Community

Richmond Summit Aims to Keep City’s Seniors Safe

A summit taking place at Richmond Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday aims to help keep local seniors safe from fires, cyber-crimes, falls and much more. The City of Richmond Commission on Aging is inviting the city’s seniors to this free event in the Bermuda Room from 10 a.m. till noon (doors open at 9:30 a.m.). The event will feature three keynote speakers along with information and resource tables, according to Commissioner Bryan Harris.

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

Oakland Post

Richmond Memorial Auditorium. Courtesy photo

By Mike Kinney

The Richmond Standard

A summit taking place at Richmond Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday aims to help keep local seniors safe from fires, cyber-crimes, falls and much more.

The City of Richmond Commission on Aging is inviting the city’s seniors to this free event in the Bermuda Room from 10 a.m. till noon (doors open at 9:30 a.m.). The event will feature three keynote speakers along with information and resource tables, according to Commissioner Bryan Harris.

The Commission on Aging sponsors several healthcare events throughout the year, including the Annual Senior Information and Health Fair, which is held in mid-spring. Its members additionally attend various community events to offer outreach on senior and aging issues, including city-sponsored annual events like the Juneteenth and Pride celebrations, Harris said.

The Senior Safety Summit is a new outreach medium for a Commission that seeks to expand opportunities to support local seniors. It’s all part of a broader effort by the Commission on Aging to identify problems and unmet needs of the elderly in the community. The Commission “enlists the interest and participation of individuals and organizations to assist in resolving these problems and needs” Harris said.

The Commission also coordinates actions to improve resources for seniors in housing, health, leisure time, rehabilitation, educational field trips, educational workshops, transportation, employment, social and volunteer services, Harris added.

Harris has a strong passion and commitment for community service, starting out with the Commission on Aging 25 years ago as an intern. As a former city employee, he also provided staff support to the Commission.

“From humble beginnings as an intern for the Commission on Aging to that of staff support as a former city employee, I always knew that one day I’d be wearing the hat of commissioner,” Harris said. “‘I was groomed for this position’ as quoted by the [Commission’s] current Vice-Chair Myrtle Braxton.”

Serving a vulnerable population such as seniors is critical, said Harris, as “we are the voice within the community’s aging and senior population.”

“We are all aging, aging in place in one form or another. To live in our community, we must adapt to our needs,” Harris said. “Many of us come from great backgrounds with skill sets that can still benefit our community.

“As a commissioner, you can have that voice and be that representation for your loved ones, and yourself. This city was founded on the principles of pride and purpose. I hold those values dearly and wholeheartedly believe that there are others in this community who believe as I do.”

Of course, it’s not all work, no play on this Commission. There are plenty of good times to be had within the Commission of Aging’s scope of programs.

Among its annual offerings is the Winter Senior Ball, which this year will take place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 6-10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The event will feature the “Top Shelf Classics Party and Show Band,” Harris said. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 2, and the cost is $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight.

To purchase tickets, go to the CSD Registration office at 3230 Macdonald Ave. or call their number for more information at (510) 620-6793.

For more information on the Commission on Aging, visit its webpage here.

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Op-Ed: Why Black Fathers Like Me Must Speak Up About Autism

Being “Dad” to my daughter Amari, who was diagnosed with autism, changed everything. In the Black community, silence around disability comes at a cost. I’ve learned that fatherhood is leadership—and it’s time we speak up. Our kids need early support, inclusive policies, and visible, vocal fathers. Autism isn’t the tragedy—silence is.

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2 days ago

June 27, 2025

Oakland Post

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE – As a Black father, I’ve worn many titles—provider, protector, community leader, mentor. But none has shaped me more than being “Dad” to my daughter Amari, who was diagnosed with autism.

When I first heard the word autism associated with my child, I’ll admit—I was overwhelmed. Like many parents, I didn’t fully understand what it meant. I was afraid of what the future might hold. But in the Black community, fear is often met with silence. And silence—especially around disability and mental health—has become a quiet barrier too many families struggle behind.

That’s why I’m speaking out—not just as a father, but as an advocate for our children, for public service education, and for civic engagement rooted in love and leadership.

Black children are too often diagnosed, later, misdiagnosed, or outright denied access to the early interventions they need. The reasons are layered—racial disparities in healthcare, cultural stigma, under-resourced schools, and unconscious bias in medical and educational systems. The results are heartbreaking. Our children fall through cracks that should never exist.

Even fewer people talk about the role of fathers—especially Black fathers—in this journey. Too often, we’re pushed to the margins of the conversation or expected to stay silent. That ends here.

I’ve sat in countless IEP meetings. I’ve researched therapies, pushed for inclusive classrooms, and sought out the support systems that weren’t readily available. I’ve wiped away tears and celebrated every breakthrough. And in each step, I’ve realized that parenthood is more than presence—it’s informed, engaged leadership. It’s showing up as our child’s strongest advocate.

Through my advocacy, I’ve worked with other families here in Prince George’s County to build community, share knowledge, and empower fathers. But we need more. We need a cultural shift—one that recognizes neurodiversity, reduces stigma, and promotes civic participation among parents and caregivers. We need to normalize vulnerability in Black men and redefine strength as being fully present for our children.

And we need policy.

Paid family leave.
Inclusive classrooms.
Early intervention access.
Increased funding for special education—especially in underserved communities where disparities are most pronouncedl.

These aren’t just family issues. They are issues of public leadership. They are the foundations of building future leaders through involvement, advocacy, and education.

Our children deserve more than awareness—they deserve action. And our fathers deserve to be seen, heard, and supported—not shamed or silenced.

Autism is not a tragedy. Silence is.

Let’s talk. Let’s act. Let’s lead.