Juneteenth: Rooted In the Town 2024 Celebration

We were thrilled to host our inaugural Juneteenth Rooted In the Town: Celebration of Freedom Awards. The event took place at the California Ballroom, a Black-owned space dedicated to supporting local artistry and community in Oakland.

Attendees enjoyed delicious food, soulful music by Dee Dee Simon and DJ Nash, and supported local Black businesses. This event was a collaboration with Council members Treva Reid and Carroll Fife, recognizing the contributions of Black elected officials in shaping Oakland's future.

As we commemorated Juneteenth, now in its 5th year as a national holiday, we celebrated the end of chattel slavery and honored exceptional individuals in our community.

This year's honorees, Kimberly Miller, Taylor Jay, and Len Turner, were recognized for their dedication to healing and liberation in various forms.

Special thanks to Cathy Adams of CDA Consulting Group for her leadership in curating this event, and to LaNiece Jones and A’Yanna Moody of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) for their support as fiscal sponsors.

We also extended our gratitude to all our sponsors and partners, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Wells Fargo.

The celebration embodied the wisdom of our elders, the joy of our children, and the passion of our leaders. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the event a success. Remember, we are all Rooted in the Town!

Council member,

Kevin Jenkins

Photo Credit: Oakland Unified School District

Photo Credit: Oakland Unified School District

Together with the city of Oakland, Alameda County, and the OUSD Board of Education, we provided food, games, music, a raffle, fun portraits, and a special appearance by Warriors legend Adonal Foyle. The students who attended the outdoor party on a sunny day all seemed to have a wonderful time.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all of our dedicated partners for their unwavering support of our students.

Council member,

Kevin Jenkins

Important Memo from Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas

Dear Constituents,

I encourage you to read the latest memo from Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas regarding the FY 2024-25 Midcycle Budget. This challenging budget process addresses a projected $177 million deficit. Council President Bas, along with Council members Dan Kalb, Carroll Fife, and myself, are reviewing the proposed budget to ensure it maintains critical city services and continues significant infrastructure funding through Measure U.

We are committed to equity in our budgeting process, delivering core services, supporting our workforce, ensuring accountable government, increasing revenue collection, and addressing our structural deficit.

Thank you for your engagement and support as we work towards a balanced and inclusive budget for Oakland.

Sincerely,



Kevin Jenkins

Council member