Activism

Protesters Rally for Whole Foods Workers to Openly Support Black Lives Matter

Published

5 years ago

July 31, 2020

About 35 Whole Foods workers, ex-workers and supporters gathered outside of the store’s Berkeley Telegraph Avenue location on Saturday afternoon to protest the company and local management not allowing workers to wear masks and attire that says “Black Lives Matter.” The action followed and built on a similar larger event that occurred on Friday, July 17, when, according to ex-Whole Foods worker Jordan Baker, about 250 people rallied outside of Whole Foods’ Gilman Street location.

Although protestors said they were also responding to a long history of racism and white supremacy at Whole Foods, one specific incident helped spark the rallies: management at the Gilman street location demanding that Baker, who is Black, remove a mask that said “Black Lives Matter” on it on July 14.

“Store leadership told me they wouldn’t want to get in the middle of me and an angry customer who was offended by me wearing something that says ‘Black Lives Matter,” said Baker. “They told me it was akin to someone wearing a MAGA mask and that it was a controversial statement.”

Management gave Baker the option of wearing another mask or leaving for the day. Not wanting to compromise her principals, Baker decided to leave. Although she had worked at Whole Foods for seven years, her entire adult working life up to that point, she quit the next day she was scheduled to work, July 17.

“I honestly don’t want to work for a company who only ‘supports’ a movement when it makes them look good or makes them money,” said Baker in an Instagram post she wrote on July 14 and edited on July 17.

Although Whole Foods’ website and a sign outside their Telegraph location states, “Racism has no place here,” and “We support the Black community,” other workers locally and across the country say they also have faced repercussions for displaying the message “Black Lives Matter” while working in the store.

Workers at a Cambridge, Massachusetts Whole Foods said that, a little over a month ago, their management sent several workers home for wearing masks that said “Black Lives Matter.” One worker, Savannah Kinzer, was fired shortly after. The workers have filed a discrimination lawsuit that alleges Whole Foods enforces their dress code in a selective way to specifically suppress those supporting Black Lives Matter, including sending workers home without pay, and that Kinzer was fired specifically because of her open support for Black Lives Matter. Whole Foods workers in Seattle have protested due to similar treatment.

Ann Del Rio, who worked at Whole Foods’ Telegraph Avenue location until recently said that management at that store selectively enforces their dress code as well. While the code does not allow workers to wear apparel with messages unrelated to Whole Foods or the products it sells, workers regularly wear sports t-shirts and shirts with names of heavy metal bands on them. Yet a little over a month ago management told a worker wearing a Black Lives Matter mask and one wearing a Mexican Flag mask to take them off.

Del Rio said management escalated efforts to enforce the dress code on July 17, the same day of the protest outside of the Whole Foods’ Gilman Street location, telling workers they were going to start enforcing the dress code more stringently, specifically pointing out buttons and masks with messages on them. At that point, Del Rio had already put in her two weeks’ notice and planned to quit to work another job. But she left three days before her planned last day when management gave her an ultimatum: stop wearing a small Black Lives Matter button or do not come to work.

“I would rather lose three days of work than compromise my ethics,” Del Rio said. “It was very clear that them really coming down on the dress code policy is because they don’t support the Black community and they don’t want to alienate their white customer base.”

The store was closed during the protest due to a power outage, according to Whole Foods representatives on-site. Yet the protest still got attention from those unaffiliated with the store. People driving cars along Telegraph Avenue honked their horns as protesters held signs accusing Whole Foods of racism. A van with the message “WHOLE FOODS IS RACIST” in large spray-painted letters was on display.

A nurse, Eric Torres, who works at Sutter Health Clinic which sits across the street from the Telegraph Whole Foods store, got to work a little early and decided to join the protest. He did not know, before he saw the protesters, about the action.

“I’ve got 15 minutes and I’ll use my 15 minutes for something good,” he said. “I read about Whole Foods and people not being allowed to wear BLM stuff at work. So when I saw people out here I knew what they were supporting. It’s just about human decency.”

Torres held a sign, which Baker made that read “‘RACISM HAS NO PLACE HERE’ SAID THE RACIST.’”

“I have endured racism all my life,” said Denise James, a 66-year-old Black retired teacher who lives near the store and passed by the protest. “It’s unfortunate and awful and detrimental in so many ways to African Americans. I’m so glad that there’s a movement now to highlight all these issues.”

James was happy to see the protestors, saying “more power to them.” She called Whole Foods “two-faced” for displaying a sign on their store that reads “Racism has no place here” while not allowing workers to openly support the Black Lives Matter movement.

John Hopkins, an Amazon worker who is trying to organize other local Amazon workers through an organization called Bay Area Amazonians came out to support and stayed for several hours. Since Amazon owns Whole Foods, he sees their fights as related. He wore a Black Lives Matter mask and held a sign he made that read “Solidarity Means Saying BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!!!!”

“Black Lives Matter should not be a controversial statement, “ he said. “The fact that it is is systemic racism.”

John Farmer, an ex-Whole Foods employee of seven years who quit because he said the workload was too much for the pay, spoke through a loudspeaker to the protesters and those passing by.

“Attention Berkeley: Whole Foods is closed due to an outbreak of racism,” he said, jokingly. “They are too racist to operate.”

Other protestors used the loudspeaker to call for Whole Foods to pay reparations and reinstitute the two dollars an hour COVID related hazard pay allotment that the company began in March but ended in June, even as COVID cases have continued to rise nationwide.

Protestors chanted “Black lives matter,” “All Black lives matter,” “Whole Foods is racist” and “Jeff Bezos is racist” often.

Although the protest was scheduled to happen between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., it ended up running longer than planned and the last people left just after 5 p.m.

“Black people deserve to know that they are respected and protected,” said Baker. “I wore my mask because saying Black Lives Matter isn’t controversial. I had a lot of support shown to me and the others throughout the company who are receiving the same treatment. Taking a stand against Whole Foods and being a part of the biggest ‘fuck you’ that they have received in a long time feels good and it feels like it’s been a long time coming.”

When emailed, Whole Foods Media did not respond to the question, “Does Whole Foods support the Black Lives Matter movement?” Instead, they sent a statement that was identical to one published in a recent Berkleyside and Boston24News story. It reads as follows:

“In order to operate in a customer-focused environment, all Team Members must comply with our longstanding company dress code, which prohibits clothing with visible slogans, messages, logos or advertising that are not company-related. Team Members with face masks that do not comply with dress code are always offered new face masks. Team Members are unable to work until they comply with dress code.”

Zack Haber

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Related Topics:Cambridge Massachusetts Whole Foods Whole Foods Berkeley Telegraph

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Activism

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 day 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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Activism

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 day 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.

Oakland Post

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Activism

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson — Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Her rise has also included several historic firsts: she is the only Black woman ever appointed to lead the influential Assembly Transportation Committee, and the first freshman legislator elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She has also been a vocal advocate for vulnerable communities, becoming the first California legislator to publicly discuss being the parent of a transgender child — an act of visibility that has helped advanced representation at a time when political tensions related to social issues and culture have intensified.

Published

1 day ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). File photo.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

California Black Media spoke with Wilson about her successes and disappointments this year and her outlook for 2026.

What stands out as your most important achievement this year?

Getting SB 237 passed in the Assembly. I had the opportunity to co-lead a diverse workgroup of colleagues, spanning a wide range of ideological perspectives on environmental issues.

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians this year?

The Black Caucus concentrated on the Road to Repair package and prioritized passing a crucial bill that remained incomplete during my time as chair, which establishes a process for identifying descendants of enslaved people for benefit eligibility.

What frustrated you the most this year?

The lack of progress made on getting Prop 4 funds allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers. This delay has real consequences. These farmers have been waiting for essential support that was promised. Watching the process stall, despite the clear need and clear intent of the voters, has been deeply frustrating and reinforces how much work remains to make our systems more responsive and equitable.

What inspired you the most this year?

The resilience of Californians persists despite the unprecedented attacks from the federal government. Watching people stay engaged, hopeful, and determined reminded me why this work matters and why we must continue to protect the rights of every community in our state.

What is one lesson you learned this year that will inform your decision-making next year?

As a legislator, I have the authority to demand answers to my questions — and accept nothing less. That clarity has strengthened my approach to oversight and accountability.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians are facing currently?

Affordability and access to quality educational opportunities.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

Advance my legislative agenda despite a complex budget environment. The needs across our communities are real, and even in a tight fiscal year, I’m committed to moving forward policies that strengthen safety, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for the people I represent.