D&A Communications

At a time when democracy is facing unprecedented challenges, leaders like our CEO, Darolyn Davis, are stepping up to take action. She had the honor of attending an event hosted by Representation Matters, where Congresswoman Barbara Lee and House Minority Leader Hon. Hakeem Jeffries led a powerful discussion on the Democratic response to ongoing political attacks against democracy and the American people. From voting rights and election integrity to combating misinformation and protecting fundamental freedoms, the conversation highlighted the urgent need for collective action to safeguard our democracy. As trusted communicators, we at D&A Communications know that messaging isn’t just about words – it’s about impact. We take pride in shaping public understanding and mobilizing communities to stand up for their rights. We are proud to be part of this important dialogue and to support leaders who are working tirelessly to uphold democratic values, promote equity, and ensure that every voice is heard. The fight for democracy is a fight for all of us. ????? #RepresentationMatters #DefendDemocracy #DACommunications?

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate Fredrika?Newton, a lifelong activist, former Black Panther, and president of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation—a cornerstone of Black history and activism in the Bay Area. From an early age, Fredrika Newton was marching. The daughter of dedicated activists, she grew up in a household where fighting for justice was a way of life. But even she couldn’t have predicted the day that Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton would sit at her family’s dining table—an encounter that would shape the rest of her life. As a member of the Black Panther Party, Fredrika worked on the front lines of the movement, supporting critical community programs like the Free Breakfast Program for Schoolchildren, the Oakland Community School, and voter registration initiatives. She dedicated herself to the Party’s fight for uncompromising racial and social justice – work that continues today. She later married Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Party, and has since worked to preserve its legacy and impact. Following the tragic loss of her husband Huey, she co-founded the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, dedicated to preserving the Party’s true history and combating the misinformation spread by COINTELPRO and the media. Through the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, she has led initiatives to document the Party’s history, support community-driven programs, and establish the Huey P. Newton Memorial Statue in West Oakland, cementing the Panthers’ place in Bay Area history. Fredrika Newton’s story is one of commitment, resilience, and love—for her community, for justice, and for the movement. Her leadership ensures that the revolutionary spirit of Oakland and the Black Panther Party continues to inspire new generations. #WomensHistoryMonth #OaklandHistory #BlackPantherLegacy #SocialJustice

March is both Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to honor Alice Wong—a trailblazing advocate, MacArthur award recipient, author, and leader in the fight for disability justice and inclusion. As the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, Alice has dedicated her career to amplifying the unfiltered voices of disabled individuals, especially those from marginalized communities. What began as an oral history project has grown into a dynamic platform featuring a podcast, blog, social media advocacy, and community-building spaces. Through her storytelling, she exposes ableist policies and attitudes while fostering connection, joy, and mutual care within the disability community. Alice’s work spans multiple platforms—from editing essay collections like Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the 21st Century and Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire to using hashtag activism like #CripTheVote and #HighRiskCA to spark policy conversations and mobilize change. She has also founded initiatives that provide material and professional support for disabled creatives, including the BIPOC Disabled Filmmakers Coalition. Through her op-eds, Teen Vogue column, and memoir, Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life, Alice challenges systemic ableism and highlights the urgent need for autonomy, accessibility, and justice. Her advocacy has also shaped policy, from disability-inclusive voting initiatives to discussions on healthcare access, independent living, and the impact of bans on essential accessibility tools like plastic straws. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, let’s uplift the contributions of women like Alice Wong—women whose work not only drives change but also inspires future generations to build a more inclusive and equitable world. ?? Join the conversation! Share this post to spread Alice’s story or tag someone who inspires you and don’t forget to check out Alice’s website: https://lnkd.in/esWF-2Q #WomensHistoryMonth #DisabilityAwarenessMonth #DisabilityVisibilityProject #Inclusion #AdvocacyInAction #AliceWong

As Black History Month draws to a close, we honor one of the Bay Area's most influential civil rights leaders, Dr. Angela Davis—an activist, scholar, and abolitionist whose fight for justice has shaped both local and global movements. Known for her pivotal role in the Black Panther Party and as a fierce advocate for prison abolition, Davis has dedicated her life to dismantling systemic oppression and championing the rights of Black and marginalized communities. For over five decades, Angela Davis has championed racial, social, and gender justice, inspiring movements like Black Lives Matter and pushing for transformative justice over punitive systems. Through her activism and scholarship, she has emphasized the intersection of race, gender, and class in the fight for equity and community care—values that we at D&A uphold. As we reflect on Black History Month, we celebrate the profound influence of Angela Davis, not only on national movements but also on the political and social landscape of the Bay Area, where her roots in Oakland have played a foundational role in shaping the region's activism. She continues to serve as a beacon for social justice and equity, guiding our ongoing work for racial and gender justice. Davis’s steadfast commitment to dismantling systems of oppression has left a lasting imprint on the ongoing fight for a more just world. Her words, “Freedom is a constant struggle,” resonate just as deeply today as they did in the past, inspiring us to persist in our pursuit of transformative change. In the Bay Area, where activism and progress endure despite uncertainty, her call to action reminds us to keep pushing for a more equitable future in our communities. Who in the Bay Area is carrying forward Angela Davis’s legacy? Tag them below! #BlackHistoryMonth #AngelaDavis #DACommunications #BayArea

Black joy is resistance. Black joy is power. Black joy is the future. On Sunday, the streets of Oakland pulsed with love, energy, and resilience as thousands gathered for the 8th Annual Black Joy Parade, presented by Black Infant Health. This was more than just an event—it was a living, breathing testament to the strength, creativity, and unity of Black communities. From the electrifying parade procession to over 200 Black-owned vendors, soul-stirring performances, and intentional spaces for healing and connection, the day was filled with moments that honored Black culture and affirmed that joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a powerful movement. Black Infant Health’s leadership in championing Black wellness and joy reminds us that celebrating Black life is also about ensuring Black futures. Their work in advancing maternal health equity and supporting Black families is a powerful example of how we create spaces where Black joy is nurtured, protected, and uplifted. At D&A, we don’t just talk about equity – we build strategies that uplift Black communities, advocate for policy change, and ensure Black voices shape the future. Supporting events like the Black Joy Parade is just one way we stay rooted in that mission. Black joy is more than a single day of celebration. It’s a movement, an act of resistance, and a vision for a future where Black communities are not only acknowledged but empowered to thrive. Let’s continue to celebrate, uplift, and protect Black joy—because when Black communities thrive, we all thrive. Were you there? Tag a Black-owned business or artist that inspired you! What does Black joy mean to you? #BlackJoyParade #EquityInAction #CommunityPower

Our agency was founded on amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering equity across every client program and campaign. But with recent actions like President Trump’s executive order dismantling federal DEI programs, the fight to create an inclusive future has become more urgent than ever. In our latest blog, “Equity is Non-Negotiable: Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Back Away,” we explore: - The real cost of rolling back equity efforts - Why equity is essential for innovation, financial growth, and community trust - How organizations like Costco, Apple, and Delta are standing firm in their commitment to DEI - D&A’s equity-driven campaigns—from transit and workplace equity to arts, education, and beyond As Ida B. Wells said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” It’s time to shine that light brighter than ever. ?? Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/grpSnu5v #EquityInAction #SocialImpact #DEI #Equity #CommunicationsForChange #DandACommunications

D&A is proud to share that our Founder & CEO, Darolyn Davis, was recently featured in the San Francisco Business Times for her pioneering leadership in strategic communications and community engagement. The article highlights Darolyn’s 35+ years of championing equity-first, trust-based strategies that ensure diverse communities have a voice in critical decisions. At D&A, we believe engagement should be transformational, not transactional, and Darolyn’s recognition in the San Francisco Business Times underscores our mission to drive meaningful, measurable change in the communities we serve. https://lnkd.in/eBpXNDqP

Earn $100 for your on-site feedback! Join us to provide feedback on the new transit signs and maps at the Santa Rosa Transit Mall or SMART station. Test journeys will take place on Thursday, Feb 20, and Saturday, Feb 22. Complete the screener to help us place you in the right spot—available in: - English: https://lnkd.in/gBeU5zdy - Spanish: https://lnkd.in/gEUEFpFq - Chinese: https://lnkd.in/g5dN_bA5. Save your spot in our focus group today and earn $100 for your input!

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance was a masterclass in blending artistry with advocacy. His dynamic showcase not only entertained but also underscored the resilience and cultural richness of the Black community. By highlighting systemic inequalities and celebrating Black excellence, Lamar's performance served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion. At D&A Communications, we are inspired by such moments that challenge the status quo and amplify marginalized voices. As a California-based agency, we take pride in seeing Kendrick Lamar, a Compton native, use his platform to drive meaningful dialogue and change. His performance, alongside fellow Compton legend Serena Williams’ striking cameo, was a bold testament to the fact that no matter how the political landscape shifts, the presence, influence, and contributions of Black communities cannot – and will not – be erased. From music to sports, Compton has long been a powerhouse of Black excellence, and this moment was a powerful reminder of its cultural impact. What moment from Kendrick’s performance resonated with you the most? #KendrickLamar #SuperBowlHalftime #SuperBowlLIX #BlackExcellence #ComptonPride #DACommunications #equity

Join us in celebrating Yammy Arega's promotion? to? Growth Manager at D&A! After a year of impactful work with us, Yammy has stepped into this new role, continuing to amplify our agency’s strengths with an equity-centered approach. Her passion for strategic growth and impactful marketing embodies what we stand for at D&A. ?? #EmployeeSpotlight #EquityDriven