When we launched the Dellums Institute for Social Justice (DISJ) in 2016 at Ron Dellums’ 80th birthday, our guidestar was Ron’s passion to transmit lessons from 50 years of social justice movements to today’s youth who are hungry for big-minded social change. We also felt called to address the displacement crisis in our beloved community of Oakland, the national epi-center for urban displacement. With disparate impacts on the African American community, we believe that the national urban displacement and new homeless crisis are among the biggest racial justice and human rights imperatives of our day.
As we reflect on the community service we've been able to perform, we are tremendously grateful for your support. Starting new ventures comes with many challenges. We’ve been blessed with like-minded and big-hearted people who have partnered with and supported us.
Your Support
Ensured that Ron Dellums’ voice was heard on issues of the day!
We created platforms for Ron to communicate his insight and guidance on major social justice issues from divestment strategies in prison reform and climate change movements, voting reform, significance of the presidential campaign, making sense of the election, and urban displacement. Check out his recent speeches and articles!
Helped us train 100 next generation activists!
We operated the Dellums Student Fellows program for graduate, undergraduate, and high school students and trained them in social justice applied research and advocacy. In a partnership with UC Berkeley’s Institute for Urban & Regional Development, we mentored the inaugural Urban Equity Student Fellows. In a partnership with Professor Antwi Akom and his team, we trained SF State Africana Studies students to successfully campaign for the Alameda County $580 million Housing Bond.
Enabled us to mobilize crisis intervention strategies to keep people in their homes.
Oakland median rents have soared to $3,000/month while median household income remains at $36,000! The African American population has declined by 36,000 (26% loss) since 2000.
Legends Bobby Seale & Phil Hutchings helping us pass $580 million housing bond!
We convened inter-sectional coalitions (government + community + faith + tech) to build people power.
DISJ partner John Jones III championing anti-displacement.
We secured $65 million for Anti-Displacement Safety Net Services for low-income tenants and elderly homeowners at high risk for displacement and homelessness.
DISJ Margaretta Lin advocating for structural change policies.
We changed government policies to prioritize immediate anti-displacement & racial inclusion.
What's Next?
DISJ partner Martina Cucullu-Lim advocating for legal services.
We’re doing the tedious work of implementing the Anti-Displacement Safety Net resources we fought for!
We’re reclaiming our “belonging” as citizens and human beings to organize power and inclusion in the new economy. Much more to come....
Inspired by Black Panther Party history, we’re co-branding voting in everything we do from community outreach for anti-displacement resources to cultural events to flyering at City Hall protests.
We’re creating spaces that unite us as human beings from the inaugural Beloved Oakland Event on February 18th at the Fox Theater to building a social justice incubator hub--the new Dellums Center for Activism + Innovation.
In the words of the great Dr. King,
“The hope of a secure and livable world rests with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood.”
Thank you,谢谢, gracias, شكرا ,תודה for making this work possible!
We are powered by people power!
We invite you to continue your support through a donation of any amount.