By Nayelit Sanchez:

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the incredible impact that Hispanic and Latino communities have had in shaping our future through their resilience, commitment to justice, and cultural contributions.

At EBCLO, this celebration holds a very special meaning because many of the youth we serve and many of our staff identify as Hispanic or Latino. Their voices, experiences, and futures are at the heart of our advocacy. EBCLO remains committed to ensuring that youth in foster care have access to stability, education, and the resources they need to thrive.

By uplifting the history, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities, we also reaffirm EBCLO’s mission to stand beside our youth, break down systemic barriers, and help create a future where every child can reach their full potential. Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration that serves as a reminder that by carrying forward this legacy and honoring leaders for their continuous advocacy, we can continue building hope and change.

If you are looking for some ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month; here are some local events around the Bay Area:

https://www.510families.com/latinx-heritage-month/

https://oaklandlibrary.org/hhm/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-month-cultural-crafting-series-tickets-1482218458309

https://latinbayarea.com/event/list-bay-area-latino-heritage-month-2025/

https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981143/hispanic-heritage-month-events-bay-area-guide-2025

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, holds profound significance in California and across the United States as a commemoration of the end of slavery. For the children and families served by the East Bay Children’s Law Offices and for EBCLO’s staff and board, this holiday represents a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Recognized officially as a state holiday in California, Juneteenth offers an opportunity to educate younger generations about the historical injustices faced by African Americans and the importance of continued advocacy for civil rights and social justice.

Juneteenth, recognized as a federal holiday and often called Freedom Day, marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their emancipation—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is a powerful reminder of delayed justice, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward true freedom and equity in America.

In 2025, we find ourselves not only commemorating the past but grappling with a present marked by growing uncertainty and fear. Across California and beyond, communities are expressing deep concern over the erosion of hard-fought civil and political freedoms—particularly those affecting marginalized groups. From challenges to voting rights and curriculum content to broader rollbacks on equity and inclusion efforts, there is a collective unease that cannot be ignored.

This year’s Juneteenth is a call not just to remember—but to recommit. We must recommit to truth-telling, community-building, and the pursuit of justice. We must reaffirm our organizational values of dignity, inclusion, and advocacy, especially as we navigate this moment of unrest. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not a single event, but an ongoing struggle—one that requires courage, solidarity, and hope.

In recognition of Juneteenth, we encourage all staff to take time to reflect, learn, and engage. Whether through participation in local events, reading and discussion, or acts of service and advocacy, let this be a moment to honor both the pain and power of the Black American experience—and to uplift one another in the ongoing work for justice.

Let us hold space for both celebration and seriousness. Let us honor the past, acknowledge the present, and act with purpose for the future.

If you want to find a way to get involved; here’s a great resource for Juneteenth events happening across Oakland and nearby communities:

https://www.visitoakland.com/juneteenth/
Events range from cultural festivals to educational forums and volunteer opportunities—many hosted by organizations led by Black Californians.

Former intern CJ Molo reflects on their experience interning at EBCLO in this article in UC Law SF’s Evidence of Success series.  We love introducing child welfare law to students!

Helping Vulnerable Children Reinforces 3L CJ Andrea Molo’s Career Goals

We were everywhere this March talking to students about becoming lawyers!  CJ Connolly did mock interviews with Oakland Tech’s Race, Policy & Law students. Then CJ & Anthony Rodriguez met with students at Chabot College/California Association of Black Lawyers’ Professionals in the Legal Field Workshop.  And Kristin Mateer wrapped it up on a Child Advocacy Panel for undergraduates from around the state through the Legal Education Access Pipeline’s event at Stanford Law School.

Support EBCLO and win prizes as CJ Connolly hosts Trivia Night at Night Heron (1780 Telegraph Ave., Oakland)!  And thank you to Night Heron for collecting toys for EBCLO clients from November 26- December 7.  Trivia prizes include Keenan Wines!  See you there!

By: CJ Connolly

As we begin Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Hispanic communities and their profound influence on moving our society towards progress, justice, and equity. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” resonates with our mission at EBCLO, especially in our commitment to advocating for the foster youth of Alameda County. Hispanic leaders, from grassroots community activists to fierce legal advocates, have been at the forefront of pioneering change, and their legacy inspires our work to ensure that every young person has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

Our focus on youth advocacy is deeply connected to this theme. We are dedicated to empowering foster youth by addressing their unique challenges and advocating for systemic changes that will benefit them. By drawing on the spirit of innovation and resilience exemplified by Hispanic pioneers, we strive to create a more equitable future for all youth and continue the legacy of those before us. Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have. We celebrate the contributions of Hispanic leaders and communities who have championed transformative change and worked tirelessly to create a more just and inclusive society. Together, we honor these contributions and continue to be committed to the vital work of advancing justice and opportunity for all foster youth.

If you are looking for some ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month; here are some local events:

• https://www.visitoakland.com/hispanic-heritage-month/
• https://www.oaklandcc.edu/diversity/hispanic-heritage-month
• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/olcc-visit-oakland-september-2024-hispanic-heritage-mixer-tickets-1000516570997
• https://www.510families.com/latinx-heritage-month/
• https://bartable.bart.gov/featured/hispanic-heritage-month-sept-15-oct-15-heres-how-celebrate-locally

Celebrating our crowning glory–Black hair!  Sometimes our clients don’t have the hair care products they need or their caregivers need a little help understanding the labor and love it takes to maintain Black hair.  With the help of Ticket to Dream Foundation and Famous Footwear, Supervising Attorney Regan Bradley-Brown started a Black hair care fund to make sure our clients can always feel confident about their style and themselves.  If you are caring for one of our clients, please reach out–we’d be happy to help!

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, holds profound significance in California and across the United States as a commemoration of the end of slavery. For the children and families served by the East Bay Children’s Law Offices (EBCLO), this holiday represents a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Recognized officially as a state holiday in California, Juneteenth offers an opportunity to educate younger generations about the historical injustices faced by African Americans and the importance of continued advocacy for civil rights and social justice.

In the East Bay, Juneteenth is marked by vibrant community events, educational programs, and cultural celebrations that highlight African American heritage and contributions. These activities provide a platform for children to engage with their history and heritage in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of pride and identity. For EBCLO, participating in and supporting Juneteenth events is integral to our mission of empowering youth and families through education and advocacy. By celebrating Juneteenth, we honor the progress made while recognizing the work still needed to ensure equality and justice for all. Here are some things happening around the Bay Area:

• Juneteenth at Children’s Discovery Museum: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 19, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Celebrate African American culture at Children’s Discovery Museum (https://www.cdm.org/celebrate/community-celebrations/juneteenth/)
• Juneteeth at East Bay Regional Parks: June 19, various Bay Area parks. The East Bay Regional Park District is celebrating Juneteenth with a Free Park Day.( org/we-celebrate/juneteenth)
• OMCA Hella Juneteenth Cookout:1 to 5 p.m. June 19, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (org/event/hella-juneteenth-the-cookout)
• Pleasant Hill Juneteenth Celebration:5 to 9 p.m. June 19, Lake at City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. (gov/1608/Juneteenth-Celebration-2024)
• Juneteenth in the Town Jubilee:5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 19, Block Community Hub, 1955 Broadway, Oakland. (com/JuneteenthTownJubilee)
• Marin City Juneteenth Festival:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 22, Rocky Graham Park, 800 Drake Ave., Sausalito. (info/)
• Hayward Juneteenth Celebration:12 to 6 p.m. June 22, Hayward Heritage Plaza, 835 C St., Hayward. (com/cityofhayward/p/C7SUQQ2vN-7/)
• ‘Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars’ Juneteenth Celebration:3 to 5 p.m. June 22, Grown Women Dance Collective, 9th St. between Broadway & Washington, Oakland. (org/juneteenth-2022-1)
• Juneteenth Foodie Fest:12 to 6 pm. June 23, Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (com/JuneteenthFoodie)

By: Amy Spierling

Happy Pride!

Queer youth and kids are overrepresented in foster care and in the juvenile justice system, but instead of focusing on the negatives (if you’d like to know more, see here), I’d like to share some local queer history, events, and resources with our LGBTQIA+ youth. When we can see ourselves reflected in history, it can help ground us in the present.

Queer Liberation in California

Did you know that San Francisco and Los Angeles had LGBT riots years before the more famous Stonewall riots? Drag queens and trans women rioted at Compton’s Cafeteria in protest to ongoing police harassment and violence. It was common at the time to be arrested for the crime of “female impersonation” if you were found to be wearing 3 or more items of the ‘opposite gender’- and shirts buttoning “the wrong way” counted!

San Francisco had the first known gay youth organization in the United States, Vanguard. Many of the youth were homeless and trans.

Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, and helped defeat the Briggs Initiative, a proposition that would have banned gays and lesbians from working in public schools. Florida had just reversed its anti-discrimination ordinance, and the fear was that these anti-LGBTQ laws would spread nationwide.

Your Rights

California law protects foster children and youth from discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It also protects your right to express yourself through clothing, hygiene, and grooming and to be referred to by your chosen name and gender pronoun. You also have a right to reproductive and sexual health care, mental health care, treatment and prevention of STDs, and gender affirming health care. You can also consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy care, and perinatal care including abortion services.

Local Events

• Frameline Film Festival– June 19-29
• San Francisco Trans March – June 28
• San Francisco Pride — June 29-30
• SFMOMA– Zanele Muholi: Eye Me, a South African visual artist photographing the LGBTQ+ community through August 11
• Oakland Pride – September 7 & 8

Resources

If you feel like your rights have been violated, you can contact:

• California Foster Care Ombudsperson Office: 877-846-1602 fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov
• Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860
• Trevor Text: START to 678678
• Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
• GLBT Historical Society