Community
Stories
Community Stories is the blog of FIERCE Advocates, dedicated to uplifting the voices, stories, and experiences of Black, Latinx, and other parents and caregivers of color. Here, we highlight the intersections of Health and Wellness, Advocacy and Leadership Development, and Birth Justice, three pillars essential to the well-being of our families and communities.
Explore inspiring stories, practical resources, and community-driven insights that support healing, growth, and transformative change. Join us in advancing equity, building resilience, and championing justice for all.
Together, we are rooted in collective empowerment.
A Season of Care and Connection: CoCo Doulas Across the Community
Across five events and partnerships, CoCo Doulas shared its mental health model, supported birthworker wellness, expanded pathways to doula care, and deepened family engagement.
Resuscitating the Heart of Organizing in Richmond
Parents, neighbors, and community advocates are strengthening relationships and practicing the organizing cycle through FIERCE’s Resident Organizing Training in Richmond.
“I Have a Voice and I Have Power”: CELI Graduates Step Into Civic Leadership
After a record 30 applications, ten community leaders completed the Spring 2026 Community Education Leadership Institute and began pursuing opportunities in advocacy, boards, commissions, and civic leadership.
Healing from the Inside Out at the Latina Sanctuary Conference
The 2026 Latina Sanctuary Conference brought over 50 participants together for a Spanish-language experience focused on understanding trauma, challenging mental health stigma, and practicing tools for grounding and healing.
Community Power Moves Humphrey Playlot Forward
Humphrey Playlot has earned a place on the City of Richmond’s Project Prioritization List. Learn how residents are shaping the park’s future and organizing for the funding needed to bring their vision to life!
Community Resources That Help Richmond Families Learn, Connect, and Lead
FIERCE Advocates and the Richmond Museum of History & Culture partnered on a video highlighting local resources that help Richmond families learn, connect, heal, and better understand the history of their community.
What’s Happening at Humphrey Playlot? | Community Organizing in Richmond
A look at how neighbors at Humphrey Playlot are building community, developing leadership, and moving local change forward through organizing.
Building Parent Leadership Across WCCUSD
A look inside FIERCE Advocates’ Parent Leader Workshop and how families across WCCUSD are building confidence, strengthening advocacy skills, and stepping into leadership in their schools.
Rooted in Voice, Growing in Leadership: Inside CELI’s Spring 2026 Cohort
FIERCE Advocates’ Spring 2026 CELI cohort is exploring leadership, power, and advocacy through real-life application and community connection. Participants are building confidence, deepening their understanding of systems, and stepping into spaces where their voices can create meaningful change.
20 Years of FIERCE Advocates: Walking Alongside Families, Building Community Power
As FIERCE Advocates marks 20 years, Executive Director Sheryl Lane reflects on becoming an anchor institution rooted in joy, healing, and community leadership, and why this work matters now more than ever.
Advocacy Bootcamp Inspires Contra Costa Parents to Lead and Advocate
Discover how FIERCE Advocates and First 5 Contra Costa County partnered to empower parents and caregivers through a five week Advocacy Bootcamp. Participants built leadership skills, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for meaningful change in their communities.
Pause, Heal, Connect: Highlights from the 2025 BWS Conference
Discover how the 2025 Black Women’s Sanctuary Conference brought Black women together for healing, rest, and community connection through workshops, sound baths, and creative expression.
Building Bridges for Family Engagement
FIERCE Advocates’ Dulce Galicia represented the organization at the national NAFSCE conference, gaining insights, forging connections, and highlighting how family engagement drives educational equity.
Community Food Resources for Families Affected by SNAP (CalFresh) Delay
With SNAP (CalFresh) benefits temporarily paused, many families may face food insecurity. Our community is coming together to help. Learn about local food programs, grocery resources, and East Bay restaurants providing meals to support families across Contra Costa.
Standing Together in Community Care
In light of recent ICE activity across the Bay Area, FIERCE Advocates reaffirms its commitment to collective care and community strength. Read our full statement of solidarity and explore trusted resources and spaces for healing and connection.
Halloween Safety and Cultural Awareness Tips for Families
Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and candy. This guide helps families enjoy the holiday safely while teaching children about cultural respect. Learn practical safety tips, fire precautions, and strategies for talking with kids about cultural appropriation.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Protecting Our Health, Empowering Our Communities
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, FIERCE Advocates invites our community to learn, care, and take action. From early detection to choosing safer products, we can protect our health and uplift one another through shared knowledge, compassion, and empowerment.
Stronger Together: FIERCE Advocates Partners with Breast Friends for Culturally Affirming Lactation Support
FIERCE Advocates is partnering with Breast Friends to expand lactation support for Black and Brown families. Learn how this collaboration empowers parents, nurtures babies, and celebrates community wellness.
Celebrating Community and Creativity: Honoring Our 20th Anniversary Vendors
FIERCE Advocates’ 20th Anniversary Block Party was a vibrant celebration of wellness, creativity, and community power. From Zumba and food vendors to healing-centered partners, each participant brought joy and purpose to the day. Together, we honored two decades of collective care and strengthened the movement for equity across Contra Costa County.
Celebrating 20 Years Together: A Community Block Party to Remember
FIERCE Advocates celebrated 20 years of community impact at our Anniversary Block Party in Richmond. From Zumba and line dancing to face painting and local performances, the day was full of connection, joy, and celebration. Explore highlights, stories, and photos from this unforgettable event.

