BWOPA Voices of the People
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon Moderates BWOPA’s Voice for the People
According to event coordinators, tackling complex issues in the community from multiple angles enables meaningful reform. The discussion covered the justice system’s far-reaching impact on crime victims, families, survivors, the formerly incarcerated, prosecutors, and law enforcement and gave audience members more clarity on how the justice system operates.
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon moderated an insightful panel discussion at Hella Bees on Thursday, July 9, sponsored by Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) Oakland/Berkeley Chapter and the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC).
Themed “A Voice for the People,” the event featured San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and community advocates Dante Jones and Vincent O’Bannon.
The open dialogue set before the packed lounge at 2340 Harrison St. offered a rare occasion for an open exchange centered on reformative justice, public safety and accountability.
According to event coordinators, tackling complex issues in the community through many angles allows for meaningful reform. The discussion covered the justice system’s far-reaching impact on crime victims, families, survivors, the formerly incarcerated, prosecutors, and law enforcement and gave audience members more clarity on how the justice system operates.
The speakers all agreed that a person and their life is not defined by one act or mistake and should be treated as such.
“People are not a case file. They are a person,” said Jenkins, urging prosecutors to take into consideration the whole individual and expanded circumstances of a case. Jenkins also emphasized perpetrators must also be accountable and dealt with fairly based on the severity of the crime.
Simon boldly advised everyone on the importance of coming together to take on the tough issues. “We may not always agree, but when communicate, we humanize each other,” said Simon.
Panelist Dante Jones challenged attendees to recognize the possibility of redemption. “People who make a mistake aren’t their mistake,” he said, reflecting on the importance of creating pathways for accountability alongside opportunities for transformation.
Jones, originally from South Central Los Angeles, was released from San Quentin under California’s resentencing law after serving 17 years of a 39-to-life sentence. During his incarceration, he advocated for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, using storytelling to reshape public perception via San Quentin News, and documentary films.
The event with Simon echoed his work as an organizer creating transformative events inside prison, working with correctional staff and state officials to build solutions around systemic issues.
For panelist Vincent O’Bannon, job creation and employment opportunities are key for the formerly incarcerated. “The change begins inside of you, but there have to be opportunities available for those who have changed their lives and are returning.”
O’Bannon, who served 15 years of a 28 years-to-life for commercial robbery, went from being a San Quentin News writer to photographer and podcaster. O’Bannon even helped his daughter create a truck-driving training course inside the San Quentin prison.
“Black Women Organized for Political Action believes that democracy is strengthened when communities have direct access to the leaders whose decisions shape their lives,” said Danielle Motley-Lewis, president of the BWOPA Oakland/Berkeley Chapter.
“Convening conversations like ‘A Voice for the People’ reflects our longstanding commitment to civic engagement, public accountability, and informed participation.”
