For the past nine years on May 10, Oaklanders born and raised in the Town have been celebrating 510 Day with the rallying cry of “We Still Here.” Part party, part protest, 510 Day brings together artists and activists to uplift local culture and strategize about strengthening Black, brown and working class communities in the face of gentrification.
Hosted by rapper, poet, thespian (and co-host of the KQED-produced vodcast What’s Pimpin’?) RyanNicole and community advocate Kenzie Smith, festivities kick off at 1 p.m. at Lake Merritt with an artist vendor marketplace on Lakeshore and Grand Avenues. DJ Infinxte Soul will spin to get the vibe right; at 3:30 p.m., young people are invited to make their voices heard in a youth rally and march that takes off on Lakeshore, across from the Cleveland Cascade stairs. At 4 p.m., unhoused Oaklanders will take the mic and share their experiences.