By Jeannine Etter

With all that is taking place in the black community in Oakland, and in the world on a much larger scale, clearly the need for change and work that needs to be done in the community is not a new or unusual statement; change in the areas of education, employment opportunities, drugs, gangs, violence, incarceration rates and health concerns, to name a few.

Statistically blacks overwhelmingly rate higher than any other group when it comes to the above mentioned matters. To address these concerns, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson is co-sponsoring the Seco^nd African American Organizations Making Connections “Strategies and Outcomes for Our Black Community” - an all-day event Saturday at Laney College encouraging participants to “be a part of the solution for creating positive outcomes and improving our black community.”

The focus of the event is on solutions and measurable outcomes, bringing together experts and community members to share experience, ideas, knowledge and expertise and to pool collective resources. The day includes workshops on keeping community safe, black health and wellness, intergenerational relationships and more. The featured panel - “A Look into the Black Community: Where We Have Been, Where We Are, Where We Are Going” - will include Congresswoman Barbara Lee, former Black Panther Elaine Brown, former Black Panther Bobby Seale and Ella Baker Center Executive Director Jakada Imani. There will be a youth art exhibition, vendor/exhibitor pavilion, networking opportunities and more.

This event is free and open to the public and includes free catered lunch. Youth are encouraged to attend.

 
If You Go

African American Organizations Making Connections “Strategies and Outcomes for Our Black Community”

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23

Where: Laney College Gymnasium, 900 Fallon St. in Oakland

More info:  acgov.org/board/district5 or laney.edu/wp/ or LaNiece Jones at laniece@lajonesmedia.com

RSVP: aamakingconnections2013.eventbrite.com