Standing Together: Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown and the Fight to Preserve the Dream Keeper Initiative
In a recent press conference, Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown and members of San Francisco's Black faith community and their allies, gathered to celebrate the life of long-time friend Rev. Arnold Thompson and his work to defend the Dream Keeper Initiative. This program, designed to address systemic inequalities, has faced scrutiny, prompting a unified response from leaders advocating for its continued impact on marginalized communities. For Third Baptist Church, this moment reflects its enduring mission of justice, inclusivity, and equity, while underscoring Dr. Brown’s legacy as a tireless advocate for racial and economic justice in San Francisco.
Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, Third Baptist Church
The recent press conference held in support of San Francisco's Dream Keeper Initiative highlighted the significance of standing by the Black community during a time of increasing scrutiny and challenges. The Dream Keeper Initiative was launched in February 2021, following the racial reckoning after George Floyd’s murder, to shift funds away from law enforcement and invest in Black communities in San Francisco.
Archbishop Gregory Richardson, San Francisco Bay Area International Trade Educational Chamber of Commerce, video recording the press conference.
The Dream Keeper Initiative (DKI) is a citywide effort to invest $60 million annually into San Francisco's Black communities. The DKI is part of Mayor London N. Breed's plan to address structural inequities and reform public safety. The initiative's goals include:
Creating employment opportunities
Awarding Black-led and Black-serving organizations
Implementing services that advance the initiative's goals
Addressing racially disparate policies
Breaking the cycle of poverty and involvement in the criminal justice system
Ensuring that new investments are accessible to families in need
The DKI aims to ensure that San Francisco's Black communities are thriving, healthy, and advancing educationally and economically. However, the program has come under fire with questions raised about the use of funds and calls for an audit. Reverend Dr. Brown’s presence and endorsement signal a critical moment of solidarity within the community, advocating for continued support despite the controversies surrounding the program.
Rev. Beverley Phillips, Third Baptist Church
This press conference was vital because it showcased the deep-rooted connections and partnerships within San Francisco’s Black community, including Reverend Dr. Brown’s long-standing friendship with the late Rev. Arnold Thompson, whose sudden passing has left an emotional sting on the community and gap in leadership fighting for justice and equity. Their joint efforts to stand by the Dream Keeper Initiative demonstrate an unwavering commitment to uplifting the city's marginalized populations despite setbacks. This support reinforces the necessity of programs like Dream Keeper that aim to invest in economic and cultural initiatives for Black residents, especially in the face of criticism and audit investigations.
By lending his voice and influence, Reverend Dr. Brown is calling for the community to rally behind efforts that protect the legacy of programs designed to address systemic inequities. This moment emphasizes the importance of unity, accountability, and transparency in ensuring that these initiatives continue to benefit those for whom they were intended. The press conference further stressed the need to protect gains made for the Black community, while holding leaders accountable for the program's effectiveness.
Please see the following stories, with further press stories to be published:
Black faith leaders rally to support S.F. equity program under fire, SF Chronicle
Eliminating Dream Keeper Initiative would be yet another broken promise, SF Examiner