Bay Area

A Safe Place Addresses Re-Entry Issues for Women, Gives 2019 Community Champion Award

Published

6 years ago

November 21, 2019

Domestic violence is a social epidemic and continues to plague communities and families. This year, A Safe Place, the only domestic violence crisis shelter in Oakland, created a new award for “Community Champions” and developed services to address the needs of formerly incarcerated women, many of whom were victims of such violence.

The award would be presented to those who have made significant contributions to violence prevention in the community, supported A Sate Place programs and services and have demonstrated a commitment to eliminating domestic and intimate partner violence.

The 2019 Community Champions are recognized for their tremendous efforts in supporting A Safe Place in its mission to eradicate violence in the city of Oakland. Individuals, community leaders, civic and faith-based organizations were recognized for their contributions to make the city of Oakland a safer place to live.

Awards were presented to:

• The Oakland Raiders Women Association (RWA) for their ongoing support of families impacted by domestic and family violence. RWA is a group of dynamic women dedicated to giving back to the community.

• The Mills Grove Christian Church for their faithful support through weekly offerings supporting the work of A Safe Place.

• Councilmember Lynette Gibson-McElhaney for her efforts towards violence prevention and preserving safety for families in the city of Oakland.

The work of non-profits like A Safe Place is always evolving. The agency exists as far more than a crisis shelter, even though that is at the core of its work.

In 2019, A Safe Place launched a new program for women released into the community post-incarceration who are also survivors of domestic violence. This work is being done in partnership with the Board of State and Community Corrections.

The number of incarcerated women in the U.S. increased 700% between 1980 and 2018, and continues to grow twice as fast as the number of incarcerated men. Today, the U.S. total represents about 4.0% of the total global population of women and girls, and fully one-third of incarcerated women worldwide.

Of the more than 2.2 million people currently incarcerated in the U.S., a disproportionate number of both genders are poor, African American or Latino, and have significant histories of childhood trauma. But these disparities are more extreme for women; the abuse they suffer is far more likely to continue into adulthood and incarcerated women experience mental health problems at twice the rate of men.

The pattern of criminal arrests also differs significantly for women and men. Female arrests for domestic violence have grown significantly, and now account for up to 40% of domestic violence arrests in some jurisdictions. There are now mandatory and dual arrests policies under which women, who are sometimes long-term victims of intimate partner violence, may be arrested for a single act of aggression.

This is against a backdrop of violence and victimization and the ongoing impact also extends to the re-entry challenges that women face upon release. And this includes their families since more than 70% of incarcerated women in California are mothers.

A Safe Place is working to fill current service gaps for women post-incarceration, addressing the unique challenges faced by formerly incarcerated survivors impacted by various forms of violence, through gender-specific, trauma-informed reentry services, including safe housing.

A Safe Place invites the community to join efforts in eradicating all forms of violence, encouraging anyone at risk of becoming a victim of intimate or domestic violence to call a safe place 24-hour crisis line 510-536–7233.

Courtesy of A Safe Place

Posts by Courtesy of A Safe Place

Related Topics:2019 Community Champion Award A Safe Place Councilmember Lynette Gibson-McElhaney

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Alameda County

Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

56 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

‘Hire Oakland’ Job Fair Draws 2,000, Connecting Residents to Immediate Job Opportunities

Oakland’s Hire Oakland job fair, hosted by Mayor Barbara Lee’s office, connected over 2,000 job seekers with employers, highlighting a strong demand for quality jobs and career pathways in the city.

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Left to right: Yawo Tekpa, OPIC Manager, One Stop Operator; Sofia Navarro, Deputy City Administrator; and Ray Lankford, CEO of the Oakland Private Industry Council. Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones.

By Post Staff

The Office of Mayor Barbara Lee, in partnership with the City of Oakland and regional employers, hosted a successful Hire Oakland job fair this week at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, bringing together job seekers and employers for a day focused on opportunity, connection, and economic mobility.

With more than 2,000 RSVPs, the event on Wednesday reflected strong demand across Oakland for access to quality jobs and career pathways. Attendees participated in on-site recruitment, application support, and hands-on workshops designed to help job seekers navigate hiring processes and prepare for interviews.

Over the course of the day, employers and community partners engaged directly with residents in a welcoming, high-energy environment centered on opportunity and hope. Participating employers included EBMUD, Samuel Merritt University, the City of Oakland, BART, PG&E, AC Transit, East Bay Regional Parks District, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and many others offering immediate openings and career pathways across sectors.

Workforce development partners Oakland Private Industry Council (OPIC) and Lao Family Community Development provided connections to résumé support, interview coaching, and individualized job search assistance throughout the event.

The strong turnout underscores a clear reality: Oakland residents are eager for pathways into meaningful work, and sustained investment in youth and workforce programs is essential.

That is why Mayor Lee has prioritized relaunching the Oakland Police Cadet Program and the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP)—ensuring young people have early access to paid work experience, mentorship, and long-term career pathways, according to a City press statement.

“The turnout shows what we already know—Oaklanders are ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to build their futures here at home,” said Lee. “When we connect people directly to employers and invest in young people early, we are not just filling jobs—we are changing lives and strengthening our city’s future.”

The Hire Oakland job fair is part of the City’s broader effort to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand access to good-paying jobs, and ensure Oakland residents are first in line for local opportunity.

About Hire OaklandHire Oakland is a citywide workforce initiative led by the Office of Mayor Barbara Lee in partnership with City departments, workforce development organizations, and regional employers. The program connects Oakland job seekers to real-time hiring opportunities, training resources, and career pathways.