April 27, 2012
On Saturday, April 21, 2012, an intergenerational and multicultural Earth Day parade hit the streets in East Oakland celebrating community health, our environment, Black and Brown unity and solutions that reduce local pollution. The day kicked off with am organic community breakfast. CBE thanks Tassafaronga Farm, an East Oakland urban farm and a project of Acta Non Verba.
The activities began with a moment of silence for all the love one’s we’d lost over the last year. Afterwards, we began the colorful march carrying signs in hand which read, “Green is Good for Every Neighborhood,” and “Si Se Puede.”
Nearly 100 children and adults participated in the parade that was lead by African drummers and an Encompass Academy youth group. Participants danced in 90-degree weather through the streets in East Oakland. Residents came out of their homes dancing or looked on with smiles as CBE members and volunteers passed out flyers regarding CBE’s work. There were also live performances by local youth, an Aztec dance group, and a live jazz band all of whom help beat the heat by creating a festive atmosphere. The Earth Day festival also showcased CBE’s work against blight. East Oakland residents want its unused vacant lots available for community gardens and other green projects, so they can prove that “Green is Good for Every Neighborhood.”