On April 24th, members of EBCF’s professional advisor network were invited to attend a behind-the-scenes tour of two new installations at The Oakland Museum of California. Members of the OMCA exhibition development team took attendees on a tour of the Black Power and Taking Native Lands and Lives installations.
Black Power
In response to the widely-popular 2016 special exhibition, All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50, this new installation in the Gallery of California History at the Oakland Museum of California illustrates the creative ways Black anti-racist activists in California supported their communities and challenged the U.S. government. Focusing on the example of the Black Panther Party, Black Power brings to light the tensions between a culturally and socially progressive California and examples of economic racism and oppression in the state.
Taking Native Lands and Lives
A new display in the Gallery of California History explores the history of violence and genocide against Native peoples in California. Between 1848 and 1870, the Native population plunged from roughly 150,000 to 30,000. Greed for land and a deep-rooted racism led to brutal violence that was sponsored by the state government and carried out by its residents. Learn about this history in the early era of statehood and the legacy that continues to affect California today.
We are grateful for our partnership with the OMCA who made this memorable evening possible. We hope that the event served not only as an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones, but also a chance to learn more about the challenges facing our region, and how the Foundation’s efforts are supporting those working to promote social justice and build a more inclusive East Bay.
With your help, we can continue to support a rich and vibrant culture in the East Bay that makes visible those that have historically been at our society’s margins, and that also serves as a catalyst for social good. Our professional advisor community is a vital and dynamic partner that helps EBCF strengthen the region through philanthropy.
To those that attended, thank you for your attendance, energy, enthusiasm, and continued support. We look forward to our next opportunity to get together. In appreciation, and for those not in attendance, we would like to share the following short video, recapping the evening at The Oakland Museum of California.