On behalf of all of us at Oakland Rising, we’re outraged by the actions of “Jogger Joe” (real name: Henry Sintay) first throwing the belongings of Drew, an Oakland community member, into Lake Merritt and then assaulting and robbing our friend and activist Matt Nelson when confronted about his abhorrent actions.
The actions of Jogger Joe mirror the primary response to homelessness that our city government has taken – “cleaning up” encampments instead of actually housing people.
While it’s a testament to the heart of true Oaklanders that people have already replaced Drew’s belongings and been bringing him food, the real question is: How can the City provide him and all other unhoused people with permanent safe housing – and why hasn’t this been done already?
We were also saddened to see that in the second video of the assault of Matt Nelson, Jogger Joe was wearing an original edition Oakland Rising t-shirt. He has never been associated with our organization in any way, and his actions in no way reflect our values.
Oakland Rising stands for true community safety that includes quality shelter and services, affordable housing, good jobs, healthy food, education, childcare and healthcare for all. In the face of an unprecedented housing crisis in Oakland and the Bay Area, we must come together as our brothers’ keepers. We deserve a city government that seeks rational solutions and is unwavering in fighting for the health, safety and dignity of every one of us.
Oakland Rising and our collaborative partners are united in our vision for a city that embodies health, happiness, safety, and equal opportunities for all. Our goal is to create a model of progress and sustainability that showcases the possibilities for American cities in the 21st century. We are committed to dismantling the barriers of racial, economic, political, environmental, and educational inequities that have divided us, and instead, embracing the collective strength found in our city’s diversity. We firmly believe that Oakland can achieve its full potential when every resident, student, and bus rider has the ability to shape our city’s future. This vision is attainable and we are determined to realize it through our collective actions, whether it’s through voting, meetings, or call to actions.
Every year, we release a Vision, Issues, and Policy Platform (VIPP) which outlines the annual policies that we and our eight partner organizations prioritize in order to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice in the Town. Our collaborative’s agenda encompasses a range of critical initiatives, from expanding affordable housing to creating a more equitable democracy through campaign finance reforms. These priorities are designed to provide vital protections and innovative solutions for the most vulnerable members of our community. As we continue our efforts to promote these policies, we hold conversations with thousands of voters, lead and co-host impactful town hall meetings, educate and mobilize residents and voters, and undertake various other initiatives.
To gain a deeper understanding of our commitment to resist, protect, and advance in this political moment, we invite you to explore our 2023 Vision, Issues, and Policy Platform. Together, we are making strides towards a more equitable and just Oakland, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of change, one vote, one meeting, one march at a time.
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