Community

Man of Peace, Ronald V. Dellums Remembered

Published

6 years ago

September 23, 2018

Dylan and Sydney Ross with mom, Piper Dellums as they receive a pin from Rafael Jesús González, Berkeley Poet Laureate.

Sunday, September 9 was lovely—a gentle breeze waved its fingertips across the pavilion where chairs were set up in front of a stage where musicians paid tribute to the “Man of Peace,” Ronald V. Dellums, on the first International Day of Peace. How fitting for a man who made Nixon’s hit list early on in a career, for his stance against the Vietnam War, Barbara Lee noted in her comments later that evening.

Piper Dellums and her daughters’ Sydney and Dylan Ross joined their mother and other friends and family at the Block Party at Jack London Square. The family greeted friends and grooved to the music, something her dad would have loved, Piper said. Happy, yet grief stricken, occasionally we’d see the mom and daughter embracing one another, never more evident than when Rafael Jesus Gonzalez, Poet Laureate for the City of Berkeley, arrived giving Piper a big hug as he gave everyone his signature “Earth/Justice/Peace” button with a dove holding an olive branch, over an image of planet earth, encircled by sun rays, against a rainbow backdrop.

Funk ruled Sunday afternoon—the day hot enough for sunscreen, but not too hot to move by the end of the concert, which featured Ronnie Stewart and the Blues Caravan of All Stars, Oaktown Passions, Shirlee Temper, Kayla Marin’s Salt People, and Best Intentions. By the end of the afternoon, earlier sparsely filled seats were full and the audience was thick with folks on the grassy slope all the way back to

the dock, where Scott’s Seafood Restaurant Pavilion hosted the invitation-only tribute that evening.

In the gazebo, which was full with family and other dignitaries, the ceremony opened with an indigenous blessing and a Pan-African percussion procession. Later, speakers both present and prerecorded—including Dellums—spoke to this honored man’s legacy. Perhaps

Piper’s pastor, Warren Campbell (LA) said it best when he took his comments from Timothy 4.6 and said that Dellums poured his life out like Paul: there was nothing left.

“He was full of goodness, because he poured his life into the Berkeley City Council, [and House of Representatives, and City of Oakland].

He was a tall glass full of vision. Full of service. Full of sacrifice,” he said.

Dellums touched many lives—some present in the room, like Senator Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Lee (whose 20 years in Congress reflects her friendship with her mentor), and special surprise guest Stevie Wonder.

Lee’s eulogy included stories of Ron’s comedic impersonations of Richard Pryor, his short but brilliant film career as Frederick Douglass and his role in her life.

“Ron was my boss, mentor, and yet, like the brother I never had. He gave me personal advice and support as a single mom raising 2 boys.”

She remembered him telling his staff: “Let your conscience be your guide. If you are right—just stand on that street corner alone because sooner or later everyone must walk right to you.”

“Ron never backed down. Ron passed me a blue baton when I announced, in 1998, I would run for his seat upon his retirement. The baton, which I look at often, reminds me that all of us must carry that baton that Ron gave us and run our mile in this marathon for justice, for peace, and unity. So, when we pass our batons to the next generation, we know, as Ron said frequently, we have secured their future,” Lee said.

Dellums’ two granddaughters, also shared memories of “Pop Pop.”

The sisters both spoke of their revered grandfather as a role model, and more importantly as a man who had strong faith and belief in God and in the goodness of humanity. Both concepts were tangible in his life.

Dylan said, “My grandfather changed so many lives, and the best part is that he didn’t change them unknowingly or unwillingly, sitting idly by. He made it his life’s mission to change lives. He made it his life’s mission to change the world. He taught me to realize that it is such an absurd lie that one person cannot make a difference.”

Sydney, who fulfilled her grandfather’s academic goal of receiving a doctorate from Brandeis University, said that evening about her grandfather:

“The revolution is a collective and our shared interests in peace and justice for all are going to keep integrating this nation one social arena or place of business at a time.

“My Pop Pop has left us all with an enormous responsibility as well as the great honor to keep fighting to let love outshine fear, outshine despair, and outshine injustice. We must continue to divest from war and the politics of bigotry and we must continue to invest in the health, education, and environment of our communities.

“If you asked my grandfather what he does for a living, he called himself a social activist. In the spirit of social activism I’d like to use this opportunity to spread his desire for greater accountability and transparency in government by encouraging you to all use an app called Countable. Please take a minute to actually write this down. The app is called Countable C-O-UNTABLE. It’s very easy to use and allows you to notify your representatives of your vote on issues as they are being voted on and comes with small descriptions of both points of views. I also am encouraging you to challenge leaders that seek to silence America’s voice rather than encourage America to sing its truths out loud.

“Some say the civil rights movement failed but In the words of Pop Pop‘s Gram: nothing beats a failure but a try. If we keep trying we will succeed.”

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Activism

City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

16 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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Activism

Biden’s Legacy Secured with Record-Setting Black Judicial Appointments

His record surpasses previous efforts by his predecessors. President Jimmy Carter appointed 37 Black judges, including seven Black women. In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s first term resulted in only two Black women appointed out of 234 lifetime judicial nominations. The White House said Biden’s efforts show a broader commitment to racial equity and justice.

Published

17 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

iStockphoto.

By Stacy M. Brown
WI Senior Writer

President Joe Biden’s commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary has culminated in a historic achievement: appointing 40 Black women to lifetime judgeships, the most of any president in U.S. history.

Biden has appointed 62 Black judges, cementing his presidency as one focused on promoting equity and representation on the federal bench.

The White House said Biden’s efforts show a broader commitment to racial equity and justice.

Meanwhile, Trump has vowed to dismantle key civil rights protections, including the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“Having the Black woman’s experience on the federal bench is extremely important because there is a different kind of voice that can come from the Black female from the bench,” Delores Jones-Brown, professor emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told reporters.

Lena Zwarensteyn of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights told reporters that these district court judges are often the first and sometimes the final arbiters in cases affecting healthcare access, education equity, fair hiring practices, and voting rights.

“Those decisions are often the very final decisions because very few cases actually get heard by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Zwarensteyn explained.

Biden’s nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court further reflects his commitment to judicial diversity. Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

Patrick McNeil, spokesperson for the Leadership Conference, pointed out that over half of Biden’s Black female judicial appointees have backgrounds as civil rights attorneys and public defenders, experience advocates consider essential for a balanced judiciary.

Meanwhile, Congress remains divided over the expansion of federal judgeships. Legislation to add 66 new judgeships—approved unanimously by the Senate in August—stalled in the GOP-controlled House until after the election. House Republicans proposed distributing the new judgeships over the next decade, giving three administrations a say in appointments. President Biden, however, signaled he would veto the bill if it reached his desk.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., argued the delay was a strategic move to benefit Trump’s potential return to office. “Donald Trump has made clear that he intends to expand the power of the presidency and giving him 25 new judges to appoint gives him one more tool at his disposal,” Nadler said.

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Activism

A Student-Run Group Provides Critical Support Services to Underserved Residents

Those visiting The Suitcase Clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers. Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

Published

18 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

UC Berkeley Law Students help a clinic visitor with legal advice at their Tuesday night services. The Clinic offers a variety of resources, including medical, to those in the community who have little access to these services. Photo by Magaly Muñoz

Part One

By Magaly Muñoz

Every Tuesday evening, the dining hall of First Presbyterian Church fills up with dozens of people eating, laughing and moving from table to table, receiving much-needed services from UC Berkeley students – just a few blocks away from the university’s campus.

Individuals seeking support services can be found in this multi-stationed room on the south end of the church talking to law students, student case managers, or receiving medical attention in a corner by healthcare professionals.

This weekly event is hosted by Cal students through a volunteer-run program called The Suitcase Clinic.

The clinic, founded in 1989, was intended to offer free resources to underserved communities in Berkeley and surrounding cities. The majority of the clinic’s clientele are unhoused or low-income people looking for extra support.

Those visiting the clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers.

Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

During their tenure in the program, many of the students say they become strong advocates for homelessness rights.

Visitors of the Suitcase Clinic can receive haircuts and foot washing by student volunteers every Tuesday evening. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re also standing in solidarity with them. So, it’s not saying, ‘I’m going to help you, but I’m also going to stand with you,’” Golchini said.

Student volunteers get extensive training prior to working directly with clients. Those interested have to take a semester-long class to become versed in areas such as outreach, intersectionality, how to interact with unhoused people, how to sign people up for social services. and more.

Volunteers then get to pick from three different clinics: General, Women’s, or Youth and LGBTQ+.

The General Clinic is the most popular among visiting residents, while Women’s and Youth/LQBTQ+ have more specialized services for attendees.

The Women’s Clinic has many of the similar services to General, but also includes nail painting, childcare, and massages.

The Youth and LGBTQ+ Clinic offers a safe space for young people navigating living on the streets, with services that include housing referrals, wellness and recreation classes and employment resources.

Golchini explained that it’s important for them to keep these clinics separate because the different demographics experience poverty and homelessness differently than those who visit the General Clinic.

Suitcase Clinic student workers posing for a photo with a frequent clinic attendee. The Clinic is open to Berkeley unhoused and low-income residents who need medical or legal service, or a hot meal. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re able to provide spaces where people can come in and feel safe and not feel like they’re constantly worried that something’s going to happen to them,” she said.

An outreach team also visits encampments every other Saturday in the Berkeley area to provide hygiene kits and encourage people to visit the in-person clinic, if possible.

However, Golchini said engagement has been low for some time now due to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allows cities to ban and cite people for sleeping on the streets.

She said a lot of their clientele got displaced to other cities over time, making it difficult to stay in contact with the services the Clinic was providing for them.

But that hasn’t slowed down the students at the Clinic, if anything, it has pushed them to do more for the community they serve.