What does Ella Baker Center do?

The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights is a non-profit organization located in Oakland, California. Founded in 1996 by Van Jones, Diana Frappier, and Mike McLoon, the center is dedicated to advancing racial and economic justice for low-income individuals and communities of color. It aims to shift resources from prisons to community-building initiatives, promoting justice, opportunity, and peace in urban areas. The center's mission includes addressing issues like urban violence, excessive policing, and over-incarceration. It emphasizes the concept of Truth and Reinvestment, which involves acknowledging historical injustices and empowering affected communities. The Ella Baker Center engages in various campaigns, such as Books Not Bars, which advocates for rehabilitation over incarceration, and initiatives focused on urban reinvestment and green job opportunities. Through grassroots organizing, the center mobilizes communities to create positive change and provides advocacy resources and guides to support its mission.