Oakland

OP-ED: Immigration, Racism and the Future of Oakland

Published

12 years ago

August 25, 2014

I heard a moving radio commentary by Mumia Abu Jamal on efforts by right wing militias and politicians to prevent children fleeing poverty and violence in Central America from entering the United States.

Mumia compared the callous indifference and racism towards these children with the refusal of the U.S. government to admit Jewish children fleeing from Hitler in the 1940s.He quoted blatantly anti-Semitic comments by members of Congress at that time and compared them to the racist statements made by today’s right-wingers about the Central American children.

< p>The right-wing attacks against Hispanic children trying to flee violence in Central America demonstrates, despite the successes of Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, how race continues to be the most important issue shaping politics and consciousness in the United States. Even in enlightened Oakland many people accept the squalid conditions faced by the majority of our African American and Latino children, while similar treatment of children from white, more affluent backgrounds would not be tolerated.

The Oakland School District reflects this double standard. OUSD is a district populated primarily by poor, African American and Latino students. Three-quarters of the students qualify for free or reduced priced lunches; 42 percent are Hispanic, 29 percent are African American. Only 50 percent of African American and Latino students graduate from Oakland high schools within four years of starting. The state average is 80 percent.

Oakland’s teachers earn an average of $54,669; the California average is $68,030. Until we address these issues, Oakland will continue to be a divided city.

Middle class and affluent families will insure that their children enjoy a comfortable life and receive a good education, and most will attend college. In our poor communities, far fewer children enjoy the benefits of a comfortable life, many go hungry, and relatively few succeed in school or attend college. Those who never graduate from high school are doomed to lives of low wage jobs, unemployment, and, in many cases, prison.

The viable existence of a society depends upon a social contract, the unwritten agreement between individuals and the government under which people accept the government’s authority over many aspects of their lives in exchange for the security and other benefits the government provides. But when tens of millions of people are excluded from the benefits provided to the majority, social decay and disorder are inevitable.

In the U.S. today, the richest one percent control more wealth than the bottom 90 percent. This situation is not only morally wrong; it is a recipe for disaster. The future health of American society will depend upon its ability to close the income and privilege gaps that divide the rich and the poor, particularly low income people of color.

Our campaign for Mayor of Oakland advocates the development of the City based upon principles of social and economic justice. Our success will help create a model for the future of America.

Dan Siegel

Dan Siegel is a local civil rights attorney and a candidate for mayor.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

16 hours ago

July 27, 2026

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant Plans Bay Area Farmers Market Initiative

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant displays watermelons from her Sacramento farm at the Temescal Festival in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”