Page 16 - Blacki M News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Speakers gathered over Zoom at the “State of Black Berkeley” event on Feb. 20. The annual gathering of activists at the “State of Black Berkeley” on Saturday looked different in 2021 than in past years. Attendees greeted each other over Zoom and asked questions or sent compliments in the chatbox, rather than raising hands or applauding in person. Still, with rousing music and a dance break to intersperse impassioned speeches and calls to action, the spirit of the event was unchanged. The 17 speakers covered a wide range of topics, like how to build community as Berkeley’s Black population continues to shrink; education equity and student support at Berkeley High; police reform and mental health services; equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine; celebrating and protecting Black history and culture, including the statue of a local Black legislator which was vandalized this year; and reparations for the economic losses caused by systemic racism.

Paul buddenhagenWilliam byron rumfordAlecia hargerCarole kennerlyBerkeley assemblymemberChristine schwartzZoe sealeCouncilmember ben bartlettKele nitotoBabalwa kwaneleWilliam rumfordDelores nochi cooperCity councilHonor societyJuneteenth cultural associationBerkeley police department