We are proud to introduce the 2025 cohort of the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program — three Black movement leaders whose lives of service and care for their communities make them deeply deserving of an intentional space for rest and restoration.
The Okobi Sabbatical Program was created to honor the life of Chinedu Valentine Okobi—a beloved father, poet, brother, son, and Morehouse graduate—whose life was taken by state violence in 2018. In his memory, Chinedu’s family launched this sabbatical program to support leaders of Black power-building organizations in taking time to pause, heal, and imagine what comes next.
Each participant’s organization will receive a $50,000 grant to fund the sabbatical, making room for these leaders to rest while their organizations continue the work. Black Freedom Fund is honored to partner with the Black Girl Freedom Fund at G4GC to administer this program.
This year’s participants also reflect our continued commitment to supporting Black leaders, families, and organizations who have suffered profound loss and disruption following the Los Angeles wildfires, yet remain steadfast in the work of building an equitable recovery and long-term power for Black communities.
Meet the 2025 Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program Participants
Shimica Gaskins
End Child Poverty CA
Shimica Gaskins is a visionary leader and dedicated advocate for children’s rights, social equity, and criminal justice reform. As President & CEO of End Child Poverty CA, powered by GRACE, Shimica works to advance policies and programs that eliminate child poverty and create pathways toward economic justice for California’s most marginalized families. Her legal and public policy expertise spans roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, the Children’s Defense Fund–California, and service on multiple nonprofit boards and commissions. After losing her home in the Eaton Fire, Shimica has spoken openly about how that experience deepened her commitment to building equity, compassion, and resilience in both policy and practice.
“Thanks to the Black Freedom Fund, I’ve been given something rare and radical: space to restore my spirit and prepare to rebuild—with strength and clarity.”
Martin A. Gordon
Pasadena Community Coalition
Martin A. Gordon has spent over five decades on the frontlines of civil rights advocacy, community organizing, and social justice work. As Chair and CEO of the Pasadena Community Coalition, Martin leads efforts to address racial inequities impacting Pasadena’s Black and marginalized communities, from educational justice to housing and economic opportunity. His activism began early—at age 16, he was arrested while leading a student protest demanding Black history in school curricula. Over the years, he has helped remove police from Pasadena schools, organized hundreds of “Know Your Rights” trainings, launched local hiring initiatives, and contributed to shaping diversity and inclusion efforts for cultural institutions such as the Tournament of Roses. Martin’s tireless leadership has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Now, and Netflix’s High on the Hog.
“My neighbors reminded me this sabbatical would rejuvenate me and strengthen my resolve for what is needed. I acquiesce to their wisdom and begin this journey wholeheartedly.”
Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson
Dignity and Power Now
Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson is a healer, strategist, and longtime organizer committed to dismantling the public health crisis of incarceration and criminalization. As Strategic Advisor to Dignity and Power Now (DPN) and founder of the Frontline Wellness Network, Mark-Anthony has helped lead major policy victories in Los Angeles County, including establishing civilian oversight over the Sheriff’s Department and halting the construction of jails in favor of community-based alternatives. He is also a licensed acupuncturist, bridging holistic healing practices with systems change work. After losing his home and supporting displaced community members following the Los Angeles wildfires, Mark-Anthony is using this sabbatical to reflect on how he will continue advancing the Black freedom movement.
“The sabbatical will allow me the time to distill the lessons from my work and understand what my next and best contribution will be.”
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