The Convergence of Housing, Community Services and the Arts

October 2020

45 Stories for 45 Years

Contributor: Archana Nagraj, Executive Director, Destiny Arts Center

At Destiny Arts, we believe in the power of art as a vehicle for social change, and for giving youth and community a voice. EBALDC has been a powerful partner to us because they have partnered with us as we take our programs deeper into the Oakland community. The dedication of EBALDC staff, and the organization overall, to address the whole health of a community is clear in the wide range of programming that they provide at Lion Creek Crossings where we have had the privilege of partnering with them to provide arts and dance classes for years. 

Earlier this year, Destiny Arts and EBALDC received a Neighborworks Grant to produce a large scale community event in East Oakland. The EBALDC team immediately saw their role in serving as a platform for the community, with respect and humility. They worked closely with us to identify Black Cultural Zone as a partner. 

Then COVID-19 hit and we had to rethink a huge event that would have taken up the entire A’s stadium parking lot. Instead of cancelling or scaling back, together, our three teams were able to put on a really powerful virtual celebration live on Zoom and Facebook in May 2020.

Our virtual block party, Moving 4 Peace, featured youth performances, presentations and a dance party with a live DJ. We had prizes from local businesses and showcased artwork from East Bay Artists. 

Moving 4 Peace solidified an already powerful partnership. Destiny Arts, EBALDC and Black Cultural Zone recognized that the work extended beyond a single event. Together, we can do amazing things with our communities. 

EBALDC has helped Destiny Arts dream and think bigger about the convergence of housing and services and arts, and all the factors that go into a healthy neighborhood. And despite the challenges we have faced this year, we have never heard from them, “we can’t do that” or “we don’t want that”. We know that together, we can do amazing work with our communities and support young people in lifting their voices and celebrating their stories.  

As EBALDC marks our 45th anniversary, we will be gathering more stories like this one from our friends, family, community members, partners and more stakeholders that have made our impact possible. We would be honored for you to join us:

 

 

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