Oakland, CA 94608
USA
Join the Economic Development Without Displacement Coalition for free community dinner, film screening of Purple Rain and participatory visioning:
The future of West Oakland is at a crossroads, as massive displacement continues to threaten long-term residents, especially low-income people of color. The closure and imminent redevelopment of St. Andrews Plaza – along with the related closure of Alliance Metals, a crucial source of livelihood and self-determination for many people – is an opportunity to create a new way forward for community power and design that protects Black, brown, poor and disabled Oakland residents.
The shuttering of St. Andrews had an immediate impact on some of our most marginalized neighbors, especially the unhoused, the elderly and people with disabilities, who relied on the park as a place to sit, lie and sleep. These individuals were not adequately included or consulted in the City-led redesign process, and none of the current plans under consideration include water fountains, benches or other provisions for those with access needs. Instead of more policing, we support autonomous initiatives for participatory design led by those most impacted by development.
As with other struggles against the privatization of public land, gentrification, and for racial justice, we believe St. Andrews must become an example of #PublicLandForPublicGood. How can we stop displacement, keep our people in their homes, all while laying the path of a better way forward?
Please join us on Sunday July 24th to break bread, meet neighbors, hang out and ask the question: What does a just future for the San Pablo Corridor look like?