Imagine and Act: NCG's 2024 Annual Conference

RACIAL JUSTICE POSTER PROJECT

In observance of March 21, 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Akonadi Foundation proudly presents a curated exhibition of commissioned posters that capture the vitality and resilience of social movements in Oakland. Since 2008, Akonadi has supported artists to create Racial Justice posters to commemorate this significant day, which honors the Sharpeville massacre and the ongoing fight against racial discrimination.

This year, NCG is thrilled to display 17 of these powerful works, including the 2024 Racial Justice Poster, "We dance to the beat of a thousand prayers" by Jose “Peps” Garcia. Each poster in this collection not only celebrates the unique political, social, and cultural contributions of Oakland’s diverse communities, including Black, Khmer, and Pomo, but also underscores the importance of cross-racial solidarity and collective action.

These vibrant posters serve as both historical documentation and inspirational art, reminding us of the intersecting struggles faced by marginalized communities and the need for a shared vision of liberation and justice. We invite you to explore these artworks, which embody the spirit of resistance and the power of art in movement building.

Join us in the conference space to experience this compelling display and discover how the philanthropic community can support and sustain the arts as a crucial element in the fight for racial equity. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #RJPP24, and tag us at @akonadi_oakland on Twitter/X, and @AkonadiFoundation on Facebook and Instagram.

By engaging with these posters, you contribute to the ongoing dialogue about racial justice and help amplify the voices of those fighting for a just and equitable Oakland.

The Center for Art Esteem

We are excited to welcome the Center for ArtEsteem, based in West Oakland, to our conference space. They will be showcasing large, vibrant pieces of art created by Oakland youth, inspired by the "Self as Super Hero" curriculum developed by Amana Harris. This innovative curriculum addresses the urgent need for heroes in our communities—heroes who inspire, protect, and advocate for justice and the well-being of our environment, people, and animals.

The "Self as Super Hero" curriculum guides participants through a transformative journey of self-exploration, family and cultural research, and societal assessment. It equips children, youth, and adults with aesthetic tools to create powerful artistic expressions. Each ArtEsteem Super Hero artwork represents a reimagined self, endowed with superpowers that promote a more loving and peaceful world.

In alignment with our conference theme, "Imagine and Act," the Center for ArtEsteem embodies the belief that we can only act on what we can imagine. Their role in our conference is crucial in expanding our collective imagination and demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for envisioning and creating a more equitable future. The displayed artworks not only celebrate the artistic achievements of Oakland’s youth but also challenge us to imagine philanthropy at its best—serving as a resource for freedom and equity.

In addition to the inspiring display, the Center for ArtEsteem staff and youth artists will be on hand to help conference participants create their own pieces of art using the techniques taught in their program. This hands-on activity will allow you to stretch your imagination and integrate your ideas, making the curriculum your own and contributing to the dynamic and creative atmosphere of the conference.

Join us in celebrating the artistic achievements of Oakland’s youth and explore how art can serve as a powerful tool for community empowerment and social justice. This exhibition and interactive art-making experience highlight the critical role of art in fostering resilience and envisioning a brighter, more equitable future for all. Together, we will conspire, imagine, and act to usher in new possibilities for philanthropy and our communities.