
Deeply rooted in Oakland, Rashida actively works to protect and preserve the authen tic culture of Oakland and believes in the importance of creating pathways for up-and-coming artists. She is excited to be on the Advisory Board for he r alma mater, Skyline High School's, Visual and Performing Arts Academy, enjoys being a mentor for a young artist with Young Climate Leaders of Color, and a community partner with School Partners USA, a Thrive Collective initiative.
WHEREAS, District 4 is proud to honor Karega Bailey, a prominent activist, educator, and artist whose work emphasizes healing and mental well-being for Black men and families. He challenges societal norms through the power of art and activism through compassion, love, and self-discovery. Karega is the lead vocalist of SOL Development, a hip-hop, jazz, and soul ensemble, whose latest album Legacy Talks focuse s on promoting self-care. Karega and his wife Felicia are the co-authors of SOL Affirmati ons, an affirmation book that has fostered transformative safe spaces for collectives of artists.
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Karega serves as the Dean of Culture at Roses in Concrete, a K-8 school in Oakland that aims to disrupt urban poverty and violence through educa tion and a holistic model of care and support services for young people. Throughout his career, Karega’s message has been one of peace and centering compassion, emotional ba lance, and personal wellness. His most recent project has been starting the Men’s Wellness Fellowship, a community space for men of color to promote emotional balance and redefine perceptions of masculinity.
WHEREAS, District 5 is honoring Paul Cobb, publisher, and editor of the Oakland Post Newspaper, since 2004. When Mr. Cobb purchas ed the city-wide news paper, he made a commitment to print stories that impact the African American community, while acknowledging and not excluding stories of other race and ethnic ities, recognizing that many social issues are experienced by multiple communities.
A long-time civil rights activist in West Oakl and, Paul Cobb once led the Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal. He also served as a mayoral appointee to of the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education alongside Councilmember Noel Gallo.
WHEREAS, District 6 honors The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center which was founded by Oakland community organizers under the leadership of longtime community activist and Oakland resident, Ira Jinkins. After years of organizing major region-wide commemorations of Dr. King’s life and work, lead ership from that body determined that an organization dedicated to carrying out the pr inciples which guided Dr. King, would provide valuable community uplift in the nettlesome task of navigating impacts of race divides, poverty, and violence affecting schools and communities. The Martin Luther King Jr Freedom Center shares a longstanding partnership with the Pera lta Community Colleges District (PCCD) and is housed at Merritt College.
WHEREAS, District 7 is honoring Charles ‘Chuck’ Johnson: a producer, entrepreneur, activist, hip-hop curator, and community leader. As the new CEO of the Soul Beat Entertainment Network, Johnson is committed to continuing th e legacy of Oakland’s first Black-owned television network. Established in 1978, Soul B eat is a multi-generational multimedia platform that preserves the history, culture, and spirit of Oakland in today’s fast-moving world.
Throughout his career, Chuck has established media companies such as The Chuck Johnson Company and co-founded The Town Business Network and The Ultimate Gaming League.
Johnson has worked with an extensive list of hi gh-profile clients, including BET, Showtime, Spike TV, and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. In addition, Johnson served as the Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Community Task Force for Sports and Entertainment, developing recommendations for cultivating Oakland as a growing entertainm ent destination, expanding public safety, and bridging barriers to communication with Oakland youth. Johnson has also taken on a new role to serve as District 7's 2024 Cultural Strategist in Government. We honor Chuck for his dedication to and leadership in the Oakland community and proudly nom inate him as District 7's 2024 Black History Month honoree.
WHEREAS, The At Large Office is honoring the late Eddie R. Dillard , who passed away on December 21, 2023, was a stalwart advocat e for small minority owned businesses has left an indelible mark on not just Oakland, but the entire Bay and beyond. Mr. Dillard’s passion for advocating for small minority-owned busin esses was kindled in 1980 as the Northern California Delegate for the first White House Conference on Small Business Development under then President Jimmy Carter in Washington, D.C. His pivotal role in the City of Oakland’s 3330998/LL 4
Office of Economic Development laid the groundwork for minority businesses to flourish. As the meticulous steward of HUD’s $25 million loan progr am for 15 years, Mr. Dillard helped shape Oakland’s economic landscape into one of opportunity and growth. He cemented his legacy and love for all things Oakland when he estab lished the Oakland Black Board of Trade and Commerce, where as President and CEO, Mr. Dilla rd transformed the prospects of local Black contractors, aiding them in securing over $100 million in contracts.
His efforts, however, were not confined to th e boardroom: Mr. Dillard’s voice resonated in the corridors of power to influence policy to refl ect the needs and aspirations of communities he championed. At the State Department of Tran sportation and on the BA RT Small Business Advisory Committee, Mr. Dillard was a force fo r change, significantly increasingly minority contract participation and pioneering inclusive labor agreements. His consultancy work with nonprofits and major construction firms further extended his impact, leaving a legacy of inclusive business practices that resonate to this day. We celebrate the life of Eddie R. Dillard, a true titan and trailblazer. His memory inspires us to continue the work with the same tenancy and integrity he exemplified throughout his remarkable life.
WHEREAS, the Office of the Mayor is honoring Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson- Briscoe, a proud Oakland native and founder of the Bl ack Food & Wine Experience. Chef Mimi passionately merges Black culture and food to cr eate extraordinary culinary experiences and has dedicated herself to exploring the intersection of food, social justice, and entertainment for over a decade. As a board member for the Oakland Af rican American Chamber of Commerce, Chef Mimi is working to support other Black women-owned businesses cement themselves in Oakland and find lasting success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council, in celebration of Black History and Future Month 2024, hereby recognizes Ali Rasheed, Dr. Tanisha Cannon, Rashida Chase, Karega Bailey, Paul Cobb, The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Cent er, Charles ‘Chuck’ Johnson, Eddie R. Dillard, and Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe for their exemplary work a nd contribution towards a safer, healthier, and more equitable Oakland; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: The City of Oakland commits to working towards a transformative future that seeks to dismantle oppressive systems and a dvance true liberation, safety, and opportunities in our community.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California