Dear Community,

You may be aware of my ongoing dialogue with Brenda Payton of the Oakland Tribune. This dialogue will culminate in West Oakland on December 6th. I will be taking Ms. Payton on a tour of the Lower Bottoms. I would like to introduce her to the residents, people and the programs that make West Oakland a part of Oakland with great potential and historical significance.  My intention is to put her in touch with the West Oakland that continues to draw artist, scholars, and activist  to inspire and be inspired by this area.

This is an opportunity for you/your organization/project/thoughts to be considered in Ms. Payton's future newspaper coverage of West Oakland. This is a space where a more progressive picture of the varied work being done in West Oakland can be seen and appreciated. Ms. Payton as an ally could give us greater access to press coverage about achievements, events, and the needs of this area.

I urge you to send me information about your projects if you are unable to sent a representative to one of the tour points.

If you would like your establishment considered for a tour point please contact me as soon as possible.

If you require additional information please contact me via email or by phone (510-457-8999/510-208-1912) as soon as possible.

Tentative Itinerary

12:00-Black Dot --- The Village Bottoms

12:30-Prescott Joseph Center For Community Enhancement-- Various Programs and Non Profits

1:00- Defermery Park

1: 40- Asa Academy

 Ayodele Nzinga, MA, MFA,
Artistic Director, Lower Bottom Playaz