Activism
Home of Chicken and Waffles Serves Free Christmas Brunch to Over 200
“This effort comes as many Oaklanders are experiencing increased food insecurity and economic anxiety due to the pandemic,” Oakland entrepreneur Derreck Johnson said. “After a one-year hiatus, this coalition was eager to bring this annual tradition back while being mindful of COVID’s social distancing and statewide indoor-masking guidelines.”

By Cindy Williams
Home of Chicken and Waffles (HCW) opened its doors on Christmas morning to serve more than 200 free meals in the restaurant and to-go meals for the food insecure community in Oakland.
Oakland entrepreneur Derreck Johnson and HCW led the effort to partner with LGBTQ Center, Impact Oakland Now (ION), City Team, and The City Eats to distribute meals to low-income families and unhoused individuals at the restaurant at 444 Embarcadero West.
Johnson told the Post that he and his partners shared a common goal to provide food for needy families with a warm and welcoming dining experience delivered with respect and dignity at no cost.
More than 30 community volunteers helped serve chicken and waffles and handed out toys to the kids while they enjoyed soulful Christmas music.
“This effort comes as many Oaklanders are experiencing increased food insecurity and economic anxiety due to the pandemic,” Johnson said. “After a one-year hiatus, this coalition was eager to bring this annual tradition back while being mindful of COVID’s social distancing and statewide indoor-masking guidelines.”
The coalition recognizes co-coordinator Kieem Baker of The City Eats, Word of Assembly Church Bishop Keith Clarke, Abyssinian Baptist Church Bishop Kevin Barnes, Center of Hope Community Church Pastors Brondon and Maria Reems, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Mike Wallace, True Vine Ministries Pastor Zachary Carey, Pastor Randy Smith, Greater St. Paul Baptist Church Bishop Joseph Simmons, and all of the volunteers that helped to make the event a success.
Johnson cited a 2015 California Health Interview Survey’s data for West and East Oakland which revealed that 51% of low-income residents were classified as “food insecure” because they were frequently unable to afford enough food.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
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.

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.
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks ago
MLK Bust Quietly Removed from Oval Office Under Trump
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 30 – May 6, 2025
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of May 7 – 13, 2025
-
Activism2 weeks ago
New Oakland Moving Forward
-
Activism2 weeks ago
After Two Decades, Oakland Unified Will Finally Regain Local Control
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of May 14 – 20, 2025
-
Alameda County2 weeks ago
Oakland Begins Month-Long Closure on Largest Homeless Encampment
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks ago
Trump Abruptly Fires First Carla Hayden: The First Black Woman to Serve as Librarian of Congress