community
“Four,” came the shout as another car filed into Richmond Police Activities League’s parking lot on September 22. This was passed down the line to a platoon of volunteers who rushed to assemble four food bundles as the car approached. Every Tuesday and Thursday since early September, thousands of these bundles, prepared by a variety of Oakland restaurants, are distributed to pedestrians and motorists – no questions asked. “The first time, we handed out 500 meals. Then it was 750….
Despite added barriers from the pandemic, Richmond reentry organizations continue to serve justice-impacted individuals.
Office of Neighborhood Change Agent James Houston mentors young people in the community as a way to interrupt gun violence in Richmond.
“To run is courageous,” Anderson said. “So you have to get right with yourself, there is no second place there is no third place – the winner wins. The process of running allows you to give a voice for the people.”
Jacinto Castillo and Kelly Nicolaisen have kept Mom & Pop Art Shop afloat during the pandemic.
How Cesar Zepeda, the President of the Hilltop District Neighborhood Council, is putting Hilltop back on the map.
Founder of Rich City Rides, Najari Smith, is using bikes to support Richmond’s community through Covid-19.
As a 23-year veteran, Richmond Police Capt. Al Walle has spent his career working toward improving community-police relations.
“Culture is prevention,” he says. “Many native people have turned to alcohol because of the inability to grieve and address the historical trauma of losing their culture, language and spirituality. Becoming a sober native person is an act of decolonizing.”