District 6 Matters: Celebrating Juneteenth, Standing For Justice, and Celebrating Our Fathers
From the Office of Councilmember Loren Taylor
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Today we commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Unfortunately, our Black liberation has been marred by centuries of injustices and even today, it is exacerbated by a President that fans the flames of racism that emboldens acts of terror and hatred like
the placement of nooses hanging from trees at OUR Lake Merritt
which is being investigated by OPD and the FBI as a hate crime.
Most of us know that on January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Sadly it took more than two years for that news to reach enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.
Today, we honor and celebrate this historic moment and we continue to fight for racial equality for all Black Americans.
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Last year, my office partnered with with dozens of community organizations to host an amazing Juneteenth Celebration in District 6 at Eastmont Mall.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cancelled plans to host a similar event this year.
Instead, I encourage Oakland residents to take advantage of the many virtual and in-person Juneteenth events taking place across the Bay Area this weekend.
Let's all celebrate and have our collective vibrance outshine the fear and terror inflicted by the Lake Merritt nooses and other acts of terror that have been displayed across the country.
Today at Lake Merritt there will be several celebrations in honor of Juneteenth. In addition there are many other events that are highlighted below in Section 2 of this newsletter.
These are chaotic times for our nation, our city and our community. But we are resilient, inspired, motivated, and ready to face the challenges and new opportunities that arise from our collective efforts to transform and build a more just Oakland.
And today, we celebrate Juneteenth, free, loud, and proud!
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A Guiding Note:
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Juneteenth this weekend, I encourage you to
be vigilant in protecting yourself, and our community from the spread of the Coronavirus
by keeping social distance from others and wearing a mask when you are out in public.
We must continue to prohibit the spread of this infectious disease that continues to disproportionately kill the same Black people whose liberation we commit to continue fighting for this weekend.
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What's Next?
Many people are asking what comes next after the protests and the celebration of Black Lives, and the calls for social justice and racial equity. I am working with my colleagues on Oakland City Council's Equity Caucus to develop a holistic response through our City budget, through legislation and policy, and through programming we will launch in partnership with many community-based organizations.
In my next newsletter I will provide more detail on the tangible responses we are proposing to ensure that what we are experiencing is not just a moment, but a sustained movement.
And We Can't Forget Our Fathers!
Finally, I can't close this newsletter without acknowledging the many Fathers and father figures in Oakland and across the country who have sacrificed for us, protected us, and continue to prepare us to live much more full and brighter futures.
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. Happy Fathers Day!
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Inside this newsletter you'll find the following information:
- Town Hall on Homeless Encampment Management
- Juneteenth Celebrations Around The Bay
- Fireworks & Fire Prevention
- Community Resources
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Also, Please share this email with any neighbors who may not have received this update!
Yours in Service of Oakland,
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Loren M. Taylor, Councilmember
Oakland - District 6
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1. Town Hall On Homeless Encampment Management
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Town Hall Discussion on Oakland's Homeless Encampment Management Policy:
Homelessness continues to be a huge crisis here in Oakland and across the Bay Area. It's even more important that we continue with our efforts to address the issue of homelessness even as we respond to the pandemic.
We on the city Council will be developing a policy for how Oakland manages its homeless encampments and I want to hear from you before any decisions are made.
Please join me and Vice Mayor Larry Reid as we seek to hear from you and other East Oakland neighbors.
Monday, June 22nd at 6 pm
This Livestream discussion can be watched on the following platforms:
- Facebook: Loren Taylor
- YouTube: Councilmember Loren Taylor
- Instagram: @Loren.Taylor
- Zoom: Register by emailing: [email protected]
BE INFORMED ABOUT HOMELESSNESS IN OAKLAND:
If you have time before Monday, I recommend that you check out the following links to be better informed about the current state of homelessness in Oakland and how the city is currently responding.
- October 2019 Report Point & Time Count Report (pages 10 & 11)
- February 25th Life Enrichment Committee Report
Your input is vital to help the City Council make critical decisions about how homeless encampments should be serviced and managed.
Please complete the survey below, designed to capture the perspective of those who live and work in Oakland.
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2.Juneteenth Celebrations Around the Bay
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A.The Dream Marches On
Start your Juneteenth Celebration with Stephen Curry in collaboration with University of San Fransisco.
Join a discussion about the power of education, generational activism, and the impact of our voices.
When: June 19th at 11am
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B.Juneteenth In The Town
When: Friday,June 19th at 1pm
Where:Pine Knoll Park
1850 Lakeshore Ave
What: Music, Food ,Games
Join the Celebration!
Please Wear A Mask
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C.Oakland's Juneteenth Fest 2020
A Black and beautiful cultural activism showcase in honor of Juneteenth.
When: June 19th at Noon-9pm
Where: Lake Merritt Amphitheater
(Look for the wall painted in gold!)
As part of the experience installations we are having a book exchange area .
We ask that you bring a book related to black history , black awaking , self improvement and Wellness !! Look for the wall painted in gold !
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D.Juneteenth with Angela Davis
When: June 19th
Where: Rally at SSA Terminal at 10am
&
Oscar Grant Plaza at 1pm
Angela Davis in conversation about Juneteenth and the historical context of the moment.
Wear red, bring a mask, bring a friend!
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E.SFPL Juneteenth with Jarrel Phillips
Virtual Library
Saturday, June 20th at 2pm
Jarrel Phillips
explores Black culture and presence in America and the African diaspora through film and photography.
Phillips’
stories unfold from his first-hand experience growing up Black in San Francisco and observing the African diaspora through his travels in the United States, Ethiopia, Haiti, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Brazil and more.
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F.Juneteenth at Mosswood Park
When: Saturday, June 20th at 2pm-5pm
Where: Mosswood Park
Come celebrate Juneteenth with Queen Hippy Gipsy with a healing session.
Masks are a must have and we will be social distancing as well.
Come get this healing for your mind, body and soul!
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G.Healing Clinic at San Antonio Park
Free healing services for Black and Indigenous people. Bring your pops for Fathers Day!
When: Sunday, June 21st at 11am
Where: San Antonio Park
Address: 1701 E 19th St
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3.Fireworks & Fire Prevention
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Fireworks & Action Steps
Let's work together to reduce fireworks in East Oakland.
1)Please report all firework complaints: (510) 777-8814
2)When emailing or calling please provide as much detail as possible.
Exact location/Time of day/Frequency
4) When talking with or traveling in the community if you see the selling of fireworks please report that activity & location.
Let's work together to restore calm and reduce the immediate impact on the health and well-being of our neighbors and neighborhoods - including noise and risk of fire damage.
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A. Additional Coronavirus Testing in East Oakland
If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms or believe that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, please get tested.
East Oakland's three (3) sites are:
1) Drive Thru Testing at Allen Temple Baptist Church
(8501 International Blvd)
2) Walk-up testing at Roots Community Health Center
(9925 International Blvd)
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3) Walk-in or Drive-Up Testing at Osita Health Clinic
(2521 Seminary Ave, Ste 1
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- FREE Covid 19 testing for the community of Oakland.
- No Appointment Necessary
- Sign up at www.ositahealthclinic.com for faster service
- Come by or call at 510-777-1000
- PCR and antibody tests for more accurate readings
Testing is free!
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B.Supporting Oakland's Unhoused Population Through COVID-19
There are now four hotels open in Oakland and Alameda for homeless residents to isolate and socially distance if they have either contracted the coronavirus or are medically vulnerable. These hotel rooms are made available through Project Roomkey and additional hotel sites are in development.
Operation Homebase is a program for people in Oakland experiencing homelessness, who don’t have COVID-19 and are at risk for COVID-19 complications.
Questions Email:
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Share with friends & Family
Now more than ever, your response is needed to help allocate federal resources toward schools, transportation, and other public services for communities in our region.
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D. Californians Vote By Mail
California will mail every registered voter a vote-by-mail ballot with prepaid postage for the November election.
This will ensure that elections are conducted safely and Californians will be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
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E. Support for Oakland Residents
- General social service issues: 211
- The City’s 311 phone line and OAK311 website continues to be a resource to request routine maintenance and report urgent infrastructure issues
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Question or Concerns? Contact The District 6 Team:
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