“Nobody's free until everybody's free.”-- Fannie Lou Hamer This page will be deleted after a few more wins. For official City of Oakland info, visit
@CmbrFife
.
Even before COVID-19 and the fires, kids who grew up in West Oakland had a life expectancy of 15 years less than kids born in the Oakland hills.
It's not enough to tweet about it: racial justice means guaranteeing healthcare for all and enforcing our ban on coal.
#CleanAirForAll
In poor Black communities, eviction is to women what mass incarceration is to men. I joined
@AyannaPressley
& housing justice activists for a conversation on the eviction crisis & Black women leading the fight to end it. Catch our discussion on Wednesday, 9/23 at 12 PST on
@BET
.
Today,
-Universal healthcare died in the California legislature.
-Renter protections died in the California legislature.
-Right now, there are over 2000 people on the school board mtg, some who'll engage a hunger strike, to stop school closures. This is how movements are born.
Homelessness is literally banned in Oakland, CA. This is not only a failure of government and our economic system, but a deep failure of our humanity.
#oakmtg
"Black folks are dying from gun violence in East and West Oakland, and folks in Chinatown are experiencing a rise in robberies and assaults. But it’s all coming from the same sources: capitalism and white supremacy."
It's official. With your help, I was elected councilmember in Oakland D3.
This one seat is just the beginning.
#C4C
is becoming a permanent organization to pass transformative legislation & build a progressive majority on Council. Sign up to join us at .
On another note, there ARE courageous leaders in Oakland. The Peralta Board of Trustees voted to end their relationship w/ the Alameda County Sheriff w/ 6 a mo transition toward a community-based safety model.
#oakmtg
Thanks to over 700 volunteers & support from dozens of community & labor orgs, we are in the lead.
I couldn’t be more proud of the movement we’ve built or more excited for the victories to come.
Together we are going to build an equitable Oakland where everyone can thrive.
From David Gray - 1/6: "I need to drive my two-year-old to daycare tomorrow morning. To ensure we arrive alive, we won't take public transit (Oscar Grant). I removed all air fresheners from the vehicle and double-checked my registration status (Daunte Wright)
Probably the best reporting of this issue I've seen to date. It sums up many BIPOC sentiments in Oakland.
@LibbySchaaf
, you caused harm. Please participate in a restorative justice circle to move the city forward.
“I am on a permanent quest to make housing a human right at the local and state level. It’s unconscionable that we have children in encampments that aren’t even fit for animals. We lose a little bit of our humanity each day we let these conditions exist.”
I don't fight people, I fight oppressive systems. I fight for equity. If we are at odds, it's likely that you're (intentionally or unintentionally) supporting/defending/caping for oppressive systems.
Imma say this loud for the folx in the back: MY IMMEDIATE PRIORITY IN THIS MOMENT IS ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS & PUBLIC SAFETY. PEOPLE ARE DYING. BASEBALL GAMES ARE SECONDARY.
#Priorities
Congratulations to Progressive community activist
@carroll_fife
on being elected to the Oakland City Council. You've shown that progressives win when they organize, organize, organize. I'm proud to have endorsed you.
“She wants to change the nature of property ownership in the city — instead of housing that generates revenue for landlords, she wants to create social housing available to all.”
We’re going to do it. Together. Because
#HousingIsAHumanRight
.
Our final campaign video is a love letter to the Oakland communities that have united around our people's campaign.
Thank you. Together we will build a better Oakland for all.
After attending several amazing Juneteenth events throughout the city, I"m heartbroken about the incidents at Lake Merritt. My deepest condolences to all impacted by yesterday's violence. But be clear: NOTHING has been "defunded", so stop w/ conclusions from that false narrative.
Every time Sam Singer mentions my name I feel joy inside knowing that he’s still BIG MAD that in 2019, I beat him, his PR firm & the multimillion dollar real estate co. he spun lies for to keep Black women homeless. 1/5
🧵People are starting to hit me up with “traffic calming/st. redesign aren’t critical ‘crime fighting’ issues” & that I need to focus on real crime. I’ve spoken w/ one too many families impacted by violence & death associated with speeding & collisions to entertain this belief.
"We had federal bail outs. We had a federal bailout of the banks. We bailed out billionaires by astronomical amounts. We've done it in the former housing crisis. Why can't we do the same thing for tenants?," said Fife.
Labor is not a special interest group. Workers are the everyday people who have organized throughout history to create safer working conditions and build
#WorkerPower
. This
#LaborDay
, remember them - because they fought for you.
West Oakland residents have twice the number of ER visits for asthma compared to the rest of Alameda County and 5x the state average overall.
In these times of climate change guaranteeing shelter, universal healthcare, access to masks and clean energy is a matter of survival.
We cannot allow an eviction wave to hit California on September 1st.
It’s time for
@GavinNewsom
to pass
#AB1436
and
#StopCovidEvictions
Call 844-291-6364 today at 9am and testify in support of a real eviction moratorium in California.
Yesterday we took a major step toward one of my primary campaign goals: Divest from policing to invest in community. Let's celebrate with the understanding that it gets harder from here. I am so grateful for every single person and org who helped me get here.
#onward
This street is even visually more calming than some dangerous streets in D3. We could use this design style in Oakland and save lots of $ in the long run.
@timcourtney
WARNING: the following messages I'll be sharing have disturbing references to rape & violence. I'm publicizing them because the lies, rhetoric & proactive campaigns intended to criminalize & dehumanize me are increasing.
Rolling into 2022 thinking, yep, poverty is a policy choice. Many issues we're experiencing today are a direct result of it. In my little position, I want to impact that. I'm making a list of thinkers, doers and activists who want to help. You down?
Okay all. Tomorrow is my 1st full city council meeting & I wanna do right by you.There are things on agenda where I need your perspective. I've been outreach for input..what are your thoughts about Agenda Item 8: the Alternative Shelter Plan?
Over the past 20 years, OUSD has closed 16 majority Black schools, forcing 18k Black students out of the district. We demand that OUSD create a reparations fund to invest in Black students and families to repair generations of harm.
Join our call at:
I, like many Oakland residents, have battled rising rents, housing insecurity & homelessness. I was pushed out of District 3 due to an illegal eviction that I was too tired to fight. Is it wrong to have moved back to run to champion community demands in this moment?
YUGE news y’all: I am so honored to have earned the endorsement of
@BernieSanders
.
This movement didn’t come out of nowhere. We’ve been building toward this for YEARS. Watch & see what we build together.
“Fife says this win shows that grassroots activism in the street can be converted to a seat at the table of political power.
“I have been successful because of the organizing, not in spite of it,” Fife said.
When I moved to Oakland in 1999, my rent was $500. Now rents are too high for working people to afford. I didn’t want to run for office, but hundreds of Oaklanders asked and I have answered their call.
#oakmtg
#demdebate
My folks have called on me to step into leadership by running for Oakland City Council in D3. Come out on July 18th for a People’s Procession in support of our campaign to make housing a human right for all and
#DefundOPD
.
I scheduled & just ended a 1.5 hour convo w/ the City Atty, City Admins & council president about the growing crisis of homelessness in Oakland.
I thought I was dejected before but this mtg was hard. That said, I’m down to strategize w/ any & EVERYONE w/ actionable ideas.
This is why Sam Singer is still mad at me, but I bear no ill will towards him. He knows not what he do.
P.S. I bought the house, like we offered to do in the 1st place. Before they brought in tanks.
“In the biggest story of the cycle, Carroll Fife is in the lead with 50.8 percent of the vote against the Chamber-of-Commerce supported incumbent, Lynette Mcelhaney, for the Oakland District 3 City Council seat.”
Even though I felt this outcome coming, I am in shock about how many times my heart is able to break when the news arrives. Our liberation, our humanity, our lives will never matter to those who hold power & practice the racialized capitalism that protects property over people,
When we talk about low enrollment in certain OUSD schools, we have to remember that there were/are ongoing efforts to dissuade families from enrolling their children in "certain" schools. I know. It happened to me twice!
This lie told by OPD is another example of why there is no trust. The police budget INCREASED from $665 million in 2019-21 to $674 million in 2021-23. This is not a cut & the OPPOSITE of
#Defund
. The police are declaring that even w/ this increase, they will NOT keep you safe.
Happening now, Oakland Police Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong holds a press conference discussing public safety impacts since City Council voted for additional budget cuts of 17 1/2 million. Live now on OPD’s Facebook
Racial injustice encompasses far more than police violence. Black families own less than 1/10th of the wealth of white families + are less likely to have stable home & health insurance.
“I am running for City Council because hundreds of organizations and individuals asked me to run. I had no interest in running for City Council. But we’re living in a time when the collective is demanding change.”
#HousingIsAHumanRight
These four unhoused mothers occupied a vacant house with their children to avoid homelessness before the pandemic.
Now they're on the front lines fighting against impending evictions in Oakland.
It’s sad that it took a dearth of encampments for people to “care” about homelessness; the takeover of a corporate-owned home in West Oakland to care about who has access to housing; a pandemic to care about access to healthcare & assaults on elders to care about mental health.
I'm learning a lot from constituents who want to expand what's possible in Oakland. This is an example of what was shared with me today. I'm so happy to know that the council and mayor's office are united in our thinking about how to move the city forward.
Cincinnatis Over The Rhine neighborhood really is a special place. Obviously gorgeous architecture, but also fantastic pedestrian infrastructure. Multiple streets closed to cars, raised crosswalks, lovely tree canopy. This is a must visit for any urbanist.
Why they're really mad: Black New Deal, Tenant protections, Social Housing, Development without displacement, Reparations, Environmental Accountability, Budget scrutiny, Real departmental oversight, and forcing an overhaul of the status quo
So yep, Let's get it in!
I’m a new-ish elected experiencing escalating harassment that is very concerning. Gun violence (& attacks on electeds) are on the rise & despite my attempts to alert everyone to these threats, I’m consistently told nothing can be done. They say use the proper channels, & nothing.
Mainstream media chooses sides. It's usually the side of the status quo even in "progressive Oakland". It can be seen in media blackouts, biased coverage, smears & conservative politicians using outlets as their own personal diaries. It's happening now.
Happy Birthday
@BernieSanders
! Thanks for always pointing out the structures that fail MILLIONS of people all over the nation, and making it clear that we must unite and fight ALL "isms" with SOLIDARITY.
Multiple agencies & elected officials had to conspire for this pre-dawn raid to happen. There's ABSOLUTELY NO REASON a nonviolent civil disobedience action should have resulted in tanks, assault rifles & shock troops in a residential neighborhood for an eviction of moms & babies
SO MANY FEELINGS! - a thread. (1/5) I had the impulse to write a scathing screed about the topic
@RafaelCasal
so poignantly speaks about in his post, but the time it'd take to explain how bad this is is too much. So instead, a couple thoughts:
To
@priyankachopra
@Usher
@juliannehough
with love and respect, a thread:
There are those who have dedicated their lives and assumed the necessary sacrifices to refer to themselves as activists - artists who court the profits of capitalism are not among them.
Oakland - Especially D3 residents: if you had $60,000,000 to spend on homelessness solutions in our city, what would you spend it on?
Conversation beginning in Life Enrichment right now.
#oakmtg
And no matter what the future holds,
@moms4housing
will go down in history as the David who defeated Goliath, right here in West Oakland! He’s spent every day since trying to figure out how to get me back. 2/5
I'm so humbled by the support for our campaign. We have raised over $185,000 so far.
A majority of donations were under $100, b/c this is a people's campaign.
A majority of our donors are from Oakland, because this is how we fight to stay and thrive in The Town.
There is something very special happening in Oakland! In spite of everything, our movement is growing beyond what I expected. I have been your servant, I will be your voice.
#KeepBelieving
#KeepPushing
#WeAreWinning
!
I know some are sad & some are celebrating because of a game, but today was one of the deadliest air strikes impacting civilians in Gaza who were told to evacuate to Rafah. When the inevitably of death is more comforting than life itself, there are just no words. This must end.
“Why are they striking us? They told us this was a safe zone so we came here. Why are they striking us? They should’ve told us to leave. Why is this happening?”
#Rafah
Addressing the horrific housing crisis in Oakland is a huge challenge. I am keenly aware of my duty to tackle it and this week, I am approaching it in a few ways. Here’s some info: 1/7
I'm the proud mother of a brilliant young activist and grateful to be running with the support and wisdom of a whole new generation demanding racial, environmental and economic justice for all.
Let's make their voices heard in City Hall.
Auto owners: Would the following be enough to ditch your vehicle to live in a car-free community?
-15% off all Lyft rides
-Free rides on the metro light rail
-Carsharing starting at $5/hour
-Bird scooters on-site
-1,000+ bike parking spots
When we defund housing, healthcare, headstart & primarily fund punishment, we perpetuate a society where we produce the need for more punishment. This self-fulfilling prophecy punishes EVERYONE.
Hey West Oakland..Did you see the movie
#Blindspotting
? Well they're now filming a TV series down the street! Shout out to
@RafaelCasal
for bring revenue to the town during Covid. Here's the Zoom link to join us THURSDAY, January 21st at 6:00PM
As a former classroom teacher and lifelong teacher at heart, I am beyond honored to be endorsed by our local teachers union, the Oakland Education Association.
Fire season is here.
Solidarity with the thousands of families being displaced during a pandemic, and the thousands of Oakland residents that have nowhere to shelter or access to masks.
Housing justice is environmental justice is healthcare justice.
#HousingIsHealth
The greatest danger to the democractic process in Oakland is not coming from Republicans, China, or North Korea. It's coming from neoliberals & defenders of the status quo who disguise fascist policy with smiles & superficial gestures. T
I’m always looking for reasons to smile. So when when bully capitalists pull up w/my name in their mouth, it reminds me I’m doing the right work. I hope it makes you smile too. 5/5
Bobby Seale and Elaine Brown ran for office in Oakland, and now we’re picking up where they left off.
Getting control of one city council seat won’t solve every problem facing Oakland, but it shows the power of the movement we’re building together. Thank you.
Oakland residents are looking for answers to the rise in shootings, reckless driving and other forms of violence being reported to my office.
Join me for a community conversation about public safety, this Thursday at 6:30 pm, live here on Twitter.
do not ever fucking forget that nurses died after working in COVID ICUs wearing trash bags over their clothes while cops dressed like video game characters beat the shit out of people who dared to ask that they not be murdered in their beds.