City of Oakland Approves Black Cultural Zone’s “Liberation Park Market Hall and Cultural Hub” Development: 119 Affordable Housing Units, Three-Story Cultural Center + Market Supported by Rise East Investment Will Help Revitalize Deep East Oakland

Rise East, a collective impact initiative working to raise $50 million to bring transformational improvement to deep East Oakland and its residents, announced the soft opening of a new “Welcome Center” for co-working, content studios and resources to support the economic empowerment of legacy and local residents – all under one roof.

Reggie and Nicole Borders had sold slices of her homemade pound cake nearly every Sunday morning at the corner of 73rd Ave. and Foothill Blvd. in Deep East Oakland since 2020 when they were among the first local business owners who helped turn a vacant lot into what’s known today as “Liberation Park.”

Rise East fundraising passes the halfway mark with $26 million raised. Once the Rise East plan reaches $50 million of total funds raised, another $50 million will be matched by national philanthropy group Blue Meridian Partners for a total of $100 million. This place-based investment will be used to spark transformational change in Deep East Oakland.

The first thing visitors notice as they step off bustling International Blvd and into the Clean360 warehouse in Deep East Oakland is the powerful aroma of serenity – a wave of lavender passes through the air followed by a stream of mint, and then possibly a note or two of cinnamon. 


Keyanna and Martin Trahan have been a part of the East Oakland community for more than 40 years. From growing up near Havenscourt Junior High School to visiting the Eastmont Mall on the weekends to hanging out with friends, they have seen remarkable changes in the East. Keyanna has played basketball since the second grade and started attending the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC) at 13 years old, where she developed a deep love for the community.

Antonio Jones is out of prison. Thanks to the help of some East Oakland non-profits, he found a job making soap for a small business. These non-profits who helped him are on the verge of securing $100 million in donations to help more people like him.

Our site visit to the 40x40 on November 1st was epic. I still can’t believe more than 50 of you joined us for a 5 hour bus tour to learn about Rise East. Thank you to all who attended, spoke, sponsored and otherwise supported the visit.

Oakland— East Oakland community and fundraisers hit a major fundraising milestone in their quest to raise $100 million to improve the health, safety, and well being of Black East Oakland residents.

KTVU interviews Selena Wilson, Executive Director of East Oakland Youth Development Center about the anonymous gift and the Rise East Plan.

The Black Cultural Zone, a strategic partner in the $10 million Rise East initiative credits their genesis to Eastside Arts Alliance. Rise East is a 10-year, privately funded initiative to help Black families thrive in a 40-square-block area of East Oakland.

Oakland has many problems, but the community-led initiative in Rise East is a reason to be hopeful for the city’s future. This ambitious 10-year plan is to revitalize all of Oakland by reviving one of its most neglected communities.

“Seeing the disparities in our area, our approach — to be on the ground — best served this population,” said Dr. Noha Aboeleta, the founder of Roots says. “ROOTS is a community-based response organization. Over the years we grew from two people to 200 full-time staff.”

Rise East, a $100 million philanthropic effort, will tackle longstanding systemic issues facing residents in a 40-square-block area.

Oakland Thrives is working to raise $50 million in local funding, which rise East organizers say will be matched by national philanthropic organization, bloom Meridian Partners.

East Oakland community leaders announced a major initiative to put $100 million back into the community.

OAKLAND -- It is one of the toughest neighborhoods in East Oakland, but some local residents are aiming to make a huge investment in the area and transform it for future generations.

Youth performers from Destiny Arts in Oakland were commissioned to write and produce a poem about East Oakland's Rise East 10 year plan.