Laurel District Association

THE LAUREL CIVIL RIGHTS MURAL - Voices in the Movement
PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Laurel Civil Rights Mural Project highlights the legacy of Oakland’s struggle for social justice within the Asian American, Spanish speaking, and African American communities. The civil rights mural will provide a positive vision of social justice protests - emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and the significant social changes brought about by civil rights leaders on all levels - from the ground to the government. 

Featuring a multi-cultural representation of civil rights leaders, local and national, representing the diverse spirit of Oakland’s social justice movement juxtaposed with national icons, including:
Fred Korematsu , an Oakland native who brought his case against Japanese internment after WWII to the U.S. Supreme Court;
Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez , who led the fight to desegregate schools for Mexican Americans in California;
John Lewis , who helped desegregate the south and pass voting rights for African Americans.
The project evokes a positive vision of unity focusing on the concepts of racial equality, non-violent protest, and justice for everyone.

Gateway Mural installation location: 3525 MacArthur Boulevard, a high profile location near a major East Oakland transit hub and gateway to The Laurel business district.

MULTIMEDIA MURAL TOUR AND CULTURAL ARTISTS PROFILE - PROJECT OVERVIEW

A Laurel Mural website will feature 15+ existing public art installations along the MacArthur corridor between High Street and 35th Avenue. Visitors to the site can either explore the murals from their homes or access more information while taking an in-person “walking tour” of the murals in a safe and socially distanced manner.

Website visitors will experience audio and video profiles of the public artwork and the artist’s motivations behind the work,
narratives of the historical and social significance of the public art work, including backgrounds of the artists and the imagery,
artists insights on art and social justice issues specific to the neighborhood, and in the context of Bay Area cultural and community art, and
create a personal connection to each artist.

PROJECT PARTNERS

Fernando Santos Beast Oakland   (Local Business Owner, Oakland School Teacher, Artist/Cultural Practitioner), Laurel District Association  (Business Improvement District), Laurel Village Association  (Residents Association), Youth Speaks  (Local Nonprofit), Goodwill Industries  (Site Partner), City of Oakland Cultural Arts Department.

The Laurel Civil Rights Mural and Multimedia Tour is partially funded by a City of Oakland Cultural Arts Grant and the Laurel District Association is working to match funds for the district wide mural tour and cultural artists profiles.

The Laurel District Association is a 501(c)iii nonprofit FedID# 36-4582184: Our mission is to revitalize the commercial corridor of the Laurel District, one of Oakland's beloved, most diverse and most unique, communities.