Beatrice Sullivan is deep.

What does it mean to envision new landscapes for oneself and one’s people, to carve out envisioned space (even outer space)?

A few years ago while working on a national Democratic Party campaign in San Francisco, I noticed that there were virtually no people of color involved. For both moral and political reasons, I took it upon myself to do outreach and began convening meetings at the campaign headquarters with activists and community leaders from mostly African American neighborhoods.

Intentionally set in the parking lot of Giant Burger Restaurant, and located merely 100 feet away from t

(Editor's note: Our continuing series that looks at Oakland Local's picks for people/organizations to watch in 2011. See all profiles in this series.)

If there was an all-star team for community organizers, Tony Coleman would be a front-runner for Oakland's MVP for 2010.

Despite maintaining a low-profile -- Coleman is much more likely to be wearing a hoodie than a business suit and gators, and you won't find him cozying up to elected officials in luxury boxes during A's games or schmoozing at $1000-per-plate galas -- he's been quite visible where it really counts, in the streets. Refreshingly down to earth, he nevertheless speaks, and takes action, with drive, fervor and an earnest commitment to the causes he's passionate about: justice, accountability, unity, economic sustainability, anti-violence and community empowerment.