Honoring a Leader
- Honoring
A Community
Uniting
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After a blessing offered by Imam Musa Balde, the
audience heard a treat, drumming by the Buena Vista Methodist's own Taiko
drum group. That really started the evening with a bang.
A short video summarized Rev. Yoshii's contributions to Alameda social
programs. Then individuals representing various groups spoke about their
appreciation for help and support by Rev. Yoshii and his church members:
Methodist Youth Ministry, Emily Lin;
Alameda Unified Schools, Jane Lee;
Organization of Alameda Asians, Arnie Fong;
C.A.R.E., Vicki Smith;
the Alameda Lesbian Potluck Society, Deborah Arbuckle;
Renewed HOPE, Tom Mathews;
Ohlone Education Programs, Corrina Gould.
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Community and governmental representatives brought
many commendations for help with social justice campaigns led by Rev.
Yoshii:
United Methodist Church Bay View District Superintendant,
Rev. Jim Lockwood-Stewart;
Committee on Race and Relations United Methodist Church, Charlotte
Quann;
Alameda Unified School District, Superintendant Dr. Alan Nishino;
NEA Human Rights Award, presented by Misao Brown;
Pete Start, US House of Representatives, tribute presented by Jo
Cazenave;
Wilma Chan, California Assembly, Proclamation presented Austin and Niel
Tam;
Don Perata, California Senate Resolution, presented by Joy Lynn Konno
with a little help from Gretchen Lipow;
Alice-Lai Bitker, Alameda Country Supervisor Commendation;
Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson, Proclamation naming Oct 16th Michael
Yoshii Day, presented by Council members Marie Gilmore, Frank Mataresse,
and Vice Mayor Tony Daysog.
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In keeping with the spirit of a united community, additional speakers
described on-going struggles for human rights. With Rev. Yoshii, they
invited everyone to join in common cause for these rights.
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