Julius Robinson
2026 Oakland Mayoral Candidate
We cannot keep taxing our way out of every problem.
Read the storyRecent interviews
View all →Leaders in the Bay
Julius Robinson
2026 Oakland Mayoral Candidate
·By: Mbaire
After nearly five decades in banking and community development, [Julius Robinson](https://www.julius4mayor.com/) is entering politics with a direct challenge to Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. The former Union Bank executive believes Oakland's struggles reflect more than a shortage of resources. To him, the deeper problem is a lack of urgency, accountability, and economic leadership. In a conversation with Akilis World, Robinson reflects on the Oakland he fell in love with 40 years ago, why he decided to challenge the political establishment, where he disagrees with Mayor Lee, and what he would do differently at City Hall.
Leaders in the Bay
Brenda Grisham
2026 Oakland Mayoral Candidate
·By: Mbaire
[Brenda Grisham](https://www.brendaforoakland.com/) knows Oakland from the streets, the neighborhoods, and the families she's spent years fighting for. A lifelong Oakland resident, business owner, and victims' rights advocate, Grisham's journey into public service began after her 17-year-old son, Christopher LaVell Jones, was murdered in 2010. What started as an effort to help other grieving families navigate the justice system eventually grew into a political movement. In 2024, she helped lead the successful recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Now she's running for mayor of Oakland, challenging incumbent Barbara Lee with a message centered on community engagement, accountability, and public safety. In this conversation with Akilis World, Grisham talks about the experiences that shaped her, why she's running for mayor, where she sees things differently from Lee, and what she believes Oakland needs most.
Inside the Mind of
Braulio Ceja Navarro
Professional Boxer
·By: Mbaire
At 21, [Braulio Ceja Navarro](https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddo9o6WGh8E/?img_index=1) is a [professional boxer](https://boxrec.com/en/box-am/1184114) working toward his dream of becoming a world champion. Behind his record are years of training, sacrifice, and learning how to stay focused when his mind and body are pushed to their limits. In this conversation with Akilis World, Braulio shares how he trains his mind to respond under pressure, why he sees fear as a signal rather than a command, and what boxing has taught him about confidence, discipline, and life.
The Ones to Watch
Azikiwee Anderson
Founder of Rize Up Bakery
·By: Mbaire
[Azikiwee Anderson](https://www.instagram.com/blkzilla/) never planned to build a bakery. [Rize Up](https://rizeupsourdough.com/) started in 2020, during a period when the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd left him wrestling with anger, sadness and helplessness. Baking became a way to work through it. What began with a few loaves at home eventually grew into [Rize Up Bakery](https://www.instagram.com/p/DTyDGrqEtaK/), known for sourdough that brings together food, culture and community. For The Ones to Watch, Anderson talks about the childhood that shaped him, building a business around people rather than just profit, and how far he hopes Rize Up can go.
The Ones to Watch
Sri Karthikeyan
Digital creator
·By: Mbaire
She can walk a runway, create content for brands, and still never miss an assignment. At 20, [Sri Karthikeyan](https://srikarthikeyanportfolio.my.canva.site/) is a Business Analytics student at [San José State University](https://www.sjsu.edu/), a model, and a content creator. She's also actively involved in campus leadership, taking on roles across various student organizations. What started as a spontaneous decision to create content has grown into an international community. For Sri, it's about more than followers. It's about embracing opportunities, finding confidence, and showing other brown girls what's possible. We spoke with Sri about her journey, cultural identity, and making the most of her twenties.
The Ones to Watch
Renee Miller
Real Estate Agent
·By: Mbaire
[Renee Miller](https://www.instagram.com/realestateincollege/) didn’t wait to “figure it out later.” By 18, she had earned her real estate license after spending years teaching herself about money, investing, and financial freedom. Now 19, she’s building on that foundation while studying finance, playing Division I soccer, creating content, and helping bring Rho Epsilon Iota to Alabama A&M. “I believe if you want a different result than most people, you have to do things differently.” For The Ones to Watch, Renee talks about starting early, failing and pivoting, staying consistent, and using real estate as a path toward freedom and impact.