CITY OF OAKLAND
CITY HA-LL • 1 FRANK H. O GAWA PL A '.ZA
KEN HOUSTON
Council member - District 7
e-mail: KHoust on@oakiandca .gov
• OA KLA N D , CA L IF OR NI A 9461 2
(510) 238 -7007 ..
.. FAX(.510) 238 -6129
TDD (510) 238-2251
• • Additional Whereas Clauses Recognizing Black Oakland Residents; . ~ .
Reparational Harm, and Contributions
WHEREAS the City of Oakland recognizes that its identity, cultu~e, economic Strength, civic leadership, and social justice movements have been profoundly shaped by the generations of Blackresidents, families, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, faith leaders, activists, and community organizations who built and contributed to the foundation of Oakland; and WHEREAS, the City acknowledges the historic and ongoing harms experienced by Black communities resulting from slavery, racial segregation,discriminatory federal, state, and .. local policies, exclusionary housing practices, redlining, urban renewal displacement, discriminatory lending , and other systemic barriers that limited access to homeownership, wealth creation, education, employment, and economic opportunity; and . .
·WHEREAS, the Cityrecognizes that Black residents in Oakland experienced significant loss of land, housing stability, and generational wealth through racially discriminatory housing . practices; including redlining, pre.datory 'lending, displacement pressures, and policies that contributed to the decline of Black homeownership and the forced displacement of longtime Oakland famiHes; and
WHEREAS, the City acknowledges that the Wat on Drugs and related criminal justice policies disproportionately impacted Black Oakland residents, families, and neighborhoods , • resulting in increased incarceration , barriers to employment, family separation, loss of economic mobility, and long~term community harm; and
. . . .
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that despite these barriers, Black Oakland residents have . . demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership by advancing civil rights, building • businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, creating culturalinstitutions, advocating for · .• •• justice, and contributing to Oakland's reputation .as a national center for equity, activism, and social .change; and
WHEREAS, the City acknowledges that historical inequities have ~bnttihuted to persistent • disparities affecting Black residents, including disparities in ho us inf access, '.contracting • opportunities, business ownership, education; erriployment, health outcomes, and - participation in emerging economic sectors; and
CITY OF OAKLAND
C I T Y H A-L L • • 1 FR A N K H . 0 G AW A PL A :Z A
KENH O VSTON
~ OA K LAND , C ALIFOR N IA 94612
Council merriber - District 7 .
e-mail: KHouston@oaklandca .gov
(5 10) 23 8-7007
FAX (510) 238-6129
TDD (510 ) 238-2251
WHEREAS, the City affirms that true refuge, belonging, and justice require the recognition and protection of all co~munities impacted by histodc discrimination, including Black commu~ities whose struggles for freedom, eq~ality, and civil rights helped establish many of the protections and values Oakland embraces today; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to advancing policies that address historic harms, pr~moterestorati;e and repdrative Justice, expand equitable access to opportunity, and . • ensure that Black residents and future generations are included in Oakland's economic, • cultural, and civic future; and
. WHEREAS, Oakland'.s commitment to.being a City of Refuge includes honoririg the contributions, protecting the dignity, and affirming the humanity of all communities that .•• have faced systemic exclusion, displacement, discrimination; or deni~l of equal opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oakland recognizes that honoring and celebrating its Black hometown heroes is·more than an act of historical recognition-it is an investment in the City's future. By publicly acknowledging the achievements'. resilietice, innovation, and • leadership of Black Oakland residents who have remained steadfast through decades of economic hardship, displacement, systemic discrimination, and social inequities, the City affirms that such recognition strengthens civic pride, preserves Oakland's cultural Jegacy, • promotes cultural tourism, attracts investment, expands educational opportunities, • . .
supports Black-owned businesses, inspires fufure generations, and contributes to the creation of generational wealth and inclusive economic growth for Black communities and the City of Oakland as a wh9le; and
. . .
WHEREAS, the City honors the resilience of Black Oakland residents who remained rooted in the City through decades of economic hardship, displacement pressures, neighborhood change, and systemic inequities, and acknowledges their enduring contributions to -··· • presepving Oakla~d's history, culture, cominuriity _strength! and legacy; and •
CITY OF OAKLAND
CITY H .A-LL - • - 1 FRANK H. 0 GAW A PL A 2: A
KEN HOUSTON
Council member - District 7
e-mail: [email protected]
G ·oA i<LANO, CALIFORNIA 946i2
(510) 238-7007 _
FAX (510) 238-6129
TDD (510) 238-2251
WHEREAS, the City affirms its commitment to uplifting and preserving these stories _ . - through civic recogniti~n 1 including honoring Black ieade~s and community champions . through the City of Oakland;s Walk of Fame and other public acknowledgments that ensure current and future generations recognize the lasting impact of B]ack excellence, perseverance,and contributions to the City of Oakland. - Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Houston Son ofOakland
· District 7 Colincilmember