Oakland Forward

Oakland Forward The mission of Oakland Forward engage, equip and empower residents the self determination…

06/17/2026

Tanith's freedom reflection!

Our Youth Organizer, Destiny Ingram, was featured on the news after offering her opinion at last night's city council me...
06/17/2026

Our Youth Organizer, Destiny Ingram, was featured on the news after offering her opinion at last night's city council meeting concerning the use of flock cameras in our communities. Destiny continues to utilize her voice and make us proud here at Oakland Forward. Way to go!

🖤 BUY BLACK Week continues 🖤Join Oakland Forward as we highlight TWO more Black-owned businesses: Courney's Juicy Juice ...
06/17/2026

🖤 BUY BLACK Week continues 🖤

Join Oakland Forward as we highlight TWO more Black-owned businesses: Courney's Juicy Juice and Luminosity Naturals!

Stop by to support local entrepreneurs, shop Black, and invest in our community.

📍 18 E. Lawrence St.
🗓 June 17, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Let's continue celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses all week long!

This afternoon, our Neighborhood Leadership Academy graduates were recognized at the city council meeting. This is one o...
06/16/2026

This afternoon, our Neighborhood Leadership Academy graduates were recognized at the city council meeting. This is one of the ways we move the city forward. We're extremely proud of them and look to see more from them in the future!

06/16/2026

Destiny's freedom perspective!

06/16/2026

Freedom, through Qua's eyes!

06/15/2026

Kermit's take on freedom!

For Black Americans, July 4th has never represented our freedom. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in ...
06/15/2026

For Black Americans, July 4th has never represented our freedom. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, countless enslaved people remained in bo***ge. It wasn't until June 19, 1865, more than two years later, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free. That day became known as Juneteenth.
More than 160 years later, Juneteenth remains both a celebration and a reminder. A reminder that freedom is not simply declared; it must be protected and experienced by all.

When asked what freedom means today, many​ Black people still wrestle with the question. Have we truly achieved it? Freedom is about more than laws, policies, or symbolic victories. It is about access, opportunity, safety, dignity, and the ability to live fully and authentically. It is about creating a society where liberty and justice are not aspirations for some, but realities for all.

Juneteenth was not recognized as a federal holiday until 2021.​ That recognition reflects a familiar truth: progress often comes slowly. Yet despite the challenges we continue to face, Black communities have never stopped pushing forward.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, conversations about equity, representation, and justice remain as important as ever. Recent events continue to remind us that the work is not finished. But they also remind us why we must remain engaged, hopeful, and committed to building a better future.

In honor of Juneteenth​ "Freedom Day," we asked members of our team to share what freedom means to them in their honest, unfiltered words. Throughout the week, we'll be sharing their stories, reflections, and perspectives​ - video style.

We invite you to join the conversation and share what freedom means to you​ as well. Because every voice, every story, and every perspective helps shape the meaning of freedom for us all.

🚨 BUY BLACK Week is here! 🚨We’re kicking things off tomorrow, June 16th, from 11 AM–4 PM with Uncle Jerry’s BBQ & The Gi...
06/15/2026

🚨 BUY BLACK Week is here! 🚨

We’re kicking things off tomorrow, June 16th, from 11 AM–4 PM with Uncle Jerry’s BBQ & The Girl on the Grill and Harold’s Italian Ice!

Come out, support local Black-owned businesses, and enjoy great food, treats, and community.

📍 321 Auburn Rd, Pontiac, MI 48342

If YOU have or know of a Black Business, please tag them!! We would LOVE to promote!!

📚 Ready to Lead and Make a Difference in Your Community?Have you ever considered serving on your local school board? Joi...
06/14/2026

📚 Ready to Lead and Make a Difference in Your Community?

Have you ever considered serving on your local school board?

Join us on June 25th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for our School Board: Who Run It? Community Leadership Training!

This interactive training is designed for aspiring school board candidates and community leaders who want to make a meaningful impact on public education. Learn about the roles and responsibilities of school board members, how school boards shape our schools and communities, and engage in discussion with parents, educators, and community members.

-Take the next step in your leadership journey.
-Gain the knowledge and tools needed to serve effectively.
-Connect with others committed to strengthening our schools.

Register today and be part of building stronger schools and stronger communities!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4F5L4pqDlcKNCxB9-vXO_wsDW-gkYRCFpTFRdxYgFKYuCwQ/viewform

Address

91 N. Saginaw Street , Suite G-109
Pontiac, MI
48342

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