Spotlighting the transformative work of the Plymouth United Church of Christ in Oakland, California. Led by the dynamic Rev. Margarite Matthews, this vibrant community is a beacon of hope and healing for residents of Oakland.

"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here," says Rev. Matthews, who shares her deep commitment to social justice and community healing, emphasizing the church's mission of inclusion and advocacy for marginalized individuals.

Central to the church's mission is the concept of Justice-Making—a powerful call to action that encourages members to actively participate in building a world where dignity and respect for all people are realized. Rev. Matthews invites individuals to see themselves as beloved children of God and "co-conspirators" in the pursuit of justice.

One of the hallmarks of Plymouth United Church of Christ is its Sunday morning musical entertainment, featuring the soul-stirring sounds of jazz music. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, social justice, and music at the Jazz and Justice Church of Oakland.

This week on "Like It Is," we chronicle the extraordinary efforts of environmentalist Julia Butterfly Hill, whose remarkable journey of activism captivated the nation. In an inspiring and unforgettable act of defiance, 23-year-old Julia lived in a 200-foot tall, 1000-year-old California Redwood tree named "Luna" for 738 days to prevent it from being cut down by a lumber company.

Julia's fierce advocacy for the environment began in California, where she embarked on her mission to save Luna from destruction. Her commitment to protecting this ancient Redwood drew national attention, particularly as she refused to descend despite repeated calls from local officials and the timber company.

Join us as we explore Julia's profound connection to the environment and the lengths she was willing to go to protect it. Listen to her first-hand account of the fight, challenges, and the lasting impact of her courageous stand.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring story, Julia Butterfly Hill's tale is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the fight to protect our planet.

Delve into the complexities and challenges of public service with our special guest, Amourence Lee. As the former mayor of San Mateo, California, Lee offers an unfiltered look at the realities of being a public servant, as the first Asian woman elected to office in the largest City in her San Francisco, Bay Area County.

In this compelling episode, Lee, a dedicated community builder, shares her personal experiences, including the physical threats and intimidation she has faced. Despite these daunting challenges, she remains resolute in her oath to the community. Lee speaks candidly about her personal experience living in affordable housing and her historic victory to win her election and build the largest affordable housing project in the City's history.

There is a true price of public service, especially for leaders of color who are making history and changing the face of leadership. Tune in to gain insight into the courage, resilience and dedication required to be a public servant in today's world.