Mega Black San Francisco demands $60M for community initiatives at budget meeting

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, featured a significant presentation from the Mega Black Organization, which advocated for the needs of the Black community in San Francisco. The meeting began with Tanya Williams, a member of the organization, introducing a video that highlighted the group's demands for increased support and funding.

Felicia Jones, another member, emphasized the need for a baseline budget of $60 million for the Dream Keepers Initiative, which is to be managed by the Human Rights Commission. She called for an audit of funds allocated to Black San Franciscans over the past 15 years compared to other ethnic groups. Jones outlined six key areas of focus, including enhancing the educational experience for Black students, recruiting Black educators, and improving digital literacy and broadband access in underserved neighborhoods.

Jeton Cary followed with a discussion on economic empowerment, advocating for the elimination of fines and fees affecting Black residents, increased investment in job training, and support for small businesses. Marta Armstead addressed health disparities, calling for continued COVID-19 recovery efforts and improved access to healthcare for Black individuals, particularly prenatal care for Black mothers.

Dr. April Silas spoke on housing issues, demanding affordable housing for marginalized youth and support for eviction prevention. Jeffrey Greer highlighted the need for restorative justice initiatives, including domestic violence shelters for Black women and alternatives to traditional policing.

Adama Bryant discussed food sovereignty, stressing the importance of access to healthy food options, while Thomas Simpson called for culturally affirming spaces for arts and culture within the community. Finally, Federica Clema urged for strategic funding to address historical injustices faced by the Black community in San Francisco.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and action, as the Mega Black Organization seeks to address systemic issues affecting their community. The discussions underscored the urgent need for policy changes and resource allocation to uplift Black San Franciscans.