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Oakland NAACP, BWOPA Speak Out Against Alleged Harassment of Black Women Political Leaders

October 29, 2026

The Oakland NAACP and Oakland/Berkeley chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action have released a joint statement condemning harassment and discrimination against Black women in politics, prompted partly by incidents during an Oakland school board race. The controversy centers on candidate LeAna Powell, who reported experiencing online harassment during her campaign for the OUSD Board of Education District 6 seat against two other Black women candidates. Former Oakland mayoral staffer Brandon Harami, who publicly criticized Powell's qualifications on social media, has denied allegations of harassment and demanded the organizations retract their statement, arguing it misrepresents his conduct and silences LGBTQ+ voices.

Who is affected

  • Black women candidates, elected officials, and public servants in politics (broadly)
  • LeAna Powell (school board candidate)
  • Alexandra Williams and Valarie Bachelor (other candidates in the District 6 race)
  • Brandon Harami (former Oakland mayoral staffer and LGBTQ+ advocate)
  • Oakland NAACP and BWOPA Oakland/Berkeley chapter
  • Former Mayor Sheng Thao (referenced in connection to Powell's past complaint)

What action is being taken

  • The Oakland NAACP and BWOPA have issued a joint public statement condemning harassment, intimidation, and discrimination
  • The NAACP is taking further actions beyond the statement (though specifics are not detailed)
  • Powell is running her campaign for the OUSD Board of Education District 6 seat
  • BWOPA is documenting and witnessing conduct they consider troubling

Why it matters

  • This situation highlights the intersection of race, gender, and identity politics in local elections, revealing tensions between protecting Black women from harassment while respecting legitimate political criticism and LGBTQ+ voices. The controversy raises important questions about where the line exists between acceptable political discourse and harassment in campaigns. The organizations' willingness to speak out signals a broader commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting Black women's participation in political life, potentially setting precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future.

What's next

  • BWOPA remains willing to facilitate dialogue or help with restorative justice/reconciliation between the parties
  • The NAACP plans to pursue additional actions beyond the joint statement (specific actions not detailed)
  • BWOPA California and BWOPA Oakland/Berkeley will not be involved in the NAACP's further actions

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint