City Approves BCZ’s Liberation Park Market Hall and Cultural Hub Development
Oakland, CA – April 18, 2023 – Rise East, a collaborative effort guided by a 10-year plan, celebrated the Oakland City Council’s unanimous decision to allow the Black Cultural Zone to move forward with the “Liberation Park Market Hall and Cultural Hub” and “Liberation Park Residences” development that will create 119 new affordable housing units and a bustling three-story cultural center that will host a dynamic food hall and support local businesses and artists, and create a stable economic hub for Deep East Oaklanders.
On March 7, the City Council approved the project that will rise at the 1.2 acre property at Foothill Boulevard and 73rd Ave., currently home to Liberation Park, a vibrant community hub established by the Black Cultural Zone Collaborative (BCZ). BCZ, alongside partners Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST) and Eden Housing, will lead the proposed development to further economic opportunities and preserve the rich heritage of Black culture in East Oakland.
“This achievement marks a crucial step forward in fostering economic opportunities and preserving Black culture in East Oakland," said Carolyn “C.J.” Johnson, CEO of Black Cultural Zone. “We look forward to collaborating with the City and our partners to create a vibrant hub that benefits residents for generations to come.”
Rise East is a collaborative effort guided by a 10-Year Plan. It brings together neighborhood nonprofits, government, and the private sector to transform Deep East Oakland. Its mission is to make lasting improvements for Black children and families right now, but also long into the future. To do that, Rise East partners will need to raise $50 million this year to unlock a $50 million match. As of now, Rise East partners still need to raise $17 million – and are seeking more donors to reach the goal.
“The Liberation Park project is a powerful example of how cultural spaces can be a cornerstone for community development,” said Ken Ikeda, CEO of CAST. “At CAST, we’re committed to solutions that enable artists and cultural workers to stay anchored where they create–to not just come here, but also live and thrive here. We’re thrilled to be involved in creating a vibrant hub that fosters artistic expression, celebrates Black culture, and provides vital resources for artists and cultural workers in East Oakland."
“At Eden Housing, we've dedicated over five decades to ensuring everyone has a safe and secure place to call home,” said Linda Mandolini, President, Eden Housing. “The Liberation Park project perfectly aligns with our mission. We’re proud to partner in creating Liberation Residences, providing much-needed affordable housing options in East Oakland. This project will empower families to build a strong foundation for their future and contribute to the continued vibrancy of this historic community.”
District 6 Councilmember Kevin Jenkins said, “As a Council Member representing East Oakland and dedicated to our community's prosperity, I believe the Black Cultural Zone and Liberation Park are pivotal for our future. This vibrant hub will drive economic opportunities, preserve our cultural heritage, and empower residents while fostering growth.”
"For generations, Black Oaklanders have been deprived of access to wealth, economic opportunities, affordable housing, and more. Liberation Park's multiple-purpose development and cultural hub seeks to provide a remedy to the long-standing inequities that my community members endure every day," says Treva Reid, Councilmember, District 7. "Since its inception, the Black Cultural Zone has been at the forefront of efforts to sustain and strengthen Black residents and businesses in East Oakland. The BCZ has remained committed to its mission of building power, securing land, and directing more dollars to community-driven projects and paths to generational wealth equity. This development, supported by the Rise East Initiative, will serve as an anchor institution in our community, a marker for greater economic development, community vitality, and deeper investment in East Oakland."
To date, Rise East has secured $33 million – and still needs to raise $17 million this year. Residents and potential donors who want to learn more about the transformational vision of Rise East are encouraged to visit their website at www.riseeast.org
“Oakland Thrives is proud to support the collaborative efforts of the 40x40 Council - investing in housing, job opportunities, and neighborhood revitalization to increase access to opportunity in East Oakland” said Oakland Thrives CEO Melanie Moore. “We’re appreciative of everyone who has invested in the Rise East vision and encourage the rest of our community to join in partnership. We know that when the Black community in East Oakland rises, all of Oakland rises.”
Rise East grew out of a community-led vision to develop a Black Cultural Zone in East Oakland over ten years ago. Community members born and raised in East Oakland are leading this effort and hope it will keep Black families in the area and lead to the return of families who were displaced due to economic barriers and systemic disinvestment.
This initiative will focus on an East Oakland community known as the 40x40, which runs from Seminary Avenue to the Oakland-San Leandro border and from MacArthur Boulevard to the Bay. This area is home to the largest concentration of Black residents (over 30,000) who remain across Oakland flatlands today.
Rise East is a joint effort stewarded by the 40x40 Council and Oakland Thrives. Oakland Thrives is a collective impact organization created to coordinate large-scale strategies that involve the public and private sectors working together to improve well-being for Oakland families. The network comprises resident leaders, major employers, and representatives from philanthropy and large public agencies, including the City of Oakland, Alameda County, and Oakland Unified School District.
The 40x40 Council is a network of community-based organizations in the 40x40 area of East Oakland working together to improve the neighborhood's health and quality of life. Launched in 2019, the 40x40 Council includes four longstanding, Black-led nonprofits: Black Cultural Zone CDC, Brotherhood of Elders Network, East Oakland Youth Development Center, and Roots Community Health Center. The initiative includes a People’s Advisory Council of Black community leaders and residents from the 40x40 who know the issues impacting the community and have a vested interest in improving the neighborhood without displacing the residents. The 40x40 Council will take the lead on operationalizing and implementing the 10-Year Plan.
Oakland Thrives is a collective impact backbone organization that convenes decision-makers and community leaders to collaborate on policies that ensure long-term gains in health, wealth, education, housing, and safety for Oakland families. Oakland Thrives is governed by an executive team of leaders in government, philanthropy, business, and the nonprofit ecosystem, including the Mayor of Oakland, the Superintendent of OUSD, the Alameda County Administrator, and senior leadership at Kaiser Permanente. The Oakland Thrives Executive team and a community Steering Committee made up of East Oakland residents will share decision-making authority over Rise East, setting the course of the initiative and monitoring progress toward its goals. www.oaklandthrives.org
