Wow, was this a great night! Oakland Rising’s Young Progressive Benefit Party displayed the many communities in Oakland who are excited about empowering one another for a better city in a vibrant Wednesday night party filled with happy people.
“Only in Oakland can a diverse group of people be in one room. Oakland is a melting pot,” said Erin Hagan, a native San Franciscan who was at the party.
“Where are the young people who think progressively ?” Solana Rice of Policy Link asked, saying this party provided a good opportunity to meet other young progressives.
With mayoral elections approaching, City Council member and mayoral Candidate Jean Quan was present, saying Oakland needed to mentor the” next generation of leaders.”
Even a great party is not without speakers. Oakland Rising ED and party convener Esperanza Tervalon-Daumont , spoke passionately about why Oakland Rising’s mission is so essential to Oakland. She explained how Oakland Rising counts and speaks to voters who are low-income and communities of color who have been historically left out of electoral processes, and, in the process, enpowers them.
Jakada Imani, Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center, one of the founders and supporters of Oakland Rising, also spoke.
Imani spoke on joining forces with Oakland Rising and how many non-profits uniting to start OR demonstrates a force of power comprarable to a popular Japanese inspired cartoon Voltron, in which 5 robots joined forces to become a super defender for justice.
The evening’ s mission and purpose were summed up by one guest: ” Good folks. Power Brokers.”
Among those who attended from sponsoring organizations: Akonadi Foundation, Black Women Organized for Political Action, Training Institute for Leadership Enrichment, Citizen Hope, Common Counsel Foundation, French- American Charitable Trust, Mitchell Rapor Foundation, Pro-Copy and Printing Salidago Foundation and The California Endowment.
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.
Sign up
Get our email updates and stay connected.
Donate
Oakland Rising is a project from our hearts for the people of Oakland. Thank you for your contribution!