ABOUT
The 40x40
A Place
In the heart of Deep East Oakland, there is a roughly 40x40 block area (from Seminary Ave to the Oakland-San Leandro border, from MacArthur Blvd. to the Bay) home to over 30,000 people of African descent. This area has some of the greatest health, economic, and environmental inequities in Oakland.
A Vision
Our vision is to transform the 40×40 into a place where people have what they need to heal, thrive, rejoice, and prosper. That vision is far different from today’s reality where African Americans in the 40x40 experience the worst quality of life indicators, including life expectancy, homelessness and educational attainment. As these circumstances persist or worsen, we find that time is of the essence in addressing these disparities by:
Advocating for more resources and investments in order to support individuals and communities for generations to come
Understanding community needs and gaps
Mapping out and building on community assets
Creatively expressing and sharing our stories and visions for health and safety, community, and belonging in the 40x40 through art and expression walls and narrative change, centering Black culture.
Holding place for current and legacy residents and businesses by owning and controlling commercial and residential real estate
Building solidarity with other marginalized communities in the 40x40 and across Oakland
Realizing the vision for the 40×40 is a long-term, generational strategy to improve the lives of future, current and legacy residents is possible through the dedication, resilience and innovation that exists within the people of the 40x40. Please join us in making this area the community we all deserve by filling out our Community Engagement Survey here. The survey helps us have a better understanding of the issues that matter most to the residents (current and legacy) of the 40x40.
A Collaboration
In 2019, a collaborative was formed between the Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation/East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative, Brotherhood of Elders Network, East Oakland Youth Development Center and Roots Community Health to work towards this collective vision for a healthier 40x40. These organizations called the 40x40 Council, each with their particular area of focus have been committed to and vested in uplifting the community for decades. Residents of the area have been served by them, employed by them, lived in community with them.
While led by the 40x40 Council, this long-term, generational strategy to improve the lives of future, current and legacy residents is informed by and achieved in concert with the area’s families, residents, and other community-based organizations.
Advocating for Equity, Healing, and Prosperity in Our Community
40x40 People’s Advisory Council
Beginning work in 2021, the People’s Advisory Council (PAC), is made up of current and legacy community leaders and residents of African descent with a vested interest and knowledge of the issues impacting their community. The PAC meets monthly to hear from and ask questions of the Council, policy makers and stakeholders providing feedback and accountability.
Carolyn (CJ) Johnson
CEO, Black Cultural Zone
The Black Cultural Zone
conceived in 2014, addresses the disparate impact of decades of disinvestment in East Oakland and the more recent displacement of Black People and Black Businesses from their legacy communities here in Oakland by centering Black Arts and Culture within a community development framework.
Greg Hodge
CEO, Brotherhood of Elders
The Brotherhood of Elders Network
is an intergenerational network of men of African ancestry who foster environments where Black boys and young men are empowered to flourish.
CEO, East Oakland Youth Development Center
East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC)
EOYDC’s mission is to nurture the holistic development of youth from Kindergarten into Adulthood to live a life of prosperity, integrity and purpose.
Dr. Noha Aboelata
CEO, Roots Community Health
The mission of Roots Community Health is to uplift those impacted by systemic inequities and poverty. We accomplish this through medical and behavioral health care, health navigation, workforce enterprises, housing, outreach, and advocacy. Visit our website to learn more about our programs and services.
The 40x40 Council and Rise East
The 40x40 Council is currently partnering with Oakland Thrives to launch the Rise East initiative. The Rise East initiative aims to reverse those systemic problems for the more than 30,000 Black residents who live in the 40x40 by using an intentional, collaborative approach to increase housing, health, safety, education, and economic opportunity. We are working collectively to raise $50 million to unlock a $50 million match. This investment is a huge opportunity for East Oakland; we appreciate your patience while we work on fundraising and look forward to collaborating with organizations in the 40x40 on the next steps to launch this work for our community.
