APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
DRAFT
___________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER FIFE, COUNCILMEMBER BROWN,
COUNCILMEMBER HOUSTON, AND MAYOR JENKINS
RESOLUTION IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY AND FUTURES
MONTH IN FEBRUARY 2025 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 the opportunity to recognize the innumerable achievements, contributions, and impact 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 slavery and emancipation to Jim Crow policies of segregation and the enduring fight for socioeconomic justice; and
WHEREAS, the vestiges of these oppressive systems remain to this day and in spite of the injustice, inequality, and brutality that Black people in America have faced and still face, they continue to serve and advance their communities and this nation as innovators, educators, leaders, organizers, activists, artists and so much more; and
WHEREAS, in celebration of Black History and Futures Month 2025, we recognize the following individuals and organizations for their work to help shape a better Oakland; and WHEREAS, District 1 honors Martel Price, a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate for Oakland students, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to public education as an OUSD alumnus and lifelong Oakland resident, graduating from Skyline High School in 1992 before earning his Bachelor's Degree in American Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz; after initially joining a local trade union, he transitioned into education in 1999, dedicating 15 years to teaching—eight of those at Oakland Technical High School—before earning his Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from California State University East Bay, serving as the 9th grade Assistant Principal for six years, and ultimately being appointed Principal of Oakland Technical High School in the 2022-2023 academic year, where he continues to cultivate a positive, respectful, and student-centered learning environment, championing equity, academic excellence,
2 and access to rigorous college preparatory coursework, all while embracing the motto "I am OUSD" as both an alumnus and longtime educator, striving to ensure that every student, staff member, and parent feels heard, respected, and empowered within the Oakland Tech community; and
WHEREAS, District 2 honors Tracey Williams, founder & executive director of Urban University, has over 30 years of experience building upward mobility alongside impoverished and unhoused communities through workforce development collaborations, soft skills delivery, social enterprise and housing. In 1998, Tracey founded Urban University (UU), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, a social enterprise with deep roots in social change. UU focuses on one of Oakland’s most vulnerable populations - single mothers transitioning from public assistance and delivers its deepest impact through an ecosystem that includes jobs, support and housing. Inspired by its north star that “single mothers are pillars of love and resilience and hold value in their churches, workplaces and communities,”. UU delive rs Single Moms at Work, a 6 month transitional employment program held at urban furniture and boutique, its resale shop and employment social enterprise on Grand Avenue; operates a 6 month transitional housing program in partnership with the City of Oaklan d’s Family Homeless Challenge Grant and the Oakland Transitional Housing Alliance (with partners A Diamond In the Ruff and Oakland Elizabeth House); delivers a one month transitional housing program for single mothers and children with partner A Diamond in the Ruff, and now offers learning opportunities to the Grand/Lakeshore community through its newest endeavor, “The Workshop,” as a recent awardee of the California Rise Grant, the state’s first 25 million dollar investment in social enterprises led by individuals with lived experience. All of UU’s work is powered by a village, single mother leaders, a committed board of directors, trusted volunteers, neighbors and the Grand Ave small business community. UU received the Life Transformation Award by SAVE (Soldiers Against Violence Everywhere), at True Vine Ministries Church in West Oakland and a commendation from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors from Supervisor Keith Carson. Tracey is co-founder of the Oakland Transitional Housing Alliance; a new Advis or to the Grand Avenue Business Association, completed the REDF Accelerator Program, the Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurship at Stanford Graduate School of Business, & holds a degree in Liberal Studies. Above all, Tracey holds dear the testimony o f her hard-working mother, who later became incarcerated, along with the life skills gained raising two children solo while striving to create an organization that stands as a beacon of light in Oakland; and
WHEREAS, District 3 is proud to honor Barbara Millican Montgomery, a lifelong activist and public servant, committed to improving the lives of Oakland residents, particularly in the area of tenants’ rights and protections. Ms. Montgomery is a founding member and former President of the Acorn Housing Tenants Association, where she worked tirelessly to improve living conditions for residents of the Acorn Housing Development in West Oakland. Sh e served on the City of Oakland Enhanced Enterprise Community Policy Board under the Clinton Administration and co-chaired the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council. Ms. Montgomery is a Commissioner on the Oakland Housing Authority Board, a role she has held since 2011 and was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame for community service in 2008. In conjunction with her numerous advocacy and public service roles, Ms. Montgomery worked as a nurse for decades before her retirement. Ms. Montgomery has and continues to be a real change -maker in our City and her contributions to a more equitable and just Oakland cannot be overstated; and WHEREAS, District 4 Councilmember Janani Ramachandran is thrilled to honor Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith, a renowned Oakland -based artist and muralist whose work comes out of a
3 multicultural lens and is inspired by Afro -futurism, liberation and abstract surrealism. Wolfe - Goldsmith is the Creative Director of the Bay Area Mural Program, where she facilitates community engaged murals and teaches art to youth and adults. She has designed incredible murals both in Oakland and other cities, one of the most notable being the gorgeous two -story mural of women in the Black Panther Party in West Oakland, which highlights powerful female leaders during the movement – the mural received Historical Monument status. In addition, Rachel led a team of artists to create the 5th Story NFT art gallery, where murals can be viewed through augmented reality and converted into 3D pieces that will be sold on the blockchain network – this is part of her g round-breaking vision to help create wealth through art and help black and brown people move into a digitized reality. She is passionate about creating art and imagery that envisions a future of black people in power and joy for creating a better world; and WHEREAS, District 5 honors Bishop Bob Jackson, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a revered pastor, spiritual leader, and community advocate, widely recognized for his unwavering dedication to ministry, leadership, and service. As the founder and senior pastor of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland, California, he has profoundly shaped the spiritual and social fabric of the community Since establishing the church in 1984 with a small group of dedicated believers, he has led its remarkable growth, transforming it into one of t he largest and most vibrant congregations in the region. Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Jackson has dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalized and underserved, spearheading initiatives such as food distribution programs for families in need, a prison ministry to bring hope and redemption to incarcerated individuals, and housing and employment programs to support those experiencing homelessness or financial hardsh ip. Through his leadership, compassion, and tireless advocacy, Bishop Bob Jackson has left an enduring impact on the District 5 community and East Oakland, inspiring countless lives through faith and service; and WHEREAS, the At Large Office is proud to honor Hack the Hood for their work providing justice-centered data science education to transitional-age youth in Oakland. Hack the Hood uses technology education as a tool to prepare youth for career opportunities, and to f acilitate their engagement with social issues impacting them and their communities. Their programs serve Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and AAPI youth who experience the greatest barriers to tech -based learning and careers, providing pathways to long-term economic security and mobility. Hack the Hood has shown steadfast commitment and a unique approach to creating a more diverse Bay Area tech ecosystem. Their “Hustle”, “Build”, and “Drive” programs nurture students from the very basics of tech education, through complex data science topics, and towards long-term career pathways in tech. Their curriculum engages youth in a multitude of ways, including career exposure panels, workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and mentorship. Additionally, Hack the Hood pr ovides youth with stipends and free laptops to support their learning. Hack the Hood also plays a critical role in strengthening our community. Their learners explore how to build solutions to social problems using technology, skills the students then appl y to improve the well -being of their communities.
Hack the Hood also partners with local businesses and educational institutions, growing the network of organizations that contribute to the development of Oakland youth. Hack the Hood’s founders Zakiya Harr is, Susan Mernit, and Mary Fuller laid the groundwork for the impact that the organization has today. Moreover, Hack the Hood’s work today is made possible by the leadership of Samia Zuber, who has expanded the reach and impact of their programs since joining the organization in 2021. Hack the Hood is rooted in Oakland and will continue to be a crucial part of our infrastructure for supporting our youth; and
4 WHEREAS, Office of the Mayor is proud to honor Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley. Supervisor Nate Miley has dedicated his life to public service, advocating for open space preservation, healthcare access, public safety, and community empowerment; and throughout his tenure on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and Oakland City Council, he has championed innovative policies, including the nation’s first no -cost drug disposal ordinance and the successful passage of Measure A, which generates $100 milli on annually for vital healthcare programs; and in celebration of Black History Month, we honor his unwavering commitment to social justice, grassroots activism, and improving the lives of all residents in Alameda County ; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby recognizes Martel Price, Tracey Williams, Barbara Millican Montgomery, Rachel Wolfe -Goldsmith, Bishop Bob Jackson, Hack the Hood, and Supervisor Nate Miley for their exemplary work and contribution towards a safer, healthier, and more equitable Oakland; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That t he City of Oakland commits to working towards a transformative future that seeks to dismantle oppressive systems and advance true liberation, safety, and opportunities in our community.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, HOUSTON, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, AND
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE GALLO
NOES –
ABSENT – COUNCIL PRESIDENT JENKINS (serving as Mayor pursuant to Charter Section 303)
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California