Bay Area
Marcus Foster Education Institute Turns 50, Recognizes 100 Change Makers
The Marcus Foster Education Institute (MFEI), a nonprofit that works for equity and enhanced education opportunities for Oakland students and families, is celebrating two important milestones: 50 years of service to the community and the 100th birthday of trailblazing educator Dr. Marcus A. Foster, Oakland’s first Black superintendent.

By Ken Epstein
The Marcus Foster Education Institute (MFEI), a nonprofit that works for equity and enhanced education opportunities for Oakland students and families, is celebrating two important milestones: 50 years of service to the community and the 100th birthday of trailblazing educator Dr. Marcus A. Foster, Oakland’s first Black superintendent.
Dr. Foster and the organization that he founded and now carries his name were honored last Friday evening at the Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland at a celebration that recognized 100 community leaders for their dedication as community change makers.
Dr. Foster served as Oakland Unified School District superintendent from 1970-1973. A leading education reformer in Philadelphia, Pa., he would take the helm of OUSD after civil rights protesters, including future Oakland Post Publisher Paul Cobb, sat in and were arrested at a school board meeting to demand the hiring of a Black superintendent.
In 1973, he founded the Oakland Education Fund, the first nonprofit of its kind in the nation to support school innovation. The organization was renamed in his honor after he was assassinated by terrorists in 1973 as he was leaving a school board meeting.

Dr. Marsha Foster is Marcus Foster’s daughter and a member of MCEI’s board of directors. Photo courtesy of the MFEI.
Among those who were honored at the celebration were current OUSD Supt. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Fremont High School Principal Nidya Baez, former school superintendents Joe Coto and Ruth Love, Dr. Noha Aboelata, film director Ryan Coogler, Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale, and Japanese American civil rights activist Fred Korematsu.
Other honorees included local businessman and civic leader Geoffrey Pete, civil rights attorney Walter Riley, farmworker leader Dolores Huerta, arts activist and gallery owner Joyce Gordon, and Dr. Denise Saddler.
Saddler was recognized as a “longtime educator with a proven track record for raising graduation rates, advancing staff, and impacting marginal schools. (She) is a lecturer for the Graduate School of Education at Cal (and) has also worked at Holy Names University, OUSD, and the Berryessa Union School District.”
Bay Area
Gov. Newsom Looks Back at 2024 Milestones; Presents Vision for 2025
Newsom opened by recounting his announcement atop the Golden Gate Bridge of $150.4 billion in record-breaking visitor spending. He reflected on signing a bill with singer Demi Lovato to protect young content creators from financial exploitation. He celebrated the Olympic flag transfer ceremony, signifying California’s preparation for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

By Joe W. Bowers, California Black Media
In a recent video address, Gov. Gavin Newsom shared key moments that shaped California in 2024. He emphasized achievements in tourism, technology, public safety, and environmental resilience while underscoring the state’s ability to tackle challenges head-on.
Newsom opened by recounting his announcement atop the Golden Gate Bridge of $150.4 billion in record-breaking visitor spending. He reflected on signing a bill with singer Demi Lovato to protect young content creators from financial exploitation. He celebrated the Olympic flag transfer ceremony, signifying California’s preparation for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Focusing on innovation, Newsom praised NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang for his leadership in advancing generative AI. He showcased the transformation of an abandoned mall into a quantum computing center in L.A. that addresses global challenges.
He also highlighted the ARCHES coalition’s work on green hydrogen, aiming to decarbonize California’s industries.
Newsom emphasized California’s leadership on clean transportation with over 2 million electric vehicles sold and a statewide network of 150,000 public chargers. He spoke about joining Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to celebrate the long-awaited electrification of Caltrain, linking San Francisco to San Jose.
In climate resilience, Newsom spotlighted removing the Klamath Dam, the largest project in U.S. history, restoring salmon migration and tribal lands. He discussed agreements with Italy and Pope Francis to address greenhouse gas emissions and praised the legislature’s action to increase transparency and hold oil companies accountable for gas price spikes.
Turning to health, housing, and education, Newsom outlined progress on Proposition 1 to improve mental health care, legislative efforts to increase housing construction, and the expansion of universal free school meals for all public school students.
Public safety highlights included combating fentanyl trafficking, expanding the California Highway Patrol, and addressing organized retail theft through new legislation.
Newsom also celebrated the state’s balanced budget for the current and upcoming fiscal years. He joked about his detailed budget presentations as his “yearly Super Bowl,” highlighting the importance he places on fiscal responsibility.
The Governor closed by reflecting on 2024 as a year defined by resilience and optimism, crediting California’s ability to navigate polarization and overcome challenges. He emphasized the importance of preserving California’s values of innovation and inclusiveness while continuing to invest in communities, infrastructure, and equity as the state looks ahead to 2025.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

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Activism
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.
Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.
Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.
Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.
The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.
Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.
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