Activism

Giving Back, While Giving Thanks

Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB) wants everyone to truly embrace the concept of giving back year-round to those in need, which could help to alleviate homelessness, joblessness, poverty, hunger, healthcare and many of the ills that have befallen our community in every conceivable way.

Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2022

Oakland Post

Caption: FIGB co-founder and Post columnist Richard Johnson with Stanley Cox, aka, Mistah FAB.

Mistah FAB Collaborates With FIGB, AASEG and Post to Help Needy

By Richard Johnson

Every year the season of giving is highlighted by the acts of those who desire to give to those who are less fortunate.

We should salute and embrace those givers!

One such person is Stanley Cox, better known as Mistah FAB, who has been giving to the community for more than 18 years. He has demonstrated a remarkable spirit of thanks, gratitude, and humility in all of his various forms of giving back to his community.

This year, the Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB) organization, in partnership with the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG) and the Post News Group, will volunteer in collaboration with Mistah FAB by distributing a variety of items — from turkeys and other food items to coats, gloves, blankets, boots, umbrellas, hats and more to the needy.

The upcoming event is Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at 4506 Market Street, Oakland, CA. All items are Free! As stated by Mr. Fab, a hot meal will be prepared on the spot for homeless individuals. We look forward to your attendance.

FIGB considers this opportunity to serve, especially needy families with children, both a pleasure and an honor.

The gifts we give are confirmation of what’s in our hearts.

FIGB wants everyone to truly embrace the concept of giving back year-round to those in need, which could help to alleviate homelessness, joblessness, poverty, hunger, healthcare and many of the ills that have befallen our community in every conceivable way.

Giving back is our way of saying that we are truly our brother’s keepers. When each one of us reaches others through selfless actions we will set a positive example for others to emulate.

At times, as a society, we fail to realize that life always has its ups and down, yet through the graciousness of God we overcome a lot.

In recent years, however, it appears that society has allowed the failures to overtake the successes, causing too many to lose hope and faith and replace it with selfishness, greed and disregard for their fellow human beings.

Look around you and see what I see; the pain, hurt and despair is what we have allowed ourselves to become and to exist in. People of wealth and means can be at the forefront of giving if they truly desired.

It should never be a question of “should I,” or “shouldn’t I?” It should always be “how can I help?” It should always be how can I help change suffering and poverty into stability, joy, and appreciation for life?

Whether we accept it or not, we are an extension of one another.

We need more people like Mistah FAB who truly understands what it takes for us to believe, trust and have faith that through a sense of giving we can change the trajectory of defeat.

One does not have to be wealthy to give. The only criteria are that you give wherever you can to help others. Everything will fall in place and take shape for the betterment of all.

Oakland Post

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

6 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

Oakland Post

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Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.