About the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program
Chinedu Valentine Okobi, a devoted father, Morehouse graduate, son, and brother, was killed by San Mateo County sheriffs on October 3, 2018. In the face of their immense personal tragedy, the Okobi family invested funds to create the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program in Chinedu’s honor.
Administered by the Black Freedom Fund and Black Girl Freedom Fund at Grantmakers for Girls of Color, the program supports healing, rest, and joy for leaders of Black power-building and racial justice organizations.
The Okobi family deeply understands that restoration is core to freedom. As these leaders push for liberation and safety in the face of backlash and organized opposition, they deserve to be well. The Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical program is one vehicle through which that can be possible.
“There are so many things you can grant to, and for us, rest became the focus for a number of reasons… Rest for Black and oppressed people is an act of great revolution. And so the point of the sabbatical is to create spaces of deep rest, love, and joy for freedom fighters who have dedicated their lives to Black liberation.”
Ebele Okobi
Sister of Chinedu Valentine Okobi
