
THE FORGE
Oakland is home. The FORGE ensures artists, small businesses, and creatives have the space, resources, and support to stay and thrive. Through affordable spaces, education, economic empowerment, and community wellness, we’re keeping Oakland rooted.
Mural By Timothy B
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Oakland’s Black and Brown communities face deep health disparities—from chronic disease and poor air quality to food insecurity and mental health crises. Systemic barriers limit access to quality care, while environmental and economic injustices fuel these challenges.
It’s time for action. We must demand community-led healthcare, invest in mental health services, fight for environmental justice, and expand access to fresh, healthy food. Join the movement for equitable healthcare and a healthier future for all.
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Oakland faces serious public safety challenges, including rising violent crime, gun violence, over-policing in Black and Brown communities, slow emergency response times, and a lack of community-centered solutions. Displacement, economic inequality, and systemic disinvestment fuel these issues, leaving many residents feeling unsafe while also distrusting law enforcement.
Safety in Oakland means more than policing—it requires investment in de-escalation training, trauma-informed violence prevention, economic opportunities, mental health resources, and community-led safety initiatives. We must push for solutions that prioritize healing, equity, and true safety for all. Get involved—because Oakland deserves better.
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West Oakland’s 7th Street Corridor was once a thriving hub for jazz and blues legends like Esther’s Orbit Room and Slim Jenkins Supper Club, but gentrification and displacement threaten its artistic legacy. Meanwhile, industrial arts spaces, once central to West Oakland’s working-class economy, are disappearing due to rezoning and rising costs, pushing out metalworkers, fabricators, and artisans.
We must protect Black cultural landmarks, affordable artist spaces, and industrial arts workshops from erasure. By leveraging strategic retail partnerships and small business training, we can make local artists, makers, and creatives the economic engine of West Oakland. Advocate for historic preservation, funding for local artists, and policies that support creative entrepreneurship.
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Community equity through ownership emphasizes the importance of inclusive access to resources and opportunities that empower individuals and groups. When community members have a stake in local businesses, land, or cultural institutions, they not only benefit economically but also gain a voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This shared ownership fosters resilience and interdependence, allowing communities to thrive collectively rather than relying on external entities. By prioritizing equitable ownership models, we can dismantle systemic barriers and create a more just and sustainable future that reflects the values and aspirations of all community members.
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Oakland’s small businesses are the backbone of our community, yet they face rising costs, displacement, limited access to funding, and increasing challenges due to lack of public safety. Economic development must prioritize equitable opportunities for Black & Brown owned businesses, local hiring, and community-driven investment to ensure lasting prosperity.
Support local entrepreneurs. Advocate for equitable policies that protect small businesses from displacement and crime. Push for fair access to capital, resources, and community-led safety initiatives. Invest in Oakland’s future, because when our small businesses thrive, our community thrives.
Upcoming events
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Good Mother Market Series
APRIL 13TH
Good Mother Market Series:
The Good Mother Market Series at The Forge is a vibrant vendor market series in Oakland celebrating local creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Featuring a curated lineup of artisans, makers, vintage collectors, and culinary talent, The Good Mother Market Series is a dynamic space where culture and commerce meet, all happening The Forge, an inspiring, inclusive space designed to connect Oakland’s diverse community with small businesses and emerging brands.
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WEST OAKLAND BIKE SUMMIT
MAY 3RD
Welcome to the West Oakland Bike Summit!
Join us at The Forge, 1333 8th St, for a day dedicated to all things biking in West Oakland. Join us on Saturday, May 3 for the inaugural West Oakland Bike Summit.
The West Oakland Bike Summit is an opportunity for bike lovers of all ages to come together, connect with the community, and learn more about local bike resources. Enjoy free bike repairs, panel discussions, local vendors, a group ride, food, drinks, and so much more.
The event will be held at The Forge, 1333 8th Street. Grab your friends and family and wheel see you there!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the biking community in West Oakland. See you there!
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Oakland Economic Growth & Equity Workshop Series
Coming This Summer
Bring together community-based organizations, entrepreneurs, public health leaders, educators, and local government agencies in Oakland to:
• Share knowledge and pilot solutions for economic growth that address systemic racism.
• Encourage innovative collaboration between business, public health, and social services sectors.
• Prepare local organizations to apply for grants (like the RWJF Systems for Action program) that fund economic alignment projects focused on equity.
