50 bus bench billboards were posted throughout Alameda County from early October through November and into December. The benches showed three generations of women interacting and saying “We Care About Your Future. We Need To Talk.” The purpose of the bench was to reach out to the community, particularly the young people, so they know there are adults and elders who care about their futures and who want to support them in finding ways to change the levels of violence, stress and grief in our community.

The women and girls in this picture are from across the county, including former BWMP Coordinator (and current Community Advisory Board member) Bea Williams, looking somber and focused in the back. Her powerful gaze in this picture reminds us of the seriousness of the issues at hand, while the playful smile of Uma Salama Sabrie (in red) reminds us of the caring and love we need in order to overcome.

The phone calls have poured in. One woman told us that she had seen the billboard and it made her realize it was time for her to make change in her life. Others called to say “how can we help?” or “who are these women?” If you have seen this billboard, please call or email us and let us know what you think.