EVOAK! Hosts Transformative Block Party in West Oakland

A Call to Community Action

On October 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., EVOAK!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing the historical wounds inflicted upon West Oakland by the construction of the I-980 freeway, will host a block party at Preservation Park. This celebration and community-building event will invite participants to engage in imagination and collaborative envisioning of the neighborhood’s future.

The “Time Portal”

Attendees are encouraged to think of the event as a “time portal,” representing a journey through the Past, Present, and Future. Each segment will serve as an opportunity for reflection and action:

• Past: Explore the historical harm caused by urban infrastructure.
• Present: Acknowledge current community resilience amidst ongoing challenges.
• Future: Collaborate on collective visions for an equitable and inclusive West Oakland.

Event Highlights

The block party will feature a stimulating lineup of activities aimed at fostering community engagement and creativity:

• Interactive Visioning: Participants can engage in site mapping, 3-D modeling, and design activities focused on reimagining housing, parks, cultural spaces, and mobility.

• Story & Memory Circles: Oral history sessions will capture narratives of life before the freeway, the disruption it created, and visions for future repair.

• Data & Policy Exhibits: Attendees will have the chance to learn about health, environmental impacts, and policy discussions relevant to the community.

• Culture & Reflection: Film screenings, installations, and performances will celebrate Oakland’s rich cultural heritage and civic vitality.

The Significance of Preservation Park

Preservation Park, where the event is held, is itself a testament to the community’s struggles. The Victorian homes that now grace the park were uprooted and relocated decades ago to accommodate the I-980 freeway. This construction project displaced hundreds of Black families, slicing through the heart of West Oakland. The block party serves as a poignant reminder to reckon with the past while fostering a collective path forward.

A Legacy of Resistance

In the face of systemic injustice, community members have long stood in defiance. In 1979, Paul Cobb, the publisher of the Post News Group, faced arrest while attempting to save yet another historic Victorian home from demolition for the freeway. This courageous act exemplified a legacy of resistance and civil rights advocacy that has permeated West Oakland’s history.

Residents and advocates like Cobb have consistently challenged infrastructural decisions that have marginalized the community. From opposing the BART line to advocating for economic opportunities post-Loma Prieta earthquake, these struggles resonate deeply in today’s conversation about community redevelopment.

The Lasting Scar of the I-980 Freeway

While touted as a catalyst for growth, the I-980 freeway has had devastating effects. It severed entire neighborhoods, displacing families, obliterating homes, and dismantling businesses. Ultimately, the promise of new economic opportunities fell short, exacerbating issues such as systemic disinvestment, health disparities, and ongoing poverty in West Oakland.

Over the years, this wound has created a legacy of separation: a physical barrier affecting social structures and community bonds. The freeway’s construction wasn’t merely an architectural undertaking; it represented a national trend of neglecting Black communities in urban planning.

The Bigger Picture

Today, the future of West Oakland remains fraught with challenges, yet opportunities abound. Up to 67 acres of buildable land in Downtown West Oakland present a chance to right historical wrongs. EVOAK! aims to craft a community-led vision that prioritizes health, housing, economic development, and cultural preservation—areas that have historically been stripped away.

Healing Together

The block party is not just a one-off event; it symbolizes the beginning of a long-term process aimed at true community healing and empowerment. West Oakland has a rich cultural legacy—once a center for the Black community during the Great Migration and the birthplace of pivotal movements like the Black Panther Party. EVOAK! seeks to breathe life back into this heritage, fostering innovation and connection among all residents.

A Community-Driven Future

The need for community engagement has never been more pressing. EVOAK! is actively building frameworks that encourage community power while laying out specific strategies for reparative justice. Through collaboration with local residents, organizations, and institutions, the groundwork is being laid for a participatory approach to reshaping West Oakland’s future.

Voices from the Community

Through interviews and surveys, EVOAK! has gathered important insights from residents of all ages. Elderly community members have shared enduring tales of resilience and visions for a hopeful future. These rich narratives are crucial for understanding the depth of the community’s struggles and aspirations.

Residents like Ezra Payton, whose family lost their home, and civic leaders like Ernestine Nettles, continue to push for change, insisting that the collective memory of the community be honored as they plan for what’s to come.

Beyond the Block Party

As the event approaches, EVOAK! emphasizes that the block party is merely a stepping stone in a broader movement. The organization invites partnerships from across the community—neighborhood associations, faith groups, and local organizations—to ensure that the voices of legacy residents continue to shape the neighborhood’s narrative.

For more information about the event, visit 980blockparty.org or contact them at info@evoak.org.

Join us on October 25th to celebrate, reflect, and collaboratively envision a revitalized West Oakland!