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Rise East Project: East Oakland Youth Development Center Assures Youth Have Input in the Future of Their Neighborhood

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East Oakland Youth Development Center Executive Director Serena Wilson oversees a project with children. Courtesy photo.
East Oakland Youth Development Center Executive Director Serena Wilson oversees a project with children. Courtesy photo.

Part 5

By Tanya Dennis

Rise East is a $100 million privately funded initiative to rebuild Black neighborhoods in a 40×40 block area in East Oakland over ten years. Project partners are Oakland Thrives, the 40×40 Council, and Blue Meridian Partners. East Oakland Youth Development Center and Roots Clinic are other supporters.

In 1855, abolitionist Frederick Douglass said, “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.”

The sentiment is no less apt today as the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC) offers programming that has strengthened the minds and hearts of kids in East Oakland.

Over the course of 45 years, 27 of them under the leadership of recently retired Executive Director Regina Jackson, EOYDC gained national recognition as a youth development model with national and global impact.

Serena Wilson, its current executive director, and Chief Programming Officer Landon Hill are former EOYDC participants who had access to training in visual and performing arts, wellness, and career development at the building at 82nd and International Boulevard when they were young.

Already a member of the Black Cultural Zone organization, EOYDC brought to Rise East the vital component of youth-oriented culture that builds community leaders and business-oriented youth.

EOYDC Executive Director Serena Wilson, a member of EOYDC since age 4, says, “With the Rise East Project comes the necessity to have not only the voice of adults living in the ‘40 by 40’ zone designated for development but also that of our youth.

“We help youth maximize their potential and be the best version of themselves. With Rise East addressing environmental and historical factors that have led to the deprivation of this population, it is vital we cultivate a culture of support where the voices of the once voiceless are heard,” Wilson said.

EOYDC’s youth have been weighing in as part of the ‘40 by 40’ Steering Committee and have a formal role in co-designing the actual programming in Rise East structure, Wilson said.

EOYDC has its own advisory council internally, and the youth work with everything within EOYDC’s other initiatives. “It was natural that they also work with Oakland Thrives on their advisory council.”

Wilson indicates that the pledge by philanthropists Blue Meridian to invest $50 million into East Oakland has upped the ante for the 40-by-40 Council, as the council must now raise $50 million in matching funds.

“Thus far, we have raised $20 million, and we are hosting a private, invitation-only fundraiser at the end of this month,” said Wilson. “I’m confident we can raise the funds required to match Blue Meridian.”

Wilson is the first alumni to run the youth organization, and 50% of EOYDC staff are previous members.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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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. 

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Rhonda M. Smith.
Rhonda M. Smith.

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.

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