Oakland

Op-Ed: Where is the Economic Fairness to Oaklanders?

Published

10 years ago

March 25, 2016

By Darrel Carey

Time and time again we see the game of economic unfairness and disparity play itself out, and generally affecting women and people of color.

Now we see it taking place right here in Oakland.

There are billions of dollars in construction project occurring here in the city, and for some reason minority-filled communities seem to get the short end of every opportunity to participate fairly.

Take for instance the $1.5 billion Brooklyn Basin project along Oakland’s waterfront on the Embarcadero. Not even 2 percent of small local business have participated in the planning for this critical development.

As this project prepares for construction the phase, it makes one wonder if the developer is going to do right.

Are the politicians from the Port of Oakland and City of Oakland going to ensure a level of fairness occurs on this project or other projects, such as the West Oakland Transit Orientated Development (housing around the West Oakland BART Station)?

As we watch our city grow, we cannot allow for our native communities to suffer.

There’s a funny saying in Oakland: “if you want a job in Oakland, you should live in Livermore.”

There is a clear disparity in treatment of small local-, minority- and women-owned businesses in many of these local development and construction projects.

Let’s ensure that fairness takes place and all communities impacted become part of the deal, not just stuck in traffic.

A community action is now being organized. So stay tuned. The Oakland Post will keep you updated. It is our challenge as shareholders of Oakland to make sure the politicians wake up.

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Related Topics:Brooklyn Basin jobs Oakland Port of Oakland

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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

1 day ago

July 27, 2026

Oakland Post

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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.”