BOSS Bay Area Black August Block Party "Stop the Violence"

BOSS Bay Area is committed to increasing awareness and providing resources, alongside our partners through our violence prevention programs. The event theme this year will be  "STOP THE VIOLENCE". 

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Last year at BOSS' inaugural Black August Block Party, we unveiled the 'Arc of Liberation' mural - a culmination of art, culture, and political education honoring the heroes and fighters whose shoulders we stand on whose activism we continue today. This year we aim to elevate the conversation by revisiting and honoring the heroes who used their art and commitment to their people to, Stop The Violence.

In the late '80s & early '90s, there was a movement from East to West to counter community violence with artists, journalists, community leaders, civic leaders and heads of the church coming together for summits, concerts and legislative change. In 1988, hip-hop was at a crossroads. After a series of violent incidents, community violence and anti-blackness from mainstream outlets was at a high. Hip Hop artist, KRS-One formed the, "Stop The Violence Movement" - and catapulted the movement with the song, "Self-Destruction". Artists like Oakland native, M.C.Hammer and Digital Underground were members of the West Coast All-Stars. The group debuted "We're All In the Same Gang", the West Coast's contribution to the "STOP THE VIOLENCE MOVEMENT" - see more.

This community-wide event will allow visitors, artists, and organizations to come together to celebrate and respond to some of the needs of our community.

BOSS  Bay Area Neighborhood Impact Hubs will provide information and resources about housing, violence prevention, mass incarceration and other services offered in Oakland neighborhoods. 

BOSS Bay Area Partners will be present to provide more resources - expungement, economic empowerment, health, employment and much more.

We are looking for allies - artists, vendors, service providers, and more to participate this year. We anticipate approximately 50 registrants from several local organizations and businesses and we encourage you to invite your community and members to enjoy a great experience. We are inviting all of our vendor friends to display their products and services.

Exhibits will open Saturday morning at 11 am at Frank Ogawa Plaza and end at 3 pm. We will offer a limited amount of space for retailers. The cost for exhibit space for retailers is $40 (help cover event permit fees). 

We also invite your participation as an event sponsor. This is an excellent way to stand out from other exhibitors and increase your visibility with event attendees.  Contact Sonja Fitz for more information about sponsorship.

I hope you will join us for our 2022 BOSS Bay Area Black August Block Party.

If you're interested in participating register here.

• On-site Covid testing.

• There will be games, giveaways, and health & wellness activities for everyone.

• DJ Pretty Handsome on the 1s & 2s!!

• Local artists' live performances (music & spoken word) (reentry, revolutionaries, authors).

• Health & Wellness, yes. Vendors & Entrepreneurs, yes. Artists' Corner, yes.

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