Honoring the Legacy of Chinedu Valentine Okobi
Chinedu Valentine Okobi was a poet, devoted father, Morehouse graduate, son, and brother – today, February 13, would have been his 42nd birthday. In October 2018, Chinedu was killed by San Mateo County sheriffs who tased and beat him to death.
In honor of Chinedu, his family has invested funds to create the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program. Administered by the California Black Freedom Fund and Black Girl Freedom Fund at Grantmakers for Girls of Color, the program will support healing, rest, and joy for leaders of Black power-building and racial justice organizations.
The Okobi family deeply understands that restoration is core to freedom. As these leaders push for liberation and safety in the face of backlash and organized opposition, they deserve to be well. Our sabbatical program aims to be one vehicle through which that can be possible.
We look forward to sharing more information about this program in the coming months and the stories of the selected recipients. We invite our peers in philanthropy to join us investing in this important aspect of sustainable community building – the health and wellness of our people.