On Saturday, August 1, SEIU 1021 members from the AFRAM Chapter and East Bay Region gave out more than 300 backpacks and other school supplies to help Oakland’s kids start the school year off right. 

As AFRAM Vice President Kasha Clarke, who serves as the Alameda Superior Court chapter president, said, “It was an honor to serve our community at the first annual SEIU Local 1021/AFRAM backpack giveaway! The turnout was incredible, the smiles on the children’s faces were priceless, and the gratitude from parents was truly heartwarming.

“This event was about more than backpacks and school supplies—it was about showing our community that SEIU Local 1021 is committed not only to advocating for good jobs, fair wages, and strong benefits, but also to giving back and serving the communities where we live and work.” 

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee came out to offer her support and helped us get the word out. She said, ”Every child in Oakland deserves to start the school year with a backpack and the other supplies they need. I’m proud to stand with SEIU 1021 members as they show up to help our community thrive, not just at work, but on their own time, with their own money. Investing in Oakland’s youth is a top priority for me and it’s inspiring to see working people joining together to make things better, now and in the brighter future these kids will make.”

Taking a break from handing out backpacks, SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford said, “We’re here to support the kids! We know that education is key for building generational wealth and changing lives, and we want to make sure we’re continuing to uplift our neighbors, our communities, and all of our working folks.”

Lorraine Bowser, a San Francisco United School District cafeteria worker and AFRAM member, said, “We’re here to support the community and support the families, and I want everyone to remember that SEIU 1021 really went strong and helped out.”

Shonda Williams, another AFRAM officer, said on Saturday, “What a day. I’d like to thank the community, our volunteers, myself, and Kasha for a successful first annual AFRAM backpack giveaway! We ROCK!”

On behalf of AFRAM and the East Bay Region, a huge thank you to all those who volunteered and donated, including Michael Peters and the Michael Peters Foundation who donated 160 backpacks. If you or anyone you know is in need this school year, come out this coming Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland’s Defremery Park, where we’ll be out in force once again!

Check out more on Barbara Lee’s and SEIU 1021’s Facebook.