November 11, 2020
Letter to Vallejo Community & Supporters
Vallejo Community and Supporters:
I count it a privilege, and I am deeply honored to serve as your At-Large City Council Member for the last two years. I am humbled and grateful to all who voted for me to become Mayor of the City of Vallejo. The trust you showed in me and my campaign is overwhelming. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I wish the incoming Mayor nothing but success. I will support all efforts toward moving Vallejo forward on behalf of the thousands of constituents, who I represent.
While we fell short in the number of votes needed to win, our efforts do not represent failure. Indeed, our campaign operated in excellence and with a strong commitment not to tear down my opponents. Instead, we lifted up issues, ideas and diversity of thought. To my entire campaign family: Thank you for your undying support! Thank you for enduring unprecedented amounts of online bullying and pressure. Thank you for standing faithfully on the principles of democracy and offering a fair and balanced presentation of our policy ideas. To my supporters, thank you! We formed a coalition of business leaders, community activists, youth and seniors. We stood tall for the under-represented and for those who, for many years, have been structurally placed outside the political process in our city. Although I may not be your next Mayor, I am still your Councilman, as well as a business owner and a father, and I shall remain a tireless advocate on your behalf. I will continue to ensure that issues important to you are kept at the forefront of the City Council agenda.
To my mother, a strong Black woman, an entrepreneur and a woman of faith: Mom, I know this campaign has been painful. You have endured the horror of people coming to your home seeking to usher me into the night as though this is Money, Mississippi in 1955. You have walked with me, prayed with me, and you know my truths. Like so many Black women in this nation, you raised two Black children under the double oppression of racism and sexism. As a long-time entrepreneur in this City, your example inspired me to transform my life and follow in your footsteps as a business owner and job creator. You have cried and consoled me during the social media misinformation, and the vicious name calling such as “coon”, “Uncle Tom”, and “uppity negro” by some who claim to stand for underrepresented people in our community. Thank you for sticking with me when I, like so many young men in America, went down the wrong path, and never giving up on me and walking with me, as I changed my life, and committed myself to God. You prayed for me and eventually I accepted him for myself.
To my Son: I am so proud of you! One day, you will look back on this time in our lives. I know it was difficult for you to be approached, interrogated, and chased by people you don’t even know. One of my opposition’s supporters gave you a toy and then ran his hands through your hair, without asking your permission. Also, I will never forget your anger, frustration, and sadness at seeing the words COON painted on my office. Like all parents of black children, I wish that I could’ve protected you from such hate and racism. And, I, like any parent, was saddened when I saw the worry in your eyes. I want you to know I am so proud of you for standing in the face of hatred directed at you. As any father, I want you to have opportunities and access that I never had. Son, it is at times a difficult and painful journey becoming a strong Black man in our country. The standards are set differently for us. Yet, one day, you will see that I have decided not to make excuses. I am committed to not erasing my past, but I will build it better so that you can climb to higher heights than I ever could. Son, as a Black man, never be afraid to advocate for yourself and your community! Be prepared that when you do, some will attack you and attempt to publicly destroy you because they are intimidated by your vision. As you study the history of our people it will become clear to you. My son, we are going to roll together and live our best lives Young King, trust and believe that!
And to V-Town, I am your son. I am a product of your community and your schools. It is because I eat, sleep and breathe Vallejo that I commit myself to making sure that your sons and daughters do not have to learn the lessons I have at the school of hard knocks! That is why I volunteer regularly to help students at Vallejo public schools. That is why I meet with the Police Chief monthly to discuss reform. That is why I started Neighborhood Rising and give scholarships to our youth. I have learned my lessons and fulfilled my debt to society. I have done the hard work of counseling, and I continue to learn and grow so that I can be a benefit to the voiceless in the Crest and South Vallejo and every other part of the city.
I was recently tagged in a video that showed a Black mother at a hospital with her son who was shot and dying. She was screaming for help. When the ambulance finally came, one of the paramedics belittled the frightened mother. The paramedic was cold and callous. As her representative, I called the ambulance company and the paramedic was suspended and eventually fired. It is you, the voiceless, who I have and will continue to advocate on behalf.
I admit, I was not prepared for the bottomless pit politics of my opponent’s surrogates. The misleading reporting about my past caused so much negative fallout, even attacking the freedom of speech of innocent people and their fundamental right to support the candidate of their choice. This type of political hit-journalism doesn’t serve our community. Although it may affect the outcome of elections, it does not bring to light the real issues in our city: food deserts, poverty, youth sex trafficking, the lack of economic development, etc.
On the other hand, I am pleased that we ran a clean campaign. In the end, this race was not decided on qualifications or issues for the betterment of our city. Instead, it was hijacked by a public smear campaign launched by an online ‘media’ group and bolstered by a local paper that has neither the resources nor the will to report unbiased stories based on fact, not allegations. This same group that led, and continues to lead, the charge to cut off my livelihood and flood social media with hateful and libelous posts about me also purports that they are “progressives”, “liberals”, and “democrats.” Yet, they attack the very people for whom they purport to advocate on behalf.
In fact, the very same ‘media’ interest group is sending threatening emails to women, many of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, who continue to support me. Some of these women are hardworking, single mothers. They are receiving demands from this “media” group for their financial information in an effort to destroy their livelihoods. One of these harassers called the workplace of one female supporter in an effort to attack her credibility and force her to rethink her support for my campaign. Community leaders, male and female, who have had the courage to support me for my work over the last two years are being bullied on-line. Elected officials are being threatened to pull their support from me or lose standing in the Democratic Party. This is the Democratic Party; whose 2020 platform purports to support “THE FULL INTEGRATION OF THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED BACK INTO SOCIETY.” As a matter of fact, I listened (and was given no opportunity to speak) as the Solano County Democratic Central Committee, which is supposed to represent the interests of all factions of the Democratic party, and is filled with so-called progressives, made claims about me that were proven untrue or with which I was never charged. Isn't reentry, restorative justice, and Black Lives Matter a part of the Democratic Party platform? Weren’t we as Democrats fighting against black men being convicted before their day in court? Regardless of this fact, the Democratic Central Committee held court and charged me guilty for things that never made it into a true court of law or were dismissed because judges felt the accusations were baseless. My experience has shown me that we as a community have a long way to go before each citizen, especially those belonging to historically underrepresented groups, to have true representation.
I have learned a lot in this process. One thing is that one cannot control a narrative even when accusations are baseless. Second, I learned that some will never see who you are when it benefits them to only focus on who you were. I have owned my past and spent the last several years attempting to close and lock doors behind me so that others in our communities will never enter them. I have honored the advice of family and spiritual advisors that to get into public defense or back and forth with people who are not intimately familiar with my life or family is not appropriate and leaves my family vulnerable. I have honored that advice even if it cost me this election. As a son, brother, father and Christian-saved by grace, I am accountable to family and God in a much deeper sense than I am to the public.
Lastly, to the many youth who volunteered in my campaign and to all others: Never give up! Always look at the bigger picture - to our purpose and to our convictions - even in the face of insurmountable challenges. We also must challenge ourselves to stay strong and unite in the face of divisive language and actions. We need to ask ourselves who we are as a community and what legacy do we want to leave behind. I have made mistakes and rebuilt my life. The power to transform and live purposefully is within each of us. I’m forever grateful to the people who stood with me and the voters who didn’t give up on me. I look forward to these next two years of my term to continue advocating for a youth facility in our City, attracting living wage jobs, continuing efforts toward police reform and building broken communities. Because of my life experiences, I am deeply familiar with the pain and neglect that many of you feel. I will continue to advocate for you!! Thank for your vote! Thank you for your confidence! Know that I will continue to spend my time rebuilding our communities as I have worked to rebuild my life and family! If you judge my past also judge my growth! Thank you for your time and consideration! Your councilman and advocate, Hakeem Brown.
October 20, 2020
Why Isn’t Hakeem Brown Being Given the Presumption of Innocence?
Letter from Lawyer Scott Candell page 1
Letter from Lawyer Scott Candell page 2
October 15, 2020
Letter to the People of Vallejo
To the People of Vallejo:
I am writing to address the serious allegations made about my past record, specifically as it relates to issues involving women.
Each one of you is owed an explanation, and it is my responsibility to set the record straight. First, violence against women is an abomination and I stand unequivocally against it in any and all forms.
Domestic violence in any manner—whether it is intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, psychological violence, or emotional abuse is a crime. It is an epidemic and a life-threatening issue for all its victims. Anyone perpetrating these sick, criminal acts to manipulate a woman or domestic partner should be fully prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
I have zero tolerance for these crimes and understand that denouncing this behavior is not only the responsibility of women and other victims, but the responsibility of perpetrators and men. At the invitation and with the support of Black Women and other victims, I will continue to speak out about my own experiences to draw greater attention to these critical issues.
In 2002, I pled guilty to an incident that occurred in a single day, that resulted in three charges: gun possession, corporal injury on a spouse, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. I served four years in prison for these crimes.
Sitting in prison helped me to understand as a young man I was clearly on the wrong path. It is my responsibility to own up to my past mistakes. The events of that incident are something that I will regret for the rest of my life. I am not perfect and taking responsibility for my past is important. While you may read or hear several accusations, not everything that is being written about me is true. Allegations do not always represent facts.
I did not and would not strike a pregnant woman. Ms. Cullom was not pregnant during the time we were in a relationship. As to allegations of more recent incidents in 2012, it is important to note that these charges were proven to be unsubstantiated and the court dismissed the case.
In addition to serving time in prison, I have had counseling, completed anger management courses, and most importantly renewed my spiritual faith. I have sought the full range of counsel, reactions, and judgment of women on these issues.
I will strive to continue to be the example of a responsible man for my son, the community and all of you to see. I do not believe that bad behavior simply disappears. It takes consistent commitment and work for all of us to stay on the right path.
As many of you know, I have not hidden the challenges of my past. But some of you have asked why I did not disclose the details of my past in even greater detail before today.
I was not proud of my past behavior, which was wrong.
I do not like the man I was 20 years ago, and I have worked hard to be a better person.
And if you are angry and disappointed, I am truly sorry.
Over the course of the past few days, I have rightfully received the full range of anger, disappointment, forgiveness, and support from many of you. I accept all your views as legitimate, and for all the input—including tough, harsh words and judgements, I want to thank you.
As to my path forward, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the public and to draw every aspect of my experience –both positive and troubled--to the work ahead and to the understanding of what the entire diversity of our residents experience. For me, the resurfacing of my past has given me the opportunity to pause and reflect on the consequences and impacts of one’s actions.
To that end, I will spend the rest of my life working to make amends for the harm I have caused others and will strive every day to be the leader –and equally important, the man – that the citizens of Vallejo deserve and can be proud of.
I have and will continue to spend the rest of my life to humbly offer myself to you as one of several choices for Mayor of Vallejo. And I am fully prepared to accept the ultimate will and judgement of you-- the people and the voters that I serve.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Hakeem Brown
October 11, 2020
OPEN LETTER TO THE VALLEJO COMMUNITY
Dear Neighbor:
This weekend it came to my attention that a political group supporting one of my campaign opponents was preparing to undertake a smear campaign against me based on lies, distortions and mistruths.
My attorney and I have taken decisive action to warn Open Vallejo that untruthful attacks on my character will result in legal action based on slander and libel.
I have prided myself on straight talk, transparency, and accountability to you—the public that I serve. In that spirit, it is important that I directly address all issues that should be considered as you make your choice of who should lead our City as Mayor.
I have made no secret of my tough journey to leadership and success, which includes a troubled youth where I made numerous mistakes. As a young man 20 years ago, I was arrested not once, but several times -- for drugs, possession of a firearm and domestic violence.
I took full responsibility for these actions and pled guilty, serving four years in jail. During that time, I vowed to reach the standard that others expected of me.
Since then I have sought to live the example for my son, other Black youth, and the community that we are not solely defined by our mistakes, but how we learn from them – and the importance of repentance, spiritual faith, and community service.
And in 2018, you elected me as your Councilmember –where I have served honorably with the agenda of helping the next generation avoid the pitfalls that were part of my journey. That is why I have pushed for investing in our youth and early childhood education.
Thanks to the love of my family and the acceptance of the Vallejo community, I have not only turned my life around, but been provided with the privilege of serving you—and giving back to the community we all love.
As your Mayor, I will bring every aspect of my life experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly -- to ensuring that every young person and family gets the support they need to be healthy, safe, and successful during these challenging times. Working with you, we can achieve the reform, change and recovery needed to Move Vallejo Forward.
Thank you for understanding that this is the last time I will publicly address this issue, for the health, well-being and privacy of my mother and son.
I value and appreciate the honor of serving your needs. Please join me in voting in this historic election for the future of our country and the future of Vallejo.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Hakeem Brown
Press Release
May 29, 2020
Contact: Vallejo City Councilmember Hakeem Brown
Hbcadem@gmail.com
For Polling-related questions, contact:
Shanan Alper, Vice President
David Binder Research shanan@db-research.com
Vallejo City Councilmember Hakeem Brown
Announces Entry into 2020 Mayor’s Race
Polling Results Show Strong Start to Campaign
Vallejo, CA – Vallejo City Council Member and local business owner Hakeem Brown, who has made government accountability, clean and safe streets, jobs, and economic development a focus of his leadership, announced his candidacy for Mayor of Vallejo today.“These are incredibly challenging times,” said Councilmember Brown. “We need stronger, more effective leadership to push major reform, action, and the change we need to address the employment and financial challenges facing our City.” Added Brown, “Without that leadership, Vallejo residents will suffer longer-term challenges in the tough recovery ahead.”As Councilmember, Brown has been a vocal advocate for neighborhood health and safety, organizing countless neighborhood-based clean-ups to address disease, vandalism, graffiti,and illegal dumping. Brown has been at the forefront of efforts to implement neighborhood-based policing and expand 911 disaster preparedness, emergency health, economic development, and workforce housing. “Vallejo Firefighters are proud to endorse Councilmember Hakeem Brown for Mayor – he’ll address the significant public safety and emergency response needs facing our community,” said Kevin Brown (no relation), President of the Vallejo Firefighters Association. “As Mayor, Hakeem Brown will address issues the community has been concerned about for years.”
A recent poll conducted by David Binder Research shows Councilmember Brown leading incumbent Bob Sampayan by a 13-point margin after voters learn more about each candidate.
“Our polling results show November 2020 Vallejo voters are seeking an alternative to the incumbent Mayor,” said Shanan Alper, DBR Vice President. “Councilmember Brown is wellpositioned to win this race.”
(Polling Summary Attached). For more information, visit: www.hakeembrown.com
ABOUT COUNCILMEMBER HAKEEEM BROWN: A successful Vallejo small business owner, Councilmember Hakeem Brown attended local public schools: Pennycook Elementary, Federal Terrace, Vallejo Junior High, and Hogan High School. He learned his business and community service ethic from his mother -- Mrs. Thelma Brown --also a 30+ year Vallejo business owner. Hakeem’s first jobs were delivering the Times Herald newspaper and supporting his mother’s family business. Councilmember Brown has acted swiftly to address problems the Vallejo community has been concerned about for years: crime and public safety, homelessness, quality schools, jobs, and the economy. Brown champions responsible, neighborhood-based policing, tough protections for tenants, and clean neighborhoods free from disease, vandalism, graffiti, and illegal dumping. As Mayor, he offers aggressive leadership and fresh ideas to help existing businesses stay open, bring new ones to Vallejo, and create jobs. On his evenings and weekends, Councilmember Brown can be found leading a Brown Town Hall or Brown Neighborhood Clean-Up.
Vallejo Mayor Poll Summary
Conducted April 20th to 22nd, 2020
Key findings
David Binder Research1 conducted an online and telephone survey of 400 likely November voters in Vallejo in English and Spanish. The purpose of this survey was to do an initial assessment of the upcoming mayoral race in Vallejo. The survey has a margin of error of ±4.9%.
Results of the survey show that Councilmember Hakeem Brown is currently leading in the 2020 Vallejo Mayor’s race. Voters are seeking a Mayor who will bring stronger, more effective leadership, and respond very positively to Brown’s biography, accomplishments, and vision for Vallejo.
Key findings include:
✓ Councilmember Brown leads incumbent Mayor Sampayan 28% to 23% on the initial ballot question, before any information is provided about the candidates, with the balance of voters’ undecided at the start. Councilmember Brown holds a much larger lead with Democrats, who make up about three-fifths of the likely November 2020 electorate.
✓ After voters hear a balanced set of statements about the two candidates, Councilmember Brown’s support increases to 40% while the incumbent Mayor is supported by only 27% of voters. While one-third of voters remain undecided this early in the race, the significant increase in Brown’s lead over the incumbent demonstrates the effectiveness and appeal of a Brown candidacy and message.
✓ By nearly a 2 to 1 margin, a majority of voters prefer a candidate for Mayor who will push major reform and changes, a hallmark of Brown’s leadership.
✓ At a time when many local leaders are seeing their popularity growing as they lead their local response to the pandemic, both Councilmember Brown and Mayor Sampayan are viewed favorably by nearly half of the electorate. Despite being the newest member of the Vallejo City Council, it is striking that the Councilmember and the Mayor share statistically equal favorability numbers, while more voters view the incumbent Mayor unfavorably.
o 44% view the incumbent Mayor favorably. But in a worrying sign for Mayor Sampayan, 25% view him unfavorably and 31% do not have an opinion of him, despite his decades long history in Vallejo.
o 47% view Councilmember Brown favorably, with only 11% unfavorable. 43% do not have an opinion of the Councilmember initially, though he quickly wins over voters who initially did not have an opinion of him.
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1David Binder Research has conducted political polling for President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Senator Kamala Harris, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, labor and progressive organizations, and scores of other regional and local elected officials.
✓ 90% of voters are concerned about the coronavirus. Councilmember Brown leads among this vast majority of voters who express concern.
✓ Voters are more divided on the economic outlook as they look ahead six months from now. 36% say it will be worse than today, 30% say better than today, 16% say about the same, and 19% don’t know. Those who say the economy will be worse than today in 6 months, the largest group, Councilmember Brown holds a much larger lead.
CONCLUSION
These poll results reveal that likely November 2020 voters in Vallejo are seeking an alternative to the incumbent Mayor. These results show Councilmember Hakeem Brown is well-positioned to run a successful race for this seat, as his message of change is effective with wide swaths of Vallejo voters.