HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2026_Open Session_General Comment_Wright, ChacheFrom:SB NAACP
To:PublicComments
Subject:Support for Agenda Item #18 – Akoma Unity Center Lease Renewal (April 15, 2026 Meeting)
Date:Wednesday, April 15, 2026 9:06:46 AM
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Dear Mayor Tran and Honorable Members of the City Council,
I write to you today in strong support of Agenda Item #18, authorizing the City Manager toproceed with lease renewal negotiations with Akoma Unity Center.
My name is Chache , and I am a native resident of San Bernardino, born and raised in thiscommunity, and a representative of the NAACP.
Growing up in San Bernardino, I was fortunate to have access to programs, spaces, andactivities that not only kept me engaged, but encouraged me, supported me, and guided meaway from paths that could have led to trouble. These programs played a pivotal role inshaping my life, ultimately guiding me toward pursuing higher education and becoming aproud graduate of Morehouse College.
Equally important, that same foundation of support instilled in me a sense of responsibility,one that brought me back to this community to actively give back and serve.
Unfortunately, today, those types of opportunities are few and far between.
In a time when safe, structured, and empowering environments for our youth are increasinglyscarce, Akoma Unity Center stands as a beacon of light, embodying the very resources andopportunities that so many of us once had, and that our children so critically need today.
Through my volunteer work with Akoma Unity Center, I have witnessed firsthand thetransformative impact of its programs. I have seen young people gain exposure to careers andindustries that might otherwise be inaccessible. I have seen children empowered to find theirvoices, develop their minds, and build the confidence to believe in themselves and step intoleadership.
Akoma is more than a program, it is a lifeline for a community of children who are too oftenoverlooked and underserved.
Our children need and deserve, access to spaces like the Akoma Unity Center.
Failure to support such a vital and impactful community resource would not only be a missedopportunity, but a disservice and detriment to the future of our city.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Mayor and City Council to support the continuationof Akoma Unity Center’s lease so it may continue its essential work in shaping the future ofour youth and strengthening the San Bernardino community.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to the well-being of our residents.
Respectfully submitted,
Chache Wright
President, San Bernardino NAACP
NAACP San Bernardino Branch 1062
(909) 300-5160 | sbnaacp1062@gmail.com
www.sanbernardinonaacp.org
1505 West Highland Avenue Suite 6, San Bernardino, CA 92411