Oakland Black arts and business district wins state recognition

Oakland’s Black Arts Movement and Business District won official recognition from the state this month, guaranteeing financial and technical assistance for the cultural zone over the next few years.

The district — located along the 14th Street corridor between Lake Merritt and I-880 — is one of 10 newly named California Cultural Districts. The four-year designation comes with $10,000 and support with marketing, development, and more.

“This state recognition ensures that Black artists and entrepreneurs will have the resources and visibility they deserve,” said Mayor Barbara Lee in a press release. “This is what investing in Oakland’s future looks like.” 

Oakland’s Black Arts Movement and Business District has its origins in 2016 legislation by then-Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney. She sought to recognize the abundance of Black businesses and art downtown and establish a formal district to set it up for ongoing investment — including potential future designation as a California Cultural District.

McElhaney name-checked some 20 organizations in the area, including the Malonga Center, Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, the Joyce Gordon Gallery, and the Oakland Post. Several of the places she listed, including Feelmore, Unique Braids, and Bissap Baobab have since closed.

In response to the 2016 city designation, the Black Arts Movement and Business District Community Development Corporation was founded to “activate and steward” the district.

According to the city’s announcement last week, cultural strategist Rashida Chase applied for the competitive state designation on behalf of Oakland, working with city staff, the Black Arts Movement CDC, and organizations in the district. 

“This designation brings long-overdue visibility and resources so Black artists and institutions remain rooted and thriving in our city,” said Councilmember Carroll Fife in the press release. 

Fife represents the area that includes the district. She’s advocated for support and promotion there and raised concerns about the lack of ongoing assistance and protections for businesses and artists after the district was established. She also secured a city grant for Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in 2024.

There are now 24 California Cultural Districts. The East Bay was already home to one of them, in Emeryville.

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