Chef Leilani B @thechefleilani - Twitter Profile

almost 3 years ago

I just found out this morning that my elementary childhood best friend was fatally shot in Oakland a few days ago. As I shed tears typing this tweet, I finally found the courage to say out loud what I have been holding onto inside for a long time that I didn't want to be true; I have fallen out of ❤️ with Oakland. I hear so many people say, "I love Oakland or Oakland is a beautiful place." Unfortunately, I am struggling to stay connected to that same feeling that I once had growing up here. The sensation of loving Oakland comes and goes. It feels like a narracistic relationship. I might catch a glimpse of what Oakland could be, but it never fails to disappoint me seconds later. It's like a toxic relationship, How can you continue to fight for the relationship with the sense of the unknown? How much do I have endure ? I am someone who can not function in a toxic environment. I dislike relationships with potential versus reality. The constant egotistical, gaslighting, cognitive dissonance, playing politics with public safety, lying, bullying constituents, and narracistic behavior from one administration to the next that leads our city. It's bothers me that some of our past and present elected officials like to play the oppressor and the hero at the same time. It bothers me when elected officials use the pain of victims of crime in Oakland to continue to grift for money that will never benefit the under-resourced bipoc communities. I have been fighting for Oakland every day, hoping that a change will actually come. But will it ever ? For those who say, " Well, just leave Oakland, if you don't love it anymore." It's actually easier said then done, given the fact that I am Oakland native, my family has planted so many great seeds in this city, and I have so many great memories. I'm just trying to hold on to hope. I'm raising my children here. But I always ask myself, where do I draw the line? How much longer? I won't ever say that I will never be able to fall back in ❤️ with Oakland. But as of right now, I am drained of the toxicity environment. My heart is heavy. I am feeling heartbroken. To be honest, a lot of oakland born and raised individuals are having a hard time adjusting to what Oakland has become. No one is exempt from becoming a victim of crime. https://t.co/gEyRWsvI8h

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Chef Leilani B

@thechefleilani

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