Urban Releaf featured on KTVU’s Bay Area People
Urban Releaf Executive Director and Founder Kemba Shakur was recently featured on KTVU’s weekly public affairs program, “Bay Area People.” hosted by Rosy Chu.
Chu notes that Shakur has been “nationally recognized as a woman at the forefront of urban forestry” and asks Shakur why she decided to make it her life’s mission to plant trees in urban areas. “When I fist moved to Oakland, particularly West Oakland, I noticed there wasn’t a single tree on the block, “ Shakur says.
Noting the high unemployment and recidivism rate of inner-city neighborhoods, she adds, “I wanted to make the people the stewards of their own environment.” Shakur also mentions Urban Releaf’s work with youth and in schools, and the many benefits of trees.
“With 15,000 trees planted, is there room for more trees?,” Chu asks. Shakur takes the opportunity to note, “The city of Oakland’s tree canopy is currently at 12-15%,” far below state guidelines mandated by AB32.
Watch the entire clip:
