The strongest movements don’t just build power. They build the people who will carry the movement forward.
Today, EBASE is celebrating a powerful full-circle moment. After nearly 20 years at EBASE and 12 years as Executive Director, Kate O’Hara will step down at the end of 2026 and pass the baton to Saabir Lockett—a longtime EBASE leader whose journey within the organization embodies the kind of leadership we have spent decades cultivating.
On staff since 2017, Saabir is a deeply trusted leader at EBASE, across our coalitions, and throughout the communities where we work. As EBASE’s Deputy Director of Civic Engagement, he built our civic engagement infrastructure and our tandem organization, East Bay Action, and most recently spearheaded the creation of Black Workers United, our newest base-building program.
Saabir’s relationship with EBASE began in 2015 as a volunteer, sharing his own experience with the criminal justice system that would later inform his organizing as a member of the Bay Area Black Worker Center and the campaign with EBASE that won California’s strongest fair-chance hiring protections at the Port of Oakland. In addition, Saabir has contributed to landmark victories with local unions like Unite HERE, strengthening union jobs, securing stronger access and expanding protections for workers.
Over his decade with the organization, Saabir’s path has been the embodiment of EBASE’s ethos—that transformation is about more than policy victories, but the people and leadership we cultivate along the way. Whether engaging voters, leading faith-rooted organizing, or advancing progressive policies with tenants and workers, Saabir has forged the deep relationships and coalitions that turn community priorities into collective power.
Saabir came to EBASE through his personal experience. He grew as a leader through the organizing and relationships that are at the heart of what we do. And now he will lead EBASE into its next chapter.
As EBASE’s Board of Directors, we could not be more grateful to Kate for the extraordinary 20 years of service and leadership she has given this organization and our broader movement for justice. Her mark is everywhere at EBASE—and across the East Bay—including on the next generation of leaders who will carry our work forward.
Kate and Saabir will continue working closely together through the end of the year, ensuring that this transition reflects the intention, care, and shared commitment that they have each brought to EBASE’s work. And with supporters like you, EBASE will continue meeting this moment while building the long-term power envisioned in our Long-Term Agenda for a Thriving East Bay.
Thank you for being part of our work—and of EBASE’s next chapter.
Onward,
Brenda Munoz & Yulisa Elenes
EBASE Board Co-chairs
P.S. On December 3, join us for Thriving East Bay: Creating Our Futures event and celebrate this meaningful passing of the baton from Kate to Saabir and the future we’re building together. [Get your tickets here.]