These are extraordinary times about which there will be books written, stories told for generations, and hopefully history rewritten. COVID-19 required us all to make radical changes in our daily lives. Justice demands we make radical change in our systems that perpetuate oppression and racism. The Human Services Department stands united with the demonstrators and Black Lives Matter. We are prepared to listen and commit ourselves to the struggle. This moment should not be lost.
I am proud to be part of a community of professionals who have undertaken racial equity work. Over the past three years, our ReCast project has led our work internally on racial equity and developing a trauma informed workplace and system of care. From Emerging Black Leaders training through Emotional Intelligence sessions for managers to Youth Mini Grants, there has been a focused effort to build our ability to speak and support racial equity. We have more to do. And we have a team that never ceases its commitment to the Oakland community.
- Sara Bedford
- Find out more on the City of Oakland's COVID-19 Resources Page
- Oakland Counts! Don’t forget to complete the 2020 Census
- Register to vote in the November 2020 election