Events

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Observes 400th Anniversary of the First Recorded Arrival of Enslaved Africans to America

Published

5 years ago

September 12, 2019

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee joined the Congressional Black Caucus in commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans to America on Tuesday.

On Monday, Lee also led a special order hour on the House Floor during which CBC members joined her in delivering remarks acknowledging this dark moment in American history.

Lee reflected on the impact of the slave trade on Africans and African Americans, drew connections between the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow in the U.S. and systemic inequalities impacting African Americans today, celebrated the contributions of African Americans to the nation, and noted her recent trip to Ghana with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and members of the CBC.

“Four hundred years ago, as we’ve heard tonight, the first slave ship arrived in Virginia. This began one of the darkest chapters in American history,” said Lee. “During the course of over 250 years of slavery in America — that’s government-sanctioned slavery in America — families were ripped apart. People were beaten and brutalized. Men, women, and children were sold and traded like objects. And to this day, Black communities continue to suffer from the generational trauma from these crimes against humanity.”

“So today, as we observe 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were brought to these shores, let it be known that this is a Sankofa moment,” continued Lee, referencing a West African symbol for the need to learn from the past in order to move forward. “Moving forward, I look forward to this body addressing the damage caused by the inhumanity of slavery by advancing positive legislation that uplifts the descendants of those who were enslaved, including H.R.40.”

HR 40 is the call for reparations for descendants of people who were enslaved in the U.S.
At the conclusion of her remarks, Lee asked for unanimous consent to enter The New York Times’ seminal project on the legacy of slavery in the United States, the 1619 Project, into the Congressional record. The project seeks to reframe readers’ understanding of the role of slavery as America’s foundational institution and its legacy and impact throughout the nation’s history.

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Related Topics:Congresswoman Barbara Lee HR 40 saNKOFA

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Activism

Who Wants to Be the Next Elected Mayor of Oakland?

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Published

6 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Oakland Post

An aerial view of the downtown Oakland skyline on a clear sunny day. The federal building and other iconic buildings fill the skyline. Photo: iStock.

By Paul Cobb

Many of you probably recall the oft-repeated expression when describing leadership that “many are called but few are chosen.” We will be inundated during January with many claims of qualifications by those who want to lead Oakland.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, we have heard the names of 14 potential candidates who might become Oakland’s next Mayor.

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Any candidate who wishes to receive a free announcement, publicity or space in the paper must submit solutions.

The first questions we propose are 1) What is your budget balancing plan?
What is your position on requiring all city employees to work full-time in their designated offices rather than remotely from their homes?
What is your plan to provide open-access opportunities to all police officers for overtime pay?
Since many businesses, especially downtown, have closed, what is your plan to attract and increase revenues?

Please send your submissions of 300 words or less to each question to Social@postnewsgroup.com or visit www.postnewsgroup.com

Oakland Post

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Activism

Oakland’s Black Chamber of Commerce Awards 63 Businesses $1,000 Micro Grants

“Our members are essential to Oakland’s economic and cultural fabric,” said Cathy Adams, president of the OAACC. “These grants are a testament to our dedication to fostering business growth and sustainability within our community.” The microgrants are designed to provide vital support for members to strengthen their operations, invest in growth opportunities, or meet pressing needs, Adams added.

Published

16 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Oakland Post

Cathy Adams, president of the OAACC. Photo courtesy of the OAACC.

By Oakland Post Staff

Last week, the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) announced the distribution of $63,000 in microgrants to 63 member businesses. These $1,000 grants, generously sponsored by Supervisor Nate Miley, Amazon, and the Tides Foundation, reflect the organization’s goals and unwavering commitment to empowering Black-owned businesses in Oakland.

The microgrants are designed to provide vital support for members to strengthen their operations, invest in growth opportunities, or meet pressing needs, Adams added.

As part of this initiative, OAACC leaders are encouraging all grant recipients to inspire their communities to support Oakland-based businesses by shopping locally, sharing referrals, and following their social media pages.

For more information about the OAACC and the organization’s initiatives, please visit www.oaacc.org.

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Activism

Port of Oakland to Host January Meeting for Interfaith Council of Alameda County

State, county, and city officials have been invited to join ICAC board members and the community to explore effective strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges across Alameda County, including ICAC’s Safe Car Park program expansion and efforts to convert trailers into shelter for the unhoused.

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2025

Oakland Post

The Port of Oakland. Courtesy photo.

Special to The Post

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) will hold its first meeting of 2025 on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Port of Oakland, located at 530 Water St. Hosted by the president of the Port of Oakland, the meeting will run from 1-2:30 p.m. and will focus on pressing community issues including environmental justice, housing solutions, and crime and safety.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute to this important discussion. For more information, visit interfaithAC.org.