On February 21, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in partnership with the Peralta Community College District hosted a forum dedicated to civic engagement, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to discuss the vital importance of defending democratic principles in today's challenging political climate. The event, part of the Barbara Lee and Elihu Harris lecture series, called on all attendees to take an active role in protecting the freedoms we hold dear. A video of the event is available on YouTube here.
MLK Jr. Freedom Center board member Kim Thompson served as the MC and set the tone for the evening, warmly welcoming attendees and acknowledging sponsors. Former PCCD Trustee, Oakland City Council member, and current Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins emphasized the significance of civic duty, noting, “Informed leadership and active participation are key to preserving the core values of democracy.”
(L to R: David M. Johnson, Elihu Harris, Kim Thompson, Lateefah Simon, Kevin Jenkins, Roy Wilson, Barbara Lee, Karen Bohlke; photo courtesy of the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center)
Dr. Roy Wilson, executive director of the Freedom Center, called for unity in the face of growing threats to democracy, urging everyone to “take action now, before it's too late.” Dr. David M. Johnson, Merritt College President, highlighted the ongoing partnership with the Freedom Center (which is housed on the beautiful Merritt campus in the Oakland hills), emphasizing the role of education in empowering future leaders.
The evening's discussions took on an impassioned tone with Elihu Harris, chair of the MLK Jr. Freedom Center’s board, who delivered a stirring speech about the need to recognize and combat the forces undermining democratic values. He said, “We cannot afford to be passive; we must actively fight for the ideals that make our nation great.”
(L to R: Barbara Lee, Hakeem Jeffries; photo courtesy of the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center)
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon followed with a fiery address, sharply criticizing the current administration and reflecting on the legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Lee was there and facilitated a conversation with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke forcefully about the Republican budget and the need to resist extremism, stating, “We must stand firm in defending democratic institutions and ensure that the values of justice and equality endure.”
The evening culminated in a call to action, encouraging attendees to engage in their communities and support the Freedom Center’s mission to foster informed and active citizenship. As Dr. Roy Wilson reminded everyone, “The work to protect democracy is ongoing, and it starts with us.”
(L to R: Roy Wilson, David M. Johnson, Karen Bohlke; photo courtesy of the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center)
This powerful gathering reinforced the importance of unity, civic engagement, and informed leadership as crucial tools in safeguarding the future of democracy.