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Community Collaborates on Racial Equity in Marin

Composed of 23 members, the implementation team will take the lead on accomplishing the goals and priority actions in the plan. Team members will be divided into three action groups that will identify mental health, housing, and economic opportunity initiatives happening in the county that are aligned with the plan’s key goals. Team members will conduct research, evaluate resources and costs for implementation, and keep the community informed of progress.

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The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, April 29, for new members of the Race Equity Action Plan Implementation Team.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, April 29, for new members of the Race Equity Action Plan Implementation Team.

County launches application for Race Equity Action Plan Implementation Team

Courtesy of Marin County

An exciting Marin County collaboration between residents, community-based organizations, towns, cities, and County of Marin leaders is taking shape to implement the 2022 Race Equity Action Plan (REAP).

Developed by a group of community residents and advocates, the plan identifies specific goals and actions to advance racial equity across the county. The plan highlights mental health, housing, and economic opportunity as key focus areas. Now that the plan is complete, the next step is to implement the priority actions.

The County of Marin Office of Equity is seeking applications from residents, community-based organizations and staff from local municipalities to serve on the Race Equity Action Plan Implementation Team.

Composed of 23 members, the implementation team will take the lead on accomplishing the goals and priority actions in the plan. Team members will be divided into three action groups that will identify mental health, housing, and economic opportunity initiatives happening in the county that are aligned with the plan’s key goals. Team members will conduct research, evaluate resources and costs for implementation, and keep the community informed of progress.

“Working in close partnership with community, and city and County leaders, we can build trust and spark change to address long standing racial inequities,” said Jamillah Jordan, the County’s Equity Director. “Our goal is to create pathways that allow everyone to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, ZIP code, disability, gender, immigration status, sexual orientation, or age.”

Implementation team members are asked to make an eight-month commitment of about six hours per month. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, April 29. Applications are available online and hard copy in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Stipends of $50 per meeting will be provided for members based on need.

The 2022 Race Equity Action Plan was approved by the Board of Supervisors on February 8, 2022. The plan weaves together data and the lived experiences of local residents into a set of focused goals and actions to address racial disparities. Recommendations from the plan include establishing a housing security loan program, a minimum wage ordinance setting the hourly earning at $18, a mental health access fund, and new professional development programs specifically for youth and young adults, among other actions.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare. 

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Rhonda M. Smith.
Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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