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Cherished Community,
We know you’ve heard the negative talk about Oakland, the city where we are headquartered and rooted, but Oakland is more than clickbait: it’s a legacy! Sitting on the unceded land of the Ohlone people, Oakland has long been a hub of diverse communities, a critical global port, and an international beacon for activism and cultural innovation. It is a launchpad for movements for justice, the birthplace of the Black Panther Party, and a musical catalyst that has brought the world sounds from Tower of Power, The Pointer Sisters, Edwin Hawkins, and Sheila E., to Tony! Toni! Toné!, En Vogue, Green Day, MC Hammer, and Too $hort—just to name a few.
In recent weeks, however, Oakland has, again, found itself under threat— enduring nasty rhetoric about deploying the National Guard to our streets and facing aggressive ICE raids. These actions contradict the spirit of this city—its resilience, compassion, and fierce commitment to community self-determination. Though Oakland, like many cities, has challenges that must be addressed; they must be addressed in strategic and sustainable ways centering humanity and community engagement.
It's important to know that Oakland has leaders and organizations holding the line, investing in our neighborhoods, and refusing to be silenced. In that spirit, we lift up a major milestone that shows what sustained commitment in Oakland can do: the Akonadi Foundation and founders Quinn Delaney and Wayne Jordan are marking 25 years of racial justice grantmaking deeply rooted in Oakland’s communities! What an honor it has been to be able to support and see the impact of this family, their dedicated team, and their incredible grantee and community partners. THIS is Oakland and we join Akonadi Foundation in saying Not in Our City!
If you also believe in leadership that is grounded in equity, community, and courageous vision that can transform the world, we invite you to consider three exciting opportunities for purpose-driven change-makers focused on sustainability across the Southeast; social equity and economic empowerment in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood; and equity, climate justice, and scientific innovation in the U.S. and the Global South.
Thank you for being part of a community that lifts up bold, values-driven leadership. Please share these opportunities, connect with us if you’d like to learn more, or simply hold space for hope and action as we navigate these times together.
With deep gratitude and determination,
Jeannine, Connie & Team
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