Human Relations Commission :. News

District 1

District 2

District 3

Pat Belding – (Pleasanton) She chosen because she has worked diligently over the past 15 years, to develop and speak out for affordable housing for needy

residents, coordinated volunteers to build Habitat for Humanity houses,and worked to provide visits and ministry to Santa Rita Jail inmates.

Shirley Sisk – (Newark) She was chosen because of her over 35 years of tireless work for the Newark community, as a former City Councilmember for 21 years,

former Alameda County Human Relations Commission Chair, and past master of bringing people together for associations and events that enrich community life.

Bill Harris – (Oakland) He was chosen

because in 2005, as General Manager

of Oakland’s Jack London Inn, he went

above and beyond his job description

to meet the challenge to connect Katrina

evacuees, displaced from disaster zones,

to agencies that could provide needed

services. He helped secure clothing,

meals,school supplies, job opportunities,

and transportation for evacuees housed

at his hotel.

District 4

District 4 (Youth Award)

District 5

Olis Simmons – (Oakland) She was chosen because of her nearly 20 years of public and private sector experience in youth leadership development, child welfare, healthcare and economic development. Also, her leadership in an intensive youth centered process to design and develop, Youth Uprising, a state of the art youth leadership development center in Oakland.

Porshia Butler – (Oakland) She was chosen because she is 17 years old high school senior in a Business and Technology program. She works at Youth Uprising in a leadership role as a member of the Rise Up Team. She maintains a 4.0 in Accelerated Program classes and plans to go to Harvard or Stanford University, and someday open her own Real Estate Company.

Dereka Blackman – (Oakland) She was chosen for over 15 years as an activist, organizer, and community leader on behalf of children, youth and their families. Also, for her fierce commitment to justice and equality from the halls of Congress to the streets of Oakland, as a national voice for urban youth.