Activism
Sharon Kidd Honored by National Law Enforcement Group for Justice, Equity Work
Kidd is a commissioner of the Personnel Board for the City of Berkeley and vice chairperson of the BART Citizen Review Board. Kidd is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and has also served for more than five years as vice chair of Berkeley’s Police Review Commission and on the Board of the West Contra Costa chapter of Girl’s Inc. in Richmond for seven years.
By Carla Thomas
On Tuesday, August 12, Sharon Kidd was presented the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) national 2025 Outstanding Associate Member of the Year Award in Hollywood, Florida.
NOBLE, consists of community leaders united to promote justice, equity, and excellence in the administration of justice.
Kidd was recognized for her commitment and work in NOBLE and the community affiliations. Kidd was chosen for her fortitude and dedication to NOBLE’s mission statement and the legacy of Detective Rafaela A. Valdez.
Kidd is a commissioner of the Personnel Board for the City of Berkeley and vice chairperson of the BART Citizen Review Board. Kidd is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and has also served for more than five years as vice chair of Berkeley’s Police Review Commission and on the Board of the West Contra Costa chapter of Girl’s Inc. in Richmond for seven years.
Kidd thanked her family members for their continued support, her Oakland Police Department (OPD) mentor-brother, retired Lieutenant James Meeks and retired Detective Mike Gantt.
“They were very inspirational, and my reason for continuing to work in law enforcement,” said Kidd, the chief development officer of Ripple Effect 22 in San Francisco where she supports funding efforts and compliance standards.
Kidd also thanked her Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) family, Lifelong Medical Care family, and childhood friends who often give her encouraging words. “My supporters have always encouraged me to never give up fighting for our communities,” said Kidd. “With so much support, I spend a lot of time fighting for the rights of seniors, youth, and anyone who needs help.”
Kidd has received numerous local and national awards recognizing her work in support of underserved populations, justice system reform, and community development. Whether working with law enforcement, parolees, young adults, or seniors, Kidd always brings the same level of commitment, compassion, and excellence. “This is one of my biggest national awards and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of July 29 – August 4, 2026
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 29 – August 4, 2026
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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026
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In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.
The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.
Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.
Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.
Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.
She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.
As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.
Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.
Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.
“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.
“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.
Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.
Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.
Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.
“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”
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