Bay Area

Oakland A’s Shortstop Marcus Semien Reflects on MLK Day

Published

6 years ago

January 23, 2020

On Nov. 2, 1983 former President Ronald Regan signed a bill making Martin Luther King Day a federal holiday effective 1986. Twenty-five years later from that date, Dr. King’s legacy lives on during a time the country is desperate for peace and freedom of speech.

King’s famous speech “I Have A Dream” was the most compelling of our lifetime. Due to his efforts as a Civil Rights leader, we as American people, understand the power of nonviolence and our right to vote. Oakland A’s shortstop, Marcus Semien reflects on this special day.

“MKL Day is important to the African American community, and for all American people,” said Semien. “He was somebody who stepped up, at a time where nobody expected an African American to do so. In our sports community, he reminds me of Jackie Robinson. In tough times, not everybody wants to do it, and he was that man for us, even today in 2020 his name will always be somebody special, especial to African American people.”

Major League baseball honors April 15th as Jackie Robinson Day. This day Robinson made his major league debut as the first African American player, who broke the sports color barrier after decades of segregation. All 30 wear the number 42 on their uniform. Hall of Famer and former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera was the last player to wear #42 after he retired in 2013.

“It’s one thing to be the first African American Major League baseball player but to be an MVP and play at the level he played, speaks volumes to how much adversity he went through and how present his performance was through all of that. I can’t even imagine what he went through and to play that well under that type of discrimination is just amazing.”

The A’s have done a phenomenal job of becoming more involved in the community and honoring all cultures during the season. Various celebrations, events, special guests and good food. There’s not one person and/or fan who will attend an Oakland A’s game and feel unwelcomed.

“A great job by the by the front office,” Semien continued. “Once Dave Kaval came in, you started to see more focus in the community. When new players come to Oakland from other cities, they immediately notice how diverse it is here. It’s a strong culture, and it feels great to be part of this organization.”

Semien can’t thank his parents enough, for the sacrifices they made in allowing him to play baseball despite the cost for equipment and fees. Baseball is a sport that requires patience and focus.

“You need somebody to throw to you, you need somebody to hit you ground balls,” said Semien. “It takes a lot more than just yourself to get better and for that reason the community aspect is most important.”

Semien wants to do more than reach out to kids and tell them, ‘why don’t you try this, you have a lot of potential, pick up a bat and let’s see what you can do’. There needs to be more done in the community to show African American kids, baseball is a fun sport. While he participates in giving back through the A’s. Semien wants to focus more on giving back where he grew up.

“I want to do more. I want to organize a free camp because its expensive to play baseball and that’s going to take sacrifice for everyone involved. I want to give back to my high School [St. Mary’s College High School] and where I played baseball.”

We observe this holiday and reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. Martin Luther King never stopped spreading his message of non-violent protest against racial injustice. King’s selfless devotion and personal sacrifice changed the course of American history. His achievements and influence as an American civil rights leader will always be remembered on the third Monday of January.

The “I Have A Dream” speech impacted us all because as individuals we want to create a better path for those who come behind us just like Martin Luther King did.

Malaika Bobino

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Oakland Post: Week of December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Published

6 days ago

January 2, 2026

Oakland Post

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Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

Oakland Post

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First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.