March 30th 2024.
On March 26, a special celebration was held to honor the life and work of Elaine Brown, a renowned activist and former Chairwoman of the Black Panther Party. The event was made even more significant with the announcement of a groundbreaking $1 million contribution from Black Lives Matter to support Brown's organization, Oakland & the World Enterprises.
The generous contribution is a testament to Black Lives Matter's commitment to advancing Brown's vision for Black liberation, community wealth, and self-determination. Specifically, the funds will go towards initiatives such as The Black Panther complex, which aims to restore the historical legacy of West Oakland, the community where Brown grew up.
In a press release, Black Lives Matter and OAW expressed their excitement for the collaboration and its potential to pave the way towards freedom for Black communities. This sentiment was echoed by speakers at the event, including Brown herself, BART Board Director Lateefah Simon, Keith Carson from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Each of them highlighted Brown's significant contributions to the Black community and her unwavering fight for social justice.
One of Brown's latest projects, the development of 100% affordable housing in Oakland, was also a major focus of the event. OAW has been working tirelessly to empower formerly incarcerated individuals and those from socioeconomically marginalized backgrounds through the creation of cooperatively-owned businesses and affordable housing. The 79-unit housing project, which is set to be completed in early June, is a testament to Brown's dedication to improving the lives of those in her community.
In addition to the housing project, OAW has also obtained a license from the city to break ground on an $80-million project, with Antoine Long as the project manager. The nonprofit plans to establish businesses in the Oakland complex, furthering their mission to create economic opportunities for the community.
Brown's impact and legacy extend far beyond her work with the Black Panther Party. In 1993, she released her autobiography, "A Taste of Power," which chronicles her journey as the first and only female leader of the Black Panther Party. Her story is now set to reach an even wider audience, with singer and actress Alicia Keys slated to portray her in an upcoming film.
It is clear that Elaine Brown is a living legend, and her dedication to social justice and community empowerment will continue to inspire generations to come. The Black Lives Matter contribution and the ongoing work of OAW are just a few examples of how her legacy lives on and continues to make a significant impact.
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