“How lovely!”

I can’t stop thinking this whenever I look over my list of 31+ Throw Down for the Town projects that will make Oakland stronger. My excitement is justified, in this moment I can be as gushy as my ovaries will allow. Because when any action is taken for the community by the community we all have the right to feel inspired and excited.

Writing about Throw Down has given me the opportunity to ask myself why I love it so much. In my head I keep thinking it is "an opportunity for Oakland to come together for the first time, meet their community...for the first time.”

I know this aspect of Throw Down will be true for some. For some, the Service Festival will make them feel a unity they have never felt before with a neighbor, maybe feel greater /ownership over a city that is their own. That is beautiful-- if I managed in any small way to be a part of making that happen I would be content.

But this event is also a direct portrayal of our community... an opportunity to celebrate all the good things about Oakland that too rarely get highlighted. We will celebrate each other through conversation, through action, through dance, food, and a love for our community.

I believe our city can become a place that won’t stand for oppression, that won’t wait for an outside savior to fix our problems.  We are a City of  strength, a people that can’t easily be overcome. Oakland’s voice has become bigger than any one non-profit, artist, business or activist. It is the fight within each of us that keeps the eager heart pumping. It is the unity. I see the unity, and how lovely it is, this is why I can’t help but feel excitement whenever I mention Throw Down to someone on the street.

Because Throw Down will be a tangible representation of this unity. Different organizations and people are coming out  to do what they feel should be done to improve the community. For example, Go Public Schools will be hosting a listening Campaign to learn what Oaklanders think about educational issues in this City.  While, a woman named Ilya Parizhsky is throwing a Recess Forever Day, in order to build community through play. This is all happening along with lots of gardening and clean-up projects among many others.

After a morning of service and work, we will celebrate Oakland with local artists and great food. Our joy will show how proud we are to be a part of this beautiful, radiant, radical city. Find a project that represents the change you want to make in Oakland and register now!