Opinion

OP-ED: It Takes a Little Courage to Stop a lot of Disrespect

Published

13 years ago

September 26, 2013

A good pair of jeans, are a good pair of jeans. So why have I preferred Levi’s over other brands? I am all San Francisco and have viewed Levi Strauss & Co. the same way for years.

In addition, this inventor of jeans, which first began manufacturing its iconic brand in 1853 San Francisco has an established reputation on social issues. Recently, I discovered another reason to be proud to wear Levi’s. Mr. Strauss died in 1902, however, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed everything he worked to build. In the spirit of its founder, the company continued to pay its displaced workers.

Today, I start to stop, a lot of the disrespect of Blacks in San Francisco by questioning Levi Strauss & Co. values and vision. As a San Franciscan resident since 1960, the naming rights deal Levi’s signed with the 49ers worth $220 million over 20 years for the new Santa Clara 49ers stadium has me asking; where do the company’s values and vision appear in this deal?

Levi Strauss & Co. website’s “Values and vision” statement:

“Empathy — walking in other people’s shoes…”

“Originality — being authentic and innovative…”

“Integrity — doing the right thing…”

“Courage — standing up for what we believe…”

The 49ers took a $1.3 billion dollar stadium project out of a struggling Black community where Candlestick Park is located. Then asked and received from city officials an option out of the team’s 2015 year $ 6 million lease, for the mere upfront fee of $1 million. I can imagine Mr. Strauss telling current Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh, “Walking in other people’s shoes was never intended to be used to step on anyone.”

According to published reports, the $1.3 billion 49er stadium built by Turner/Devcon has offered only 1.6% of its contracts to minority contractors. 70% of the players that generate most of the team’s revenue are Black. Being authentic and innovative; Mr. Strauss who reportedly had no prejudice in him would not have hidden behind Prop. 209; which Turner/Devcon has done to justify the selecting of its sub-contractors.

The delays by the 49ers to improve the area closest to Candlestick Park, a blighted housing project called “Alice Griffith Housing” for fear that it would interfere with the team’s season activities is reprehensible. Doing the right thing as Mr. Strauss was known for meant he would have reached out to the community, not the 49ers.

Six months after NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell vowed, in a June 15, 2011 letter that the NFL “Supports communities that support us”, the NFL loaned the 49ers $200 million to move out of the struggling community the 49ers called home for more than 40 of the team’s 67 years in the city. I could be wrong but I think Mr. Strauss would have had the courage to stand up to the NFL and say, “You broke your promise”?

Any sports team should have the right to go wherever they feel they can make the most profit. However, breaking every rule of respect in leaving should not be tolerated. Did Levi Strauss & Co. co-signed the move by putting aside its founder’s values and vision in a deal to hitch its wagon to the San Francisco 49ers?

Due to my expanding waste line, I am currently wearing jeans that don’t fit me. Don’t worry, out of respect for myself and America, I promise, no sagging. Nevertheless, in protest of this blatant disrespect of a struggling Black community, I will be wearing my current small collection of jeans until the 2016 Super Bowl, which will be hosted by the city of San Francisco.

In all honesty only one pair are Levi’s but I plan to donate them all to charity; in accordance to Levi Strauss & Co. stated policy.

Struggling communities across America; where many past and present NFL players got their start, should rise up. With a dignified approach, tell current CEO of Levi’s “These Jeans don’t fit.” And if Mr. Bergh ignores our complaint, began a donation drive designed to stop the Super Bowl from being a comfortable fit for a city that shows little or no respect for its struggling Black community.

Send postcards to:

CEO Chip Bergh
Levi Strauss & Co.
1155 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111

This an editorial and does not express the opinions and/or thoughts of the Post Newspaper Group.

Oakland Post

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Related Topics:49ers Levi Strauss & Co San Francisco Santa Clara 49ers Stadium

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  