Tag Archives: human-rights

Acts of Courage 2024 – Let Reproductive Freedom Ring

Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNorCal) extends an invitation to join us at “Acts of Courage,” taking place on May 16 at Terra Gallery in San Francisco. Our theme is “Let Reproductive Freedom Ring,” and we will rally together to raise funds that will significantly enhance access to essential sexual reproductive health care. This year, we are proud to present the Acts of Courage Award to California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting reproductive freedom through their public advocacy. General Admission is $250.  Sponsorships available.  To buy your ticket or become a sponsor, go to https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-northern-california/get-involved-locally/events/acts-of-courage

Resolution to Support Local, State, and Federal Efforts to Exonerate the Port Chicago 50

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RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL EFFORTS TO EXONERATE THE PORT CHICAGO 50

WHEREAS, on July 17, 1944, the deadliest home front disaster of World War II took place when a tragic explosion occurred at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine killing 320 men (of whom 202 were African American) and wounding 390 (of whom 233 were African American); and

WHEREAS, Port Chicago Naval Magazine was racially segregated and all sailors loading munitions at the time of the explosion were African American; and

WHEREAS, the surviving sailors were entitled to standard survivors’ leave but were denied leave and ordered to clean up after the disaster; and

WHEREAS, the surviving sailors were ordered back to handling high explosives before an investigation could determine the cause of the deadly explosion; and

WHEREAS, 258 ammunition handlers engaged in peaceful work stoppage rather than return under the same unsafe working conditions; and

WHEREAS, fifty of these men were unlawfully charged with mutiny, prosecuted as guilty and sentenced to prison; and

WHEREAS, three weeks after the work stoppage, a Naval Court of Inquiry report confirmed working conditions and practices enforced by Port Chicago leadership were in violation of Naval safety regulations and federal safety code; and

WHEREAS, the actions of the sailors, the public mutiny trial, and public advocacy from their champion Thurgood Marshall, initiated the desegregation of the Navy in February 1946; and

WHEREAS, there have been several attempts over the years to appeal the decision, but all have failed; and

WHEREAS, starting in the 1990s, Congressman George Miller worked to preserve the history of the Port Chicago 50 and worked towards their exoneration, and in 1992, his legislation designated the site of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine as a national memorial, which is managed by the National Park Service; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, President Obama signed legislation to incorporate Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial as a full and permanent unit of our National Park System; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District received part of the Concord Naval Weapons Station through a Public Benefit Conveyance on July 19, 2019, and has named the park the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, which honors the courage and legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and all those who sacrificed their lives in our nation’s ongoing struggle for social justice, racial equality, and workers’ rights; and

WHEREAS, Naval historians now recognize the actions of the Port Chicago 50 potentially saved lives and changed the Navy for the better; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the City of Concord, the City of Albany, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors passed resolutions supporting local, state, and federal efforts to exonerate the sailors wrongfully convicted of mutiny following the Port Chicago disaster of 1944; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the State of California successfully passed SJR-15 urging the President of the United States and Congress to restore honor to the sailors unjustly blamed for, and the sailors convicted of mutiny following, the Port Chicago disaster, and to rectify any mistreatment by the military of those sailors, including the full exoneration of those who were convicted at court-martial; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, US Representative Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), US Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) and US Representative John Garamendi (CA-08) introduced a resolution recognizing the victims of the Port Chicago disaster and calling for the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50; and

WHEREAS, in June 2023, the Philadelphia 15 were exonerated by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Parker. This case serves as a an example and pathway to exonerate the Port Chicago 50.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County does hereby resolve as follows:

Section 1. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County does hereby support these and all efforts to exonerate the Port Chicago 50 and recognize their service to our country.

Section 2. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes the efforts that this case presents in our nation’s struggle for social justice, racial equity, and workers’ rights.

Section 3. The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County affirms support for all future efforts which urge the President, Congress of the United States, and Secretary of the Navy to take all necessary actions to restore honor to, and rectify the mistreatment by the United States Military of, any sailors who were unjustly blamed for and convicted of mutiny after the Port Chicago disaster, which occurred in the town of Port Chicago, California, in 1944.

Section 4. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, January 18, 2024

February 2024 Black History Month Proclamation

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Proclamation of February 2024 as Black History Month 

WHEREAS Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements of Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history; and

WHEREAS Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and through the struggles of other prominent Black Americans in U.S. history; and

WHEREAS since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month; and

WHEREAS the actions and rhetoric of certain people and/or entities calls our attention to the fact that it is long past time to confront deep racial inequities and structural racism that continue to plague Contra Costa County and our nation; and

WHEREAS the unwarranted deaths of Black Americans who fought for civil rights and equality for all in the U.S., including the Port Chicago 50 in Contra Costa County, are symbols of that inequity; and we are reminded to reflect on Black Americans who have been marginalized and negatively impacted the most by false narratives, the economy, health care, education, housing and the disproportionate aftermath of the pandemic in the Black community; and

WHEREAS as we strive to fully live up to the founding principles of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County– that all people are created equal and have the right to peaceful and prosperous lives – we commit to the goal of having a Central Committee that looks like America – one that reflects the full talents and diversity of the American people; and

WHEREAS we commemorate the long legacy of political and civic leadership within the Black community represented by many Black elected officials in Contra Costa County, including Diana Becton, the first Black woman to serve as the Contra Costa District Attorney and Patt Young, the first Black woman to serve on the Contra Costa Water District Board; and

WHEREAS today the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County has Black American party leaders who are publicly elected members, club representatives, and/or California Democratic Party Executive Board members, directly paving the way for greater diversity and Black representation within the Democratic Party.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County hereby proclaims February 2024 as Black History Month and encourages all constituents to join us in celebrating this special month; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on the Democrats of Contra Costa County to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle and progress that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope.

2024 proclamation based on 2023 Proclamation that was reviewed with input from DPCCC Black American leaders.

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, January 18, 2024

DPCCC Statement: Antioch & Pittsburg Police scandal

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PRESS RELEASE                                                      Contact: Jan Bell, DPCCC Communications

                                                                                         commsdir@contracostadems.com

April 25, 2023                                                                            (925) 603-3676        

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

CONDEMNS THE ACTIONS OF EAST COUNTY POLICE OFFICERS 

INVOLVED IN TEXTING SCANDAL

WALNUT CREEK – The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County (DPCCC) and its active membership are speaking out against the actions of certain local police departments for the racist, sexist, xenophobic, and homophobic actions of their officers. 

As Democrats, we vehemently condemn the recent actions of Antioch and Pittsburg police officers involved in ongoing corruption investigations of alleged fraud, bribery, drug distribution and civil rights violations related to the use of force. We also condemn those Antioch police officers who have been exposed in the ongoing investigation for their use of racist slurs, jokes, and memes in text messages over a period of more than two years targeting members of the Black and Latino communities. 

As community members, residents, and neighbors of these police districts, we are deeply enraged and disturbed by the behavior of these officers that many in the Black and Brown communities have long experienced as hate and racial animus by the very persons sworn to “protect and serve” the whole of the community. 

We condemn racism, hatred, sexism, and violence towards Black people, Brown people, Indigenous people, impoverished people, and all people of color and stand in solidarity with these communities and other targeted community members as they raise their voices to demand equal protection and an end to police violence. 

We acknowledge that race-based inequities are embedded into our society and reinforced through our institutions. We rely on the police to defend and protect us – all of us – from harm, and to promote fairness and justice in our communities. Yet, the behavior of these officers mocks this fundamental duty.  When police officers cast entire communities as suspect and criminal because of what they look like, where they come from, or what religion they adhere to, countless people are arrested, and even killed.  No one should live in constant state of fear of being targeted in such a violent way by those who have sworn to protect them.

We call on local government boards, councils, agencies, and members of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to condemn all acts of police intimidation, harassment, brutality, racial profiling, and excessive use of force. We urge the adoption of reforms and policies throughout the county’s law enforcement departments to address these concerns and end these injustices.

DPCCC calls upon its members and all elected federal, state, and local officials to support initiatives to end police violence, intimidation, harassment, and brutality against Black and Brown people, to combat the systemic racism that infects our society, and to speak out against all attempts to restrict constitutional rights of protestors, journalists, and all people who want to make their voices heard. 

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County advocates for defending and securing our constitutional and human rights via peaceful public policy debate and legislative action and works to elect Democrats to public office who share these goals. Join the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County and learn how you can make a difference in your community every day.  Go to www.contracostadems.com for more information—including actions you can take and a list of events you can attend.

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Resolution Supporting the Rights of the People of Iran to Free Expression and Standing in Solidarity with the Women and People of Iran

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the November 17, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS a 22-year-old Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, died after being arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code for women on September 16, 2022, reportedly for alleged improper wearing of the hejab, and in response to her death protesters have taken to the streets in more than 50 cities, towns and villages across Iran and reports indicate that Iranian security forces have used lethal force in arresting more than 1,200+ people and killed as many as 87+ people during the demonstrations; and  

WHEREAS Iranian women are at risk of suffering brutality and death for perceived violations of a dress code imposed on them by others; and

WHEREAS the Iranian government has also restricted the internet, cutting access to Instagram and WhatsApp to prevent communication, access to information, freedom of expression to repress the rights of Iranian citizens, journalists, and human rights defenders.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County stands with the people of Iran, particularly women, who are engaged in legitimate and peaceful protests against an oppressive and corrupt regime, and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County condemns those who have routinely and systematically violated human rights, restricted freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of opinion and expression, including the continuing closures of media outlets, arrests of journalists, and censorship of expression in online forums, and we call on the Iranian government and security forces to cease their attacks on (and killing of) those protesting Mahsa Amini’s death, for a thorough and unfettered investigation by a trusted international body into the circumstances of her arrest and cause of death, and full accountability for all those determined to have been responsible for the death of Mahsa Amini and the 87 others, and growing, who have subsequently been killed.

Submitted by Susan Hildreth, Elected member, District 1, on behalf of Sousan Manteghi-Safakish

Co-authors:  Nima Rahimi, Ladan Manteghi, Shebreh Kalantari- Johnson (Councilmember, City of Santa Cruz), Tony Khoshaba, Sousan Manteghi-Safakish

Co-Sponsors: Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Dr. Shokooh Miry, Edesa Bitbadal, Ryan Khojasteh, Amar Shergill (Chair, Progressive Caucus-CA Dem Party), Mahnaz Moghaddam,  Sina Ferdosi,  Leslie Austin (Chair, San Bernadino County Democratic Central Committee), Aisha Wahab (Councilmember, City of Hayward; Candidate, CA State Senate), Jean Cohen ( Vice-Chair, oSanta Clara County Democratic Party), Maimona Afzal Berta (Board Member, Franklin-McKinley School District; Candidate, Santa Clara County Board of Education, Area 6), Carol Garvey, Richard Constantine (Mayor, City of Morgan Hill), Andrew Goldenkranz (Chair, Santa Cruz County Democratic Party), Katherine Chavez Napoli, Joanne Fierro,  Armando Benavides

Political Organization Co-Sponsors: SCCDP (Santa Clara County Democratic Party), BAIAD (Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats), ADBA (Assyrian Democrats of Bay Area), SVDC (Silicon Valley Democratic Club)

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, November 17, 2022

Resolution recognizing the City of Hercules and its efforts to combat the wage gap through the Hercules Equal Pay Ordinance

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the October 20, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS the City of Hercules is a vibrant and diverse city with over 76% of the city’s population identifying as a person of color; and 

WHEREAS 51% of Hercules residents identify as female; and 

WHEREAS female-identifying residents earn an average of $7,464 less than male-identifying individuals in the city; and 

WHEREAS Hercules’ poverty rate for female-identifying folks stands at 6.91% compared to 3.74% for male-identifying community members; and

WHEREAS female-identifying Hercules residents have higher education attainment than male-identifying residents; and

WHEREAS Vice Mayor Walker-Griffin, introduced and passed the Hercules Equal Pay Ordinance to combat the gender wage gap; and

WHEREAS Hercules is the first and only city in the United States to mandate a signed affidavit agreeing to the terms of the Hercules Equal Pay Ordinance and the California Equal Pay Act; and

WHEREAS failure to sign the agreement or violations results in permanent termination of business in the City of Hercules; and 

WHEREAS the City of Hercules recognizes the importance of addressing the equity gap associated with income and has blazed the trail for other cities to follow; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County recognizes the City of Hercules for its historical actions to address the wage gap and use this as a platform for other cities and towns to be inspired to combat the wage gap in their cities. 

Submitted by Alex Walker-Griffin, Vice Mayor, City of Hercules

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, October 20, 2022

Proclamation Recognizing December 10, 2022, as Human Rights Day

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DPCCC membership approved the following proclamation at the October 20, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, and is the first agreement among countries around the world identifying the rights and freedoms that belong to every one of us as human beings; and

WHEREAS December 10 of each year is celebrated around the world as “Human Rights Day”; and

WHEREAS the Declaration consists of a preamble and 30 articles that set out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all of us, everywhere around the world, are entitled. It guarantees our rights without distinction of nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status; and

WHEREAS despite the efforts to protect human rights, the hostility toward human rights and those who defend them continues to rise; and 

WHEREAS Human Rights Day advocates for everyone to stand up for their rights and those of others’ civil, economic, political, and cultural rights; and

WHEREAS Human Rights Day aims to enlighten us about how our rights are a foundation of sustainable development and peaceful societies and acknowledges the advocates and defenders of human rights around the world; and

WHEREAS many residents of Contra Costa County are not aware of their universal rights as enshrined in the Declaration, do not know that the United States is a signatory to this Declaration, and do not know how to obtain redress if their rights are violated; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County hereby recognizes December 10, 2022, as Human Rights Day and commits to bring forward resolutions in support of human rights issues and to uphold and defend freedom, democracy, and human rights in our own county, in our country, and around the world; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County shall communicate this resolution to Contra Costa County Democrats and Contra Costa Democratic Clubs to increase awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and encourage discussion of the rights and freedoms that belong to every human being.

Submitted by Craig Cheslog, Associate Member, District 5

Approved by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, October 20, 2022

Proclamation in Support of Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19, 2022

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DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the May 19, 2022 regular meeting.

WHEREAS, The first enslaved Africans were brought as captives to what is now the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1619 where they were bought and sold as slave labor for 250 years suffering unspeakable acts of violence; and

WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free”; and

WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was the vehicle used to pass the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery in this nation on January 31, 1865; and

WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing General Order Number 3 which ended both the Civil War and slavery; and

WHEREAS, June 19th has become a symbolic date, representing the freedom of African Americans and is recognized by 47 states and the District of Columbia, with Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania recognizing it as an official paid holiday for state employees; and 

WHEREAS, Our nation is facing a new reckoning as the legacy of sharecropping, Jim Crow, redlining and police violence against Black Bodies continues to pervade and permeate our society, institutions, and systems of law; and

WHEREAS, Although the 13th Amendment provided for freedom, it also laid the groundwork for mass incarceration within the African American community by stating “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction”; and

WHEREAS, if Black Lives Matter, the Democratic Party of Contra Costa Party must acknowledge the history racism has played and continues to pervade and permeate our society, institutions, and systems of laws fostering many of the current-day disparities in education, health care, housing, and employment. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County hereby recognizes Sunday, June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth to acknowledge the historical significance of the day and commit the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County to working toward the dismantling of institutionalized racism.