While this news is encouraging, it is just the beginning of our work.  Measure Y's goal is to dramatically reduce violence and create a Safe Oakland.  Learn about the police services, fire safety, and community programs in your neighborhood that are supported by Measure Y, by checking out our web site at www.MeasureY.org.

Measure Y Grantee Marilyn Washington Harris is the 2008 City of Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award recipient.  This award, presented at In the Name of Love: The 6th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 20^th, recognizes an individual who has given back to the community in extraordinary ways.

On August 4, 2000, Mrs. Harris' son Khadafy was shot and killed while riding his bicycle.  He was only 18 years old. Mrs. Harris turned her shock and grief into determination to call a halt to the cycle of violence.  Toward that end, she founded the Khadafy Foundation for Non-Violence.  Through Mrs. Harris' efforts, the Khadafy Foundation provides support services to anyone who has lost a child through murder, illness, or accident.  Since April 2007, as a partner with Catholic Charities in the Measure Y funded Oakland Crisis Response and Support Network (CRSN), Mrs. Harris has become a first responder to scenes of homicides and in the homes of families and friends who have lost loved ones to violence.  She has assisted dozens of families with grief counseling, memorial planning and preparation, and referrals to needed services.  Learn more...