Sister Amelah HD Oakland Founder & Legacy

Humanitarian Day Oakland Founder, Sister Amelah El-Amin:

A Legacy of Service and Community Transformation

 Oakland, CA  – What began as heartfelt inspiration in Los Angeles has blossomed into vital events in Oakland. These events spearheaded by Sister Amelah El-Amin and her team have profoundly impacted lives and raised the bar for community service. HDAY Oakland, a local chapter of the broader ILM Foundation’s HDAY initiative, has consistently adapted and grown, demonstrating resilience and an unwavering commitment to serving its most vulnerable residents.

HDAY Oakland offers a range of vital services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its community. Annually, they host a significant back-to-school backpack giveaway, ensuring that children and teenagers are equipped with essential supplies for the academic year, with a particular focus on providing durable, quality backpacks for high schoolers. Beyond this, HDAY Oakland also conducts a dedicated distribution for unhoused neighbors during the last 10 days of Ramadan. They provide food, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies directly to encampments right where they are needed most.

They have expanded their offerings at the back-to-school event to include haircuts and hair styling, especially for young African American girls to help foster confidence and embrace their inner princess. This along with other community resources showcases their holistic approach to humanitarian aid. 

HDAY Oakland Origins: Inspired by Compassion

The seed for HDAY Oakland was planted in 2008 when the founder experienced ILM’s Humanitarian Day events in Los Angeles. "I ended up in LA back in 2008... I came to LA to present on a different effort I was working on," Sister Amelah El-Amin, the founder, recalls. Witnessing the distribution of school supplies and other essentials was always impactful at community services, but a subsequent visit to Skid Row for LA’s Humanitarian Day proved to be a pivotal moment.

 "I probably cried for an hour," she shared, describing the overwhelming need they encountered. This profound experience ignited a determination to bring a similar large-scale humanitarian effort to Oakland, specifically targeting the unhoused community. Despite initial roadblocks, the founder pushed forward with core members of her team. Their first HDAY Oakland event took place in 2009. 

Early Years: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Triumphs

The early days of HDAY Oakland were marked by significant challenges, primarily logistical and financial. A major hurdle was the reliance on a single supplier for essential items like school supplies and hygiene kits, located in Southern California. "Our supplier was in SoCal," the founder explained, "and so many times, you know, the items would be getting to us days before the event." This often-necessitated last-minute shipping. Funding was also a constant concern, with the team personally covering costs for venue rentals and permits for the first five years.

However, these challenges also spurred remarkable growth and adaptability. One significant triumph has been the evolving relationship with the Willie Keyes Recreation Center in West Oakland, for the long-standing venue for the backpack giveaway event. What began with rental fees and permit requirements has transformed into a strong partnership. "We just call them and they have put us on the calendar as a community event," Sister Amelah El-Amin proudly states, adding, "They're like our partner." This partnership has provided stability and resources, allowing HDAY Oakland to focus more on direct service.

Another critical evolution came with the changing landscape of homelessness in the Bay Area. As traditional parks gave way to often-moving encampments, HDAY Oakland had to pivot its approach to serving the unhoused. "Before the pandemic, we had to adapt a model of... 'Humanitarian Day Takes a Road Trip'," the founder detailed. This involved maneuvering through the city to distribute food and supplies directly to encampments. This was a more time-intensive but necessary adaptation.

Financial constraints and the desire for local autonomy also led to significant community engagement. Starting around 2012 to 2014, local, affluent communities began offering support. "All of our hygiene kits are supplied locally," the founder noted, highlighting the success of these partnerships. This local support has reduced dependence on the Southern Californian supplier and fostered deeper community ties. 

Defining Moments: Impact Beyond Supplies

Beyond the distribution of essential items, HDAY Oakland has created deeply memorable and impactful moments that highlight its broader mission. One particularly poignant example is the focus on providing quality hair care services for young Black girls.

Last year, the event offered haircuts and hair styling by a group of dancers. "Last year to see those young girls came there with their hair washed and all over their heads, then to leave feeling uplifted and looking beautiful, ready for the first day of school, at no cost to their parents was so fulfilling," the founder recounted with emotion. The transformation in a young girl's confidence after receiving this service was a powerful reminder of the event's impact on self-esteem and dignity.

Another remarkable turning point involved breaking down cultural barriers. The founder shared a moving story about an Asian grandmother who embraced her with gratitude following the event's return after the pandemic. The grandmother just kept saying, “I'm so happy to see you. Thank you so much. We miss you!” This moment highlighted how HDAY Oakland has become a unifying force, fostering connection and appreciation across diverse communities.

The organization also maintains a strict, yet compassionate, policy for its backpack giveaway: children must be present to receive a backpack. While this can sometimes lead to difficult conversations with parents who arrive without their children, HDAY Oakland has developed a system for personal delivery if backpacks remain. This commitment to equitable distribution and follow-through, even when inconvenient, further demonstrates their dedication to the community.

The adaptability of the volunteers has also been a defining element. While the "road trip" model for serving the unhoused was a significant shift, requiring more time and effort, many long-time volunteers have continued their dedication since 2009, highlighting their commitment to the cause. 

Community Impact and Future Vision

HDAY Oakland has undeniably made a profound impact on the Oakland community. Initially targeting an underserved area in West Oakland, the event has continued to serve those in need even as the neighborhood faced aspects of gentrification. By partnering with the center, they ensure that under-served youth still receive essential services. The evolution into two distinct events: a distribution for unhoused neighbors during the last 10 days of Ramadan and a separate back-to-school backpack giveaway.

The founder's perspective on the event's spiritual underpinnings also highlights its unique legacy. Despite the practical challenges of operating during the last 10 days of Ramadan due to fasting, this timing holds deep significance. "That's part of the blessing… everybody's tired in the last 10 days... to pull yourself out of that for 10 to 12 hours... to serve in an attempt to better serve your creator," the founder explained. This spiritual drive, coupled with a practical approach to service, has allowed HDAY Oakland to build a legacy of not just providing resources, but also fostering dignity, community, and hope.

Looking ahead, the commitment to providing quality items, particularly for high schoolers, remains a priority. The continuous effort to secure sponsors for durable backpacks amplifies a dedication to meeting the specific needs of different age groups. HDAY Oakland's journey is a testament to the power of a clear vision, adaptability in the face of challenges, and a deep-rooted belief in serving others.