Community

Op Ed: Cannabis Equity Is Right for Oakland

Published

8 years ago

January 23, 2017

By Carroll Fife

After Civil War Reconstruction, white men fearing loss of privilege and power used intimidation, manipulation, and violence to influence the law and maintain systems of dominance.They did this because emancipated and free African Americans were beginning to engage the economic and political systems previously inaccessible to them. Black leaders set out to expand the rights of individuals who designed and built this country, yet had been denied its benefits.

The quest of Black elected officials was equity and autonomy. The response from White America was panic. It is now as it was then. And like clockwork the reaction is to “Make America Great Again.”

Unfortunately we don’t have to go back hundreds of years to experience “whitelash”, nor do we have to look to the deep South. Right here in Oakland, a push for fairness in the legalized cannabis industry has caused a similar knee jerk reaction in those who would deny entry opportunities for Black and Brown residents in the above-ground economy.

Currently, People of Color are less than 5 percent of the industry and many would keep it that way.

A recent mailer depicting three City Council members as “stooges” with a black fist ripping an oak tree from the ground is circulating. It conjures images of violence and racism similar to leaflets circulated by newspaper editor John Mullaly during the Civil War.

He condemned the war to be “wicked” and “unnecessary” because it “would solely benefit negroes,”. The Oakland mailer targets the elected officials for pushing racial equity in an industry that has criminalized and jailed Blacks and Latinos for engaging in practices that will now legally create wealth for everyone else.

The idea that we should reject equity is just wrong. As residents of this city, we should all push for equity and fairness. Justice begins with leveling the playing field.

It is one thing to have a perspective about the processes of City Hall, it’s entirely different to represent African American and Latino elected officials as caricatures because they present something you disagree with.

The offensive and demeaning representation of these individuals is reminiscent of an era in American history when it was commonplace to publicly undermine, mock and dehumanize POC leadership.

A deeper look at the creator of this mailer raises concerns about the potential racist mindset of it’s designer and the movement to kill the Equity Permit Program.

According to the Eastbay Express, Eugene Gorelik, who is listed on the flyer, is the same landlord that repeatedly hung Donald Trump banners from the rental home of a disabled, African American senior he evicted on Christmas Day.

Regardless of Gorelik’s opinions and tasteless commentary, it IS the responsibility of lawmakers at all levels of government to create equity in systems that have been responsible for historic disenfranchisement.

It is imperative, for all to prosper, that communities of color have a seat at the table and the ability to build their own tables. It is the obligation of the Council to do the right thing in service of public good.

Because the system has primarily benefited a few white men, it’s often challenging for them to see things more inclusively.

Entitlement prevents a true dialogue on how to achieve equity. As we countdown to the presidential inauguration, the nation is on edge. People are concerned about Trump’s Cabinet as well as his rhetoric and what it incites in his followers.

The soon-to-be Commander-in-Chief has made it okay to be sexist, racist, and xenophobic. Some fear a rise in white nationalism on a spectrum ranging from everyday discrimination to more white supremacist martyr’s like Dylan Roof.

In Oakland, we fight. It’s the diversity of this city that gives it strength. We must support policies that promote economic self-sufficiency, particularly for those who’ve been under attack.

I urge the City Council members who are working for REAL equity to continue the fight.

We are moving in a direction that will create community wealth in places where it doesn’t currently exist, increase small businesses and jobs for residents, and allow people who would otherwise be displaced to remain in the city.

I am confident that we will end up on the right side of history and that Oakland is Doing the Right Thing for the Cannabis Equity.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

East Oakland Native and Social Entrepreneur Ise Lyfe Still Gets Business Done on Behalf of the People

Don't Miss

Special Oakland Council Meeting on Housing Set for Jan. 23

Oakland Post

Click to comment

California Black Media

Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation. During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

Published

2 days ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

Gov. Newsom visits the White House on Nov. 14. Photo courtesy of Gov.Ca. Gov

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation.

During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communities recovering from disasters,” said Newsom.

At the White House, Newsom met with President Joe Biden and key officials, advocating for disaster relief funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection. He also engaged in discussions with senior Biden-Harris officials, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to address water quality improvements and the San Luis Dam project, which will support water supplies for two million Californians.

“Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said.

On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with other Congressional leaders, to emphasize the need to approve pending disaster funding, healthcare programs, and environmental protections. He also previewed California’s upcoming special session to proactively address potential federal challenges when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

Newsom’s discussions also focused on securing Medicaid waivers from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance behavioral health services and reduce homelessness. The state seeks approval for the BH-CONNECT waiver, which would address behavioral health and homelessness, and the MCO Tax Waiver, which would provide over $20 billion for Medi-Cal to improve healthcare access.

Additionally, California is pushing for Clean Air Act waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are crucial for enforcing air quality regulations. These measures are projected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, according to the Governor’s office.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

California Black Media

California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that 311 California nonprofit and faith-based organizations, including those representing communities targeted by hate crimes, will receive over $43.7 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.

Published

2 days ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.

“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values. We will protect the ability of every Californian to worship, love, and gather safely without fear of hate or violent attacks. California is continuing to safeguard all communities, including those most at risk,” said Newsom.

California receives 10% of the national allocation, the highest of any state. This funding comes in addition to $76 million in state funding for similar security improvements announced in July 2024. In total, California has invested over $230 million since 2015 to safeguard vulnerable communities.

“California is dedicated to helping our communities stay safe from violent hate crimes and get access to essential financial funding to support those efforts,” said Cal Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Nancy Ward.

The grants are particularly important as hate crimes, especially against Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and Black communities, have seen an increase. In response, California has also launched initiatives like the CA vs Hate hotline and website, providing a platform for reporting hate incidents anonymously. Newsom’s administration continues to prioritize the safety of all Californians, with ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and hate violence.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

California Black Media

California Reports First Case of Mpox in the United States

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States. However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

Published

2 days ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.

However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.

According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”

Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.

“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.

Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information:

Preventing Mpox Infection

It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:

Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
Talking to your sexual partner(s).
Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often.
Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.