Rev. Dr. George C.L. Cummings has been named regional executive director of Oakland Community Organizations (OCO).
“OCO has a proud history of victories in the fight for equity and social justice, and our continued power to bring about institutional change depends on our united efforts, across races, faiths and economic status,” said Dr. Cummings. “Moral vision and shared aims are more important than ever as we combat the divisiveness and bigotry of today’s political environment.”
OCO is a 40-year-old faith-based, nonpartisan social justice group of congregations, schools and allied organizations that serve 40,000 families in Oakland, mostly people of color and those with low income.
OCO is part of the PICO National Network, which has member institutions in 150 cities and 17 states and a growing international effort.
Dr. Cummings will assume his post on October 1.
He was past co-chairperson of OCO’s Board of Directors; member of the PICO National Network’s Board of Directors; and chairperson of the Board of Directors of the PICO Action Fund, a nonprofit that facilitates PICO members’ civic engagement.
He also serves as co-chair of the steering committee for Ceasefire, a program that works to reduce gun violence in Oakland.
Dr. Cummings has served for 20 years as a professor and academic dean at American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley. He is founding pastor of Imani Community Church in Oakland, where he will continue to serve as senior pastor.
OCO is located at 7200 Bancroft Ave., #2 Eastmont Mall, in Oakland.
