Kristal Raheem

About Kristal Raheem

Kristal Raheem (also known as Raheem Divine) is an ethnographic researcher, educator, and consultant from Oakland. She has earned a B.A. in Sociology and a master’s in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. Her work calls attention to health and educational disparities among Black, Queer, and other systematically oppressed communities around the world. Through literary and visual storytelling, she aims to help people remember and remain on their path of healing and liberation.

Exhale Collective returns, helps Black women breathe

October 14, 2025 Kristal Raheem

The Exhale Collective focuses on Black women’s wellness through gatherings.

Singer 3LISE turns pain into a pathway for healing

September 2, 2025 Kristal Raheem

Oakland’s 3LISE turns loss into a path of healing. Through music and sound, she shares tools for slowing down, self-regulation, and community resilience.

Strong Together: Oakland Asian, Black community leaders use art for healing, unity

March 11, 2025 Kristal Raheem

A new exhibit at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center promotes healing, shared history, and solidarity between Asian and Black communities.

Living Jazz MLK tribute concert illuminates love, light, R.E.S.P.E.C.T

January 21, 2025 Kristal Raheem

The 21st annual tribute concert to MLK also honored Aretha Franklin.

‘Black Tulip’: Action, culture shift in Oakland necessary for Black women’s safety

October 14, 2024 Kristal Raheem

Black Tulip’s Cultural Week of Action featured art installations, street outreach, and letter writing to mobilize against disproportionate violence against Black women and girls. Community members are encouraged to support a City Council resolution to protect Black women.

two brown hands holding hands with white background

Health & Human Connection Four Years After the COVID-19 Pandemic Started

March 19, 2024 Kristal Raheem

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of physical touch and social interaction in mental health, prompting a renewed focus on holistic approaches to well-being.

three Black men stand inside a large art exhibit and station in Oakland

Afro-Fatherism: A Downtown Oakland Photo Exhibit Illuminates the Power of Black Fatherhood

August 4, 2023 Kristal Raheem

In the heart of downtown Oakland stands two 7ft tall, larger-than-life sized photos depicting Black fathers and their sons. The two pieces are accompanied by a collection of black and white photo collages showcasing the

A young Black girl hugs a Black woman at an event

It Takes a Village: Community Leaders Assemble to Protect Black Women and Youth

June 20, 2023 Kristal Raheem

For decades, the Oakland community has grappled with the juxtaposition of having a rich history of Black empowerment, while also housing an underground economy fed by the exploitation of Black girls and women. This year,

Two African American women hug next to each other and smile for a photo

S.H.A.D.E Celebrates the Return of their Annual ‘Stop the P.I.M.P.’ Event for Oakland Youth

May 3, 2023 Kristal Raheem

On Friday, April 28, 2023, Oakland-based organization S.H.A.D.E (Survivors Healing, Advising and Dedicated to Empowerment) hosted their 11th Annual Stop the P.I.M.P (Prostituting Innocent Minors for Profit) event. The event is a youth open mic

A colorful mural with "You are beloved" and Harriet Tubman and others

Healing as a Hero: One Woman Shares Her Path to Liberation as a Survivor and Abolitionist of Sexual Violence

April 27, 2023 Kristal Raheem

Editor’s Note: April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In Alameda County, April 24th-30th signifies Sexually Exploited Minors Awareness Week for this year. Kristal Raheem of Oakland Voices interviewed Regina Y. Evans, an