Pastors of Oakland gathered on Tuesday to announce their support in the reelection of District 6 Councilwoman Desley Brooks in the Rainbow Center at 58^th Street and International Boulevard.

Running for her fourth term, Brooks has served on the City Council since 2002

Among those who attended the press conference at the Rainbow teen center were prominent members of the clergy including Rev. Gerald Agee, Rev. Vernon Burroughs, Rev. Cheryl Ward, Rev. Harold R. Mayberry, Elder Maurice Mackey, Rev. Gregory Payton, Lawrence Vanhook, Servant B.K. Woodson, Minister Keith Muhammad, Rev. Cornell Wheeler, Rev. Teresa Nelson, Pastor Curtis Robinson, Pastor Roosevelt Taylor, Pastor Maria Reems, and Deacon Earl Jacobs.

Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry and Lady Mary Mayo-Mayberry. Photo taken by Spencer Whitney.

Rev. Dr. Mayberry of First AME Church in Oakland, where Brooks is a member, emphasized the importance of Brooks’ reelection, considering the intense social and political issues facing the city.

“[People] must understand the necessity to have someone lead District 6,” said Mayberry.

Pastor Joe Smith of Missionary Baptist Church applauded Brooks’ efforts to develop the Rainbow Center as a healthy environment for young people.

“Before, it was nothing but hoodlum,” Smith noted.

Rev. Agee of Friendship Christian Center and president of Pastors of Oakland further noted that, given the crises affecting the city – including jobs, housing and public safety – Oakland residents need Brooks’ strong leadership to provide direction on the City Council.

Pastor Gerald Agee

“We don’t need to change horses in the middle of the stream,” he added.

Holding back tears, Brooks thanked the clergy members for their efforts to to support her throughout the years. She said it “speaks volumes” about Faith Community’s willingness to work with the city’s political leaders.

She further emphasized the importance of the Black community in Oakland and the need for representation that will support the community, representatives who will stand up and be unwilling to go along just to get along.

If we don’t stand up, we’re going to be pushed out,” said Brooks. “It’s about silencing our voices.”

Small Business owner James Moore, Michael Johnson of Beebe Memorial Church, and Shereda Nosakhare, policy analyst for Libby Schaafm are opposing Brooks in the November election.

According to a recent poll by the nonprofit Jobs and Housing Coalition, with ranked-choice voting, Brooks is ahead with 57 percent of the vote.

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