EVOAK! East Oakland Reclaiming Our Worth

A Cultural Research Initiative

The EVOAK! East Oakland Reclaiming Our Worth project is a groundbreaking cultural research initiative focused on leveraging the unique cultural assets of the Black community in East Oakland. This collaborative effort brings together Support Oakland Artists (SOA), the Black Cultural Zone (BCZ), Mills at Northeastern University (NU), and Creative Development Partners (CDP) to preserve and uplift the cultural heritage of East Oakland.

The EVOAK! project is driven by a commitment to creative community development and cultural preservation. Our goals include:

Strengthening community identity by fostering a sense of belonging through cultural engagement.
Developing gathering spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Promoting community advocacy to support sustainable and equitable growth.
Creating pathways to property ownership to combat the historical displacement of Black communities in Oakland.
Building a scalable framework to help communities facing gentrification and cultural erosion nationwide.

Community Impacts

The EVOAK! project aims to have several positive impacts on the East Oakland community. It seeks to empower residents to identify and leverage their cultural assets for community development. The project also aims to inform equitable development strategies and interventions to support improved social determinants of health. By centering community voices and leveraging institutional resources, the project is poised to deliver transformative outcomes for East Oakland and serve as a model for similar communities nationwide.

While the provided information details the intention to create a technology-enabled tool, it does not specify the exact features and functionalities. However, based on the methodologies mentioned, the tool will likely incorporate features that support:

Digital surveys

Online forms to gather quantitative data about community members’ perceptions of their cultural assets.

Data visualization

Tools to display collected data in accessible formats like charts, graphs, and maps.

Interactive maps

Digital maps where community members can pinpoint locations of cultural significance.

Multimedia integration

Features to upload and share photos, videos, and audio recordings that represent cultural assets.

Community forums

Online discussion spaces for community members to share their stories and insights.

Resource database

A searchable database of cultural assets identified by the community.

Reporting and analytics

Tools to generate reports on cultural asset data and trends.

Ready to make a difference?

Fill out the form below to receive updates and information about upcoming programs, events, and volunteer opportunities. Join us in painting a brighter future through the transformative power of the arts.
Together, we can empower our community, enrich our cultural heritage, and create lasting positive change. Thank you for your support and commitment to the arts!

For any inquiries, please contact us at info@evoak.org
or call 510-333-9175
Together, we can empower our community, enrich our cultural heritage, and create lasting positive change. Thank you for your support and commitment to the arts!

The Mothership:
3718 MacArthur Blvd, East Oakland, CA 94619
EVOAK!, a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation
EIN# 01-0730431