Marin County

The Unfinished Business of the Civil Rights Movement: Bernie 2020

Published

5 years ago

February 27, 2020

“Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God’s children.”

– Speech to the Negro American Labor Council, 1961.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

As the 2020 presidential campaign heats up and moves toward the California primary voting day, the rhetoric against Sen. Bernie Sanders vision is intensifying.

“But he’s a socialist. A communist! Ready to become the next authoritarian banana republic despot!”
In reality, the dictator-to-be is already in the White House.

We will experience Trump at his absolute worst unless America wakes up to the possibilities of good housing, decent food, remediation of global climate change and livable wage jobs.

Those possibilities are why all conscious African Americans should support the Sanders campaign.
Our grandmother’s generation was full of wisdom that came from their lips as well-informed proverbs. “It’s not what they call you, it’s what you answer to…”

Dr. King was clear about his calling to equality, justice and fairness as a Christian minister. The year was 1965. After being accused of being a Communist (something entirely different than being a democratic socialist), King faced questions from journalists on “Meet the Press” about his association with Tennessee’s Highlander Folk School, which had been branded a “Communist training school” on billboards that appeared throughout Alabama during the Selma to Montgomery March and showed King attending a Highlander workshop.

It was a smear campaign financed and promoted by Southern bigots, so-called Dixiecrats. These were folks who, by day, often wore police uniforms and, by night, the hoods of the Ku Klux Klan.

Others wore the “respectable” business suits of the White Citizens Councils, which had been convened throughout the South to keep Black folks in their place – which was under the heel of intimidation and oppression, in the sweltering heat of racial segregation, economic injustice and domestic terrorism.

King knew what side he was on. He knew what he answered to. He went to Memphis to help the sanitation workers of that city get economic justice and, in fact, their humanity as men and women. In 1968, he launched the Poor People’s Campaign that was aimed at the very target that the Sander’s campaign is taking on – absurd wealth inequality in the richest nation on Earth. He questioned hunger. He questioned homelessness, the plight of the unhoused. He questioned a rotten criminal justice system. He questioned the moral standing of this nation as few have before or since. Until now.

A Civil Rights Movement song asked, “What side are you on brothers (and sisters), what side are you on? I’m on the Freedom side!”
What side will you be on in 2020? Join us. Not me. Us.
This OP-ED is from the Black Folks For Bernie Bay Area steering committee; Walter Riley, Millie Cleveland, Dr. Ramona Tascoe and Greg Hodge.

Greg Hodge

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Related Topics:Bernie Sanders Civil Rights elections

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Marin County Board of Supervisors Honors FMBC’s 80th Anniversary

The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City. The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80th anniversary.

Published

1 month ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

Past community events held at the First Missionary Baptist Church. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80^th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80^th anniversary. The resolution reads as follows:

FMBC, a distinguished member of the religious community in Marin County, is celebrating its 80^th Anniversary in commemoration of this significant milestone.
FMBC has provided spiritual nurture and education to its congregation and has extended humanitarian concern and compassion throughout the Marin County community. Throughout its long and impactful history, FMBC has been guided by dedicated and faithful leaders.
The completion of eighty years of tireless service to its congregation and community reflects the steadfast devotion of countless individuals – both religious and lay – who embody the teachings of the Lord.
FMBC shares a unique, rich, and dynamic history with Marin City and Marin County at large, having been established in 1944 in the living room of Rev. W.E. Franklin, serving the workers of Sausalito Marinship.
FMBC, throughout its rich 80 years of history, continues to provide service and support to Marin City and the County in the areas of mentoring, mental health advocacy, social justice, domestic & gun violence, and climate resilience.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Marin County Board of Supervisors honors First Missionary Baptist Church on its 80^th Anniversary, recognizing its profound impact on the Marin City community and its unwavering commitment to service, faith, and hope.

The Resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin on Nov. 5, 2024. It was signed by Dennis Rodini, president, District 4, and District 3 Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters.

Oakland Post

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Alameda County

Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

Oakland Post

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The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

Medically Tailored Meals: Overview

Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.

Key Features:

Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.

Key Benefits:

Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.

Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.

Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett

Eligibility:

Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.

Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Project Open Hand: A Success Story

Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.

Key Achievements:

Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.

Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.

Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.

Oakland Post

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Bay Area

Marin County Seeks Input on Community Needs from Marin City, San Rafael Residents

You can make a difference. Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

Published

2 months ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

The community meeting for Marin City will be held at the Marguerita C. Johnson Senior Center at 640 Drake Ave. in Marin City, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by Performing Stars.

By Godfrey Lee

You can make a difference.

Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

There will also be two community meetings where you can also share your ideas and concerns.

The community meeting for San Rafael will be held at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B St. in San Rafael, on Monday Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

Food and Spanish translation services will be provided at all meetings. Childcare is available upon request.