About #WeLoveOakland
“We Love Oakland” is all about celebrating vibrant and joyful culture, relationships, and activism that rises above the current discourse around safety and community in Oakland.
Real Voices of Oakland
From artists to organizers, Oakland is full of incredible people shaping the future of our city. Here are four residents who opened up about their personal journeys and visions for a thriving Oakland. Watch their videos to discover what roots them in our community and how Oakland’s unique culture and history inspires their work.
Nairobi Barnes
2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate
Chef Nelson German
executive chef and owner of alaMar
Peggy Saika
Former ED of AAPIP and Common Counsel Foundation
Pendarvis Harshaw
Host and Columnist of RightNowish
Dear Oakland
Read these personal letters from community leaders, celebrating Oakland’s many gifts of connection, joy, unity, and resilience. Through their words, we honor the diverse stories and lived experiences that define what it means to love Oakland.
Malcolm Ryder
Marquita
Price
“The Hood Planner”
Caheri
Gutierrez
Demetria
Huntsman
Shana
Lancaster
Send us your very own ode to Oakland—whether it’s a story, a message of hope, or words of wisdom. We may feature it on the site or on social media!
Experience Oakland
We love uplifting events and campaigns from other community members and organizations that celebrate Oakland’s strengths and provide a platform for people to connect and feel a sense of belonging.
Have something to share? This is an evolving list, so please reach out to us at weloveoakland@akonadi.org if you have anything you’d like us to include on the site.
Love Over Fear Oakland in 2024: Connection, Care & Community
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity’s Love Over Fear Oakland project was launched in response to the challenges faced by communities of color in Oakland.
With the guidance of their dedicated Cultural Strategists—Amina Lei ,B Dukes, and Francisco Herrera, the project celebrates the spirit and love of Oakland through various mediums like podcasts, photo series, and concerts.
Akonadi Foundation is proud to provide funding for this project.
Día de los Muertos Festival
Sponsored by The Unity Council, the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival is a free, outdoor festival that brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos.
November 3, 2024
Sunday Community Skate
Join Black Cultural Zone for a chill and laid-back day at Liberation Park! If you don’t have skates, they have some available while supplies last.
Every Sunday
“Deep Down” Video Series
Deep East Oakland is getting $100 million — and the stakes are really high. In this multi-episode series, KQED’s Olivia Cruz Mayeda talks to chefs, artists, and community leaders about the beauty of Deep East Oakland and what it’s going to take to keep it.
Follow @kqedarts on IG to get notified when new episodes of “Deep Down” go live.
Show Love
Join the movement! Use our social media toolkit, which includes hashtags, posts and visuals, to amplify the campaign and share why you love Oakland.
