Black History Month Recap

What Does HOPE Stand for? 

• HOPE is Health for Oakland’s People and Environment. 
• ​​​HOPE believes that the voices, experiences, and ideas of low-income Black and brown Oakland residents should be centered in decision making processes.

Historically, where did African-Americans come from? 

• Stereotypically, Black history is often portrayed through the lens of slavery and the Civil Rights movement, highlighting pain and bravery. However, our history stretches far beyond these narratives, and HOPE wants to honor that. Let's delve into the origins and evolution of cultures that have not only shaped Africa but have had a profound impact on the world stage:  
  • Ancient Kemet (Nubia or Kush): Flourished along the Nile, leaving a legacy of art, architecture, and innovation.
  • Ancient Egypt: Known for the pyramids and the Sphinx, with significant contributions to science, mathematics, and culture.
  • Carthage: Emerged as a powerful trade hub on the northeast coast of Africa, shaping Mediterranean civilization.
  • The Moorish Empire: A center of knowledge and enlightenment in Northern Africa during the Middle Ages, influencing European thought.
  • Benin Empire: Flourished in West Africa, celebrated for its intricate artwork, governance, and economic strength.
• Within Africa, diversity thrives, with numerous cultures and histories  However, the African diaspora extends across oceans and continents, touching the Caribbean, South America, and even places like France. From lively island communities to flourishing Black populations worldwide, our legacy resonates across the globe.

 What About Post-Slavery in America and the Great Migration? 

• After the Civil War,  America faced a major divide, leading many formerly enslaved people to head North. By 1900, nearly 90 percent of African Americans still lived in the South, but by 1970, only half remained.
• Between 1900 and 1920, known as "The Great Migration," over a million African Americans moved North, lured by new job opportunities, especially during World War I as the industrial industry was booming. 
  • More specifically to Oakland, the Great Migration is why West Oakland was a hub for African-Americans that gained economic independence working at the Oakland port. shipyard, and in various factories. 

 What is the current population of African-Americans in the Bay Area?

• As of the 2010 census, Oakland had a 27% Black population, reflecting a significant demographic presence in the city.  There are still many African-Americans in the Bay Area, however, it's important to note that the Black population in the Bay Area has been declining since the 1980s due to various factors, including gentrification, crime rates, and high rent prices.​
  
  

So, how do we embody Black culture today? 

• In today's world, the influence of our ancestors reverberates through diverse expressions of art and culture. Take Beyoncé's "Black is King" project, for example, which honors the Yoruban faith practiced by our African ancestors long before they set foot in America. This celebration of heritage is just one instance of how our past continues to inspire and inform our present.
• Moreover, there's been a resurgence of holistic health practices and non-westernized medicinal traditions, reconnecting us to ancient wisdom that has stood the test of time. These practices not only promote physical well-being but also foster a deeper connection to our roots and traditions.

 How does HOPE strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals from marginalized communities? 

• Our mission is simple yet powerful: to promote wellness across all aspects of life—racial, economic, and health equity—in Oakland's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Through practical initiatives like policy changes, thoughtful planning, and community programs, we're making real changes in how food and spaces are accessed in East and West Oakland.
  • The ultimate goal: the voices of East Oakland's youth and adults to be heard loud and clear; by not just advocating for change; but actively involving community members in the process.  
• HOPE’s programs have been successful in empowering communities of color, fostering leaders who are making positive changes right where they live.