Community volunteers in Oakland have taken to the streets in an effort to protect Black women and girls from violence and human trafficking.
One of the organizers, who herself is a survivor of sex trafficking, spoke about the importance of preventing others from becoming victims.
The community groups expressed deep concern and a strong desire to help young women and girls protect themselves from exploitation and violence.
To address this issue, they launched a new street outreach effort on a Friday evening.
The street outreach initiative was not your typical neighborhood walk.
A coalition of individuals came together to roam the streets of Oakland, aiming to ensure the safety of Black women and girls in the community.
Brantley, one of the organizers, shared her personal experience as a survivor and emphasized the need to prevent others from experiencing the pain she endured.
Incidents of kidnappings targeting Black women and girls in Oakland have recently increased, making the efforts of these community groups all the more crucial.
The groups gathered at San Antonio Park in East Oakland before commencing their street outreach on East 15th Street.
The city of Oakland had previously installed barricades in the area to disrupt cruising and combat human and sex trafficking.
Going forward, the outreach effort will take place every Friday night throughout the entire city of Oakland.
As part of their outreach, the group created flyers containing advice and safety tips for women, girls, and caregivers.
Simultaneously, the mayor of Oakland announced the formation of a new advisory council on human trafficking.
This council will comprise survivors, public agencies, and community organizations, with the aim of addressing and combating human trafficking effectively.
Darren White, who works with young men, highlighted the importance of educating them about the challenges faced by women and girls.
Discussions include topics such as how young men perceive and treat women, as well as the influence of media, including music and movies.
The organizers of the street outreach initiative view it as just the beginning of their efforts.
In the coming year, they plan to offer a series of free self-defense classes, prioritizing the enrollment of Black women and girls.
Every Friday evening, the groups will continue their outreach at different locations in Oakland, distributing information about safety tips and providing guidance for parents on how to protect their daughters.
Additionally, they have set up a link on their website, KTVU.com, to provide help and resources for those who may be exploited.
The community’s advocacy for the protection of Black women and girls is of utmost importance, and these dedicated volunteers aim to make a significant impact in Oakland.
Reporting live from the newsroom, Jana Katsuyama has shared the inspiring efforts of these community groups.
