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Dear Beloved Community,
Thank you for being a part of our beloved community last year. Even when times were tough, from funding struggles to the ups and downs of an election year, we leaned on each other, held fast to our shared purpose, and found strength in our togetherness. Last year reminded us of the power of community. We keep showing up, lifting each other up, and making a difference. Together, we persevered. Together, we thrived. Last year, we proudly continued our tradition of creating spaces that honor our history, fostered healing, and inspired hope: ● In March, we celebrated Harriet Tubman’s legacy with our 11th Annual Phenomenal Women’s Event, in partnership with the Black Women’s Media & Wellness Project. Under the theme “Sistah, You Are My Medicine”, the event featured powerful voices, including renowned artist Karen Seneferu and former District 7 Councilmember Treva Reid. ● In June, our 17th Annual Oakland Juneteenth Street Festival & Celebration brought the heart of Oakland to life with over 200 community members, leaders, performers, and vendors. Under the theme “Reaching For Wholeness: One Love, One Liberation”, we celebrated the richness of our diversity and the strength of our unity. Thank you to our incredible sponsors, your ongoing support made this possible! ● In June, we held our first Health Equity Conference in partnership with the Health & Human Resource Education Center (HHREC) called “STEPP-IN UP” to provide the youth of our community the financial literacy and social emotional resources they need to thrive. ● In October, we held our second Health Equity Conference in partnership with (HHREC) to build on the success of the first conference! ● In November, we hosted our 9th Annual Women Inspiring Women Spa Day & Be Still Retreat in partnership with the Black Women’s Media & Wellness Project. Under the theme “It’s Harvest Time: I Am Breaking New Ground, Investing In Myself”, over 60 women engaged in healing and empowerment through massages, poetry, affirmations, and Sistah’s Let’s Talk healing circles. ● In December, we held our final event of the year and third Health Equity Conference in partnership with HHREC) to give the youth of our community an opportunity to have a safe place to speak about mental health through a discussion and poetry slam! Looking ahead to 2025, we remain deeply committed to fostering local businesses, uplifting the voices and contributions of our community, and empowering the next generation of leaders. We will continue to center the history, artistry, and brilliance of our brothers and sisters from across the globe, amplifying the beauty and diversity of minds everywhere. We invite you to join us as we create new milestones and strengthen our legacy of impact, unity, and cultural celebration. Together, we will embrace the challenges ahead with courage, creativity, and collective purpose. We extend our deepest gratitude to you for your sponsorship and partnership and hope to continue to have your support moving forward! Special thanks to our sponsors: ● Health & Human Resource Education Center, Oakland, CA ● The City of Oakland ● Oakland Recycles ● Community Bank of the Bay, Oakland, CA ● NAMI Contra Costa ● John L. Burris, American Civil Rights Attorney ● Safe Return Project ● East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation/SPARC As we begin this new year, we carry hope in our hearts and a renewed commitment to building a brighter, more unified future. We thank you in advance for lending your time and financial resources to uplift and sustain the longevity of our work! With gratitude and hope, The B-H Brilliant Minds Project Inc. Team In service, Ms. Barbara Howard, Founder, CEO & Executive Director |