By Quinci Mann | Photos Eric Taylor
4/20/24 Oakland, CA – The 2nd Annual West Oakland Black Earth Day event was a testament to our dedication to community engagement and environmental stewardship. Taking place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at the historic Esther’s Orbit Room in Oakland, CA, the event was a vibrant celebration of unity and purpose on 7th Street.
As a black-owned business situated on the 7th Street corridor, Kingmakers played a central role in the event’s success. Leveraging our position as community volunteers, we were honored to take on a leadership role, guiding participants through the beautification walk and serving as a vital pit stop for water and trash pickup.
Organized by the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative (EB PREC) and 7th Street Thrives, the event brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and organizations. Together, we joined forces to honor Earth Day and revitalize the historically black-owned businesses that define the cultural landscape of West Oakland.
Last year’s turnout exceeded expectations, with over 60 individuals collectively collecting 130 bags of trash along the 7th St. Corridor. Building on this momentum, this year’s event aimed to further the vision of the 7th Street cultural corridor, reclaiming spaces of significance and empowering communities.
At the heart of our mission lies the Esther’s Orbit Room Cultural Revival Project, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by EB PREC. Through innovative community-driven development, Esther’s Orbit Room & Cultural Arts Center is poised to become a beacon of cultural and economic empowerment for generations to come.
The culmination of the event was a joyous celebration of the businesses that line the 7th Street corridor, many of which are proudly black or brown-owned. It was a poignant reminder of the resilience and generosity of our community.
At Kingmakers, we are committed to serving as intergenerational stewards for our community and our planet. By embracing our role as leaders in the fight for racial equity and environmental justice, we are shaping a future where all voices are heard and all communities thrive.
Read more about EB PREC: https://ebprec.org/who-we-are
More about the Esther’s Orbit Room Cultural Revival Project: https://ebprec.org/esthers