Discover Eddy Zheng: Inaugural Joe Brooks Community Leadership Award Winner

Empowering Voices: Eddy Zheng’s Transformative Journey

In the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, a remarkable story of resilience and advocacy unfolds. Eddy Zheng, the inaugural winner of the Joe Brooks Community Leadership Award presented by the San Francisco Foundation, has dedicated the last two decades to amplifying the voices of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations—particularly those who have been incarcerated. His journey from a young immigrant to a community leader is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to the power of change and perseverance.

The Struggles of Immigrating: A Young Life Redirected

Zheng’s story began in 1982 when he, at the tender age of twelve, immigrated from Guangdong, China to Oakland, California. Like many immigrant families, his parents worked tirelessly to establish their new lives—his father at Burger King and his mother as a live-in nanny. Surrounded by the challenges of a new culture and language barriers, Zheng sought acceptance in the neighborhood, which led him down a path of crime that culminated in a lengthy prison sentence.

At sixteen, he faced the reality of a seven years-to-life prison term, earning his place among a largely underrepresented demographic behind bars. Upon arriving at San Quentin State Prison, he realized how few resources were available to AANHPI individuals like himself. “People have told me that they didn’t know Asian Americans were in prison,” he reflects, illustrating a need for visibility and representation within the incarcerated community.

Turning Points: Education as Liberation

While at San Quentin, Zheng discovered the power of education amid the harsh realities of prison life. Enrolling in a college program, he became a catalyst for change by advocating for the inclusion of Asian American Studies and Ethnic Studies courses. His determination to enhance educational offerings was met with significant resistance, resulting in eleven months of solitary confinement—a painful yet pivotal chapter in his life.

During this time, Zheng found solace in books, exploring the lives of activists like Yuri Kochiyama who dedicated themselves to social justice. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn an associate's degree, and upon his release in 2007 after spending 21 years behind bars, he was fueled with purpose and determination to uplift his community.

Building Bridges: Zheng’s Community Impact

Upon rejoining society, Zheng leveraged his experiences as an outreach worker and case manager at the Community Youth Center in San Francisco. Recognizing the need for support structures for youth who find themselves at risk, he founded the area’s first multicultural youth leadership program in Bayview—a vital initiative aimed at fostering unity and resilience among diverse communities.

His commitment expanded with the founding of the Asian Prisoner Support Committee and ROOTS, the first ethnic studies program in San Quentin focusing specifically on AANHPI individuals. These programs serve as both educational and emotional lifelines, helping to mend ties among different racial groups while addressing systemic challenges faced by those in prison.

The Importance of Solidarity

Zheng has consistently emphasized the importance of intersectionality, highlighting how oppression transcends demographics. He initiated a racial solidarity walking tour for Chinese American elders, guiding them through significant historical landmarks that narrate the collective struggles of various racial communities in San Francisco. This effort extended to creating an inclusive environment, where individuals of different backgrounds could learn from one another and cultivate solidarity in the face of adversity.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Community Empowerment

Your community spirit is driven by champions like Zheng, who persistently shines light on issues that often go unheard. His journey from a twelve-year-old immigrant to an award-winning community leader is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the impact one can have by advocating for others. As Zheng said after winning the Joe Brooks Community Leadership Award, “This is not just an award for me; it’s for everyone who has the courage to rise above their circumstances.”

Get Involved: Join the Movement for Change

In honoring the work of leaders like Eddy Zheng, it’s vital for us as community members to engage, understand, and actively participate in building a more equitable society. You can contribute by educating yourself and others, volunteering for local organizations, and supporting initiatives that uplift marginalized voices. Together, we can forge a path towards a more inclusive future that honors diversity and fosters community.

Join us in celebrating the transformational stories weaving through the fabric of the Bay Area, as we continue to uplift the stories of resilience and empowerment that define our community.