the case for a cultural district the case for a cultural district

Oakland has a long and rich history of cultural artists and activists building movements of resistance and restoration in the face of injustices. These histories are inextricably woven together: redevelopment pushed Black families to East Oakland, and the development of the freeways that cut through the city allowed extensive settlement by new immigrants to the Fruitvale area. Waves of Mexican and Central American immigrants to Fruitvale have made that district the major Latino cultural center of East Bay. While Fruitvale and East Oakland are culturally rich, they are still disinvested in by the city, and bear the brunt of decades of racist city planning policy. Today, they face displacement and gentrification.

Organizations like the Unity Council and the East Side Arts Alliance work to uplift these communities and meet their needs-through affordable housing, the creation of community gathering places and cultural centers, and the hosting of cultural arts events.

Karla Guerra of the Unity Council tells us that establishing a Cultural Arts District in East Oakland is an opportunity for the city to invest in the maintenance of this neighborhood’s cultural heritage, to prevent displacement of its already marginalized communities, and to begin to heal historical harms. Cultural Districts have been found to promote equitable development, uplift arts and culture, and protect rich cultures from disappearing.

According to Elena Serrano of the East Side Arts Alliance:

By creating space for cultural arts and connection in the city, these organizations are not only providing social services, but creating places for people to gather and exchange ideas; to be inspired, activated, and healed. Art brings beauty to space and to place.

Art brings beauty to space and to place.

Above & Below: Unity Council’s Dia De Los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale

Above: East Side Arts Alliance Malcolm X Jazz Festival

Below: East Side Cultural Center

“oakland tops the list of most gentrified cities in the US... this leads to displacement, erases the history and cultural identity that a neighborhood has... cultural districts have been recognized to promote equitable development and protect the cultural heritage of marginalized communities, to correct the history of violence.”

This vision of a community hub at Reconstruction Plaza on International Boulevard is a way to preserve culture and foster well-being in East Oakland. The plan includes multicultural programming to keep the space active; resources for local artists and community members; cultural restaurants; a community garden. This vision was collaboratively dreamed by community members, artists, and activists.

Every neighborhood should have one!