SF’s Black Social Equity Program, Mired in Scandal, Is Being Revived and Rebranded

Volunteers serve food at All My Usos annual Family Day BBQ at Gilman Park in San Francisco on Aug. 17, 2024. All My Usos was a recipient of Dream Keeper Initiative funds before the program was frozen. (Courtesy of All My Usos)

This article covers the challenges faced by San Francisco's Black Social Equity Program, which was mired in corruption allegations and mismanagement. Initially launched under former Mayor London Breed as the Dream Keeper Initiative, it aimed to invest $120 million in San Francisco's Black community but faced delays due to scandal.

Liz Jackson-Simpson, a key figure in this initiative and a LeaderSpring Center Advisory Council Member, shared her perspective on the halt of funding and the impact it had on marginalized groups like Pacific Islanders. Jessica Ponce, a coordinator at All My Usos, voiced frustration over the lack of reimbursements, highlighting how their work is jeopardized without access to promised funds. The city has since pledged to resume the program under new leadership and stricter oversight. However, many, including community leaders, feel that the rebranding of the program could overlook grassroots involvement.