Oakland City Council labels racism a public health crisis, budgets $350K for roles in equity department

A new consultant and a data analyst will help pinpoint inequities faced by Oakland residents

The Oakland, California city council on Tuesday voted unanimously to recognize racism as a public health crisis and approve a $350,000 boost in funding for racial equity staffing.

With the council’s approval, two new employees will be hired to support the city’s Department of Race and Equity, formed in 2015 to “achieve more equitable outcomes for Oakland residents,” according to a staff report reviewed by the , 217 state and local governments had declared racism a public health crisis as of October 2021.

From 2020 to October 2021, about 70 cities, roughly three dozen counties, and three states made similar declarations, according to the American Public Health Association.

theGrio’s Ny Magee contributed to this report.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! 

The post Oakland City Council labels racism a public health crisis, budgets $350K for roles in equity department appeared first on TheGrio.