Mayor Barbara Lee to Launch "Oakland Reads 1234!"
Date:
January 7, 2026
News From:
Office of the Mayor
Mayor Barbara Lee to Launch "Oakland Reads 1234!"
Press Conference: Citywide Literacy Initiative Linking Early Reading to Public Safety & Opportunity
OAKLAND, CA — Mayor Barbara Lee will hold a press conference on Thursday, January 8, on the steps of Oakland City Hall to announce the launch of Oakland Reads "1234!", a citywide initiative aimed at breaking the cycle of illiteracy and crime by expanding early literacy and family reading support across Oakland.
The Mayor will announce a new partnership framework with Oakland Head Start as part of the initiative and will present a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing local literacy leadership. Community leaders and cultural advocates will join the Mayor to underscore the importance of early education as a cornerstone of public safety, economic mobility, and long-term community stability.
WHO: Mayor Barbara Lee Mistah FAB, Oakland artist & community advocate Theresa Anderson, Literacy Leader Community partners, clergy members, and city leaders
WHAT: Press Conference - Launch of Oakland Reads "1234!" A citywide literacy initiative to support early reading and break the illiteracy–crime cycle
WHEN:Thursday, January 8, 2026 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Oakland City Hall Steps 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA
Contact:
Justin Phillips; Carlos Uribe