Events

On Saturday, August 22^nd, many of West Oakland’s community leaders – faith based and activists alike – along with nearly 500 West Oakland community members, joined together to celebrate the first Annual Spirit of West Oakland at Poplar Park. The celebration of West Oakland, including an end-of-summer BBQ, was organized and sponsored by Alliance Recycling.

The party celebrated not only the excellent work of many leaders (who co-hosted the event) who work hard to make a difference in the community, but that of West Oakland residents who have a “history of industry and spirit that against all odds subsist and stand for the disenfranchised” explains Jay Anast, owner of Alliance Recycling.

Among the participants were well-known West Oakland figures, including Reverend Ray Lankforde, pastor of the Voices of Hope Community Church and founder of the Healthy Oakland Clinic, Monsa Nitoto, founder of Tomorrow’s Answers, Seyana Mawusi, principal of the West Oakland Middle School, Marilyn Washington, founder of the Khadafy Foundation, and Rusty Jackson, former chief of staff to mayor Lionel Wilson.

Various other familiar faces, representatives of non-profits, were also present to promote environmental awareness and healthy life styles. Many others, including David Glover, Executive Director of OCCUR, and Dana Harvey, founder of Mandela Marketplace, participated through donations to the many raffle prizes.

Alliance Recycling presented a powerful photo exhibit that served to raise awareness of the substantial environmental contributions its clients make every year. As the company’s newly launched website details, last year alone these green neighbors prevented more than 30 million pounds of waste from going to the landfill; which saved more than 21,000 trees from being cut down, saved nearly 15 million pounds of CO2 from the air we breath; and, saved over 43 million pounds of natural resources. The exhibit was offered as both a surprise and gift to the company’s clients with the intention of soliciting support and collaboration from the community at large to finding solutions that enhance quality of life for all members of the community. To this end, the company announced the launch of its recycling incentive programs, which are designed to bring urban miners and residents together for mutual social, economic and environmental profit.

Among the celebrated guests were Dolly Wyett and Mary Smith. These two veteran urban miners, whom at the respective ages of 80 and 89 continue to recycle after more than 32 years, were recognized for their environmental and community contributions with a certificate from OCCUR. When called to view the photo exhibit, Ms. Wyett tearfully expressed appreciation for the event and the recognition. Her grandson, whom she raised since he was in the fifth grade, after her daughter’s untimely passing, and who today is a thriving 4.0 average student studying bio-chemistry, accompanied her.

Representatives take the stage for introductions and raffle give-aways - including guests of honor, Dolly Wyett (center) and Mary Smith (third from left.

At the end of it all, the overarching message was clear, the Sprit of West Oakland thrives! The almost 500 community members from babies to senior citizens provided witness to that.

Guests enjoying the grassy field on a hot, sunny day.