Celebrating a Decade of Advocacy at Equity on the Mall 2025

Ten Years Strong: Equity on the Mall 2025

On April 23, 2025, the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund (SJVHF) will commemorate a decade of advocacy in Sacramento at the Equity on the Mall event. Over 1,500 residents and community leaders will gather at the California State Capitol's West Steps from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This gathering aims to honor the victories achieved over the past ten years and to push for future action on crucial issues impacting health and social equity.

Kaying Hang, President of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, which oversees the SJVHF, expressed pride about the significant progress made: “For ten years, Equity on the Mall has given voice to communities across the San Joaquin Valley. While we have made strides in advancing equity, there's still much work ahead, particularly in the current policy landscape.”

The event will host grassroots organizations, advocates, and elected officials focusing on a variety of issues such as immigration, housing, health, education, environmental justice, land use planning, and the digital divide. This year’s session will celebrate achievements so far while reinforcing the commitment to systemic change for the future.

“We are not just celebrating a milestone; we are renewing our commitment to the future,” Hang said. “Our community-created policy platform lays out a roadmap towards achieving equity for every resident in the coming decade.”

The event will include opening remarks from Chairwoman Regina Cuellar of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok, civil-rights leader Dolores Huerta, and Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with other state and local officials.

Christine Barker, Executive Director of Fresno Immigrant and Refugee Ministries, stressed the importance of demanding policies that uplift vulnerable communities: “Our communities have spent years fighting for policies that uplift and protect the most vulnerable. We must continue to demand investment in the programs and protections that have transformed lives across the Valley.”

Equity on the Mall also allows community members to interact directly with policymakers through legislative visits and cultural performances. Blanca Marin-Candelario, a resident and local advocate, noted the importance of community voices: “The voices and stories shared that day will shape the policies of tomorrow. We all have the power to push for change that will make a difference for our families and our future.”

For more information, you can visit shfcenter.org or follow @thecentershf and #EquityOnTheMall2025 on social media.

About the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund

The San Joaquin Valley Health Fund is a collaborative initiative that aims to promote health and racial equity in California's San Joaquin Valley. By supporting community-driven policies and systemic change, SJVHF empowers local organizations on the front lines of justice to create impactful, lasting effects. It is managed by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. Learn more at shfcenter.org/san-joaquin-valley-health-fund.