Artwork + Soul Oakland returns with meals, song and group

OAKLAND — One of the vital East Bay’s hottest unfastened gala’s made its go back Saturday as Artwork + Soul Oakland celebrated its twentieth anniversary after taking an endemic pause.

Shauncy Jackson has recollections of visiting Artwork + Soul as a competition attendee. This 12 months, she made her debut as a dealer. 

It is known as Oakland Do not Play — a industry that started as a pastime. She not too long ago opened her first retailer within the The city. 

“Oakland Do not Play necessarily began off as a clothes line, for us to voice mainly our stance. There was once a large number of issues occurring with gentrification and discrimination and I sought after to give you the chance to mention one thing about it,” stated proprietor Jackson. 

Jackson stated her garments give folks an opportunity to turn their Oakland satisfaction. 

“So this can be a new drop: “Oakland do not play we skate.” There is a giant skate inhabitants in Oakland, and that is my means of paying homage. Simply actual Oakland,” she stated. 

By way of day, Jackson works as a technical program supervisor at Salesforce. In her off time, she pours her interest into Oakland Do not Play. 

“It was once superb, actually I best had a few alternatives to devour and drink water like nonstop folks studying in regards to the corporate, making purchases,” she stated of Saturday’s industry. 

1000’s became out in downtown Oakland to browse native items, benefit from the song, and pattern the foods and drinks.

“My group’s right here, my pals are right here, the tradition is right here, the humanities are right here, the whole lot’s right here, why now not,” stated Vernie Yong of Marin. 

Other folks of every age loved the festivities together with Double Dutch and curler skating. KPIX additionally stuck up with rapper Mistah FAB as he strolled the streets of his homeland. 

“So much corporations and a large number of companies suffered, so as to see a few of these companies getting an opportunity to have their merchandise transfer and looking at one of the most pals that I do know and native distributors get an opportunity to promote a large number of products that is superb,” stated FAB. “Not anything like seeing the empowerment of your friends and family during the love.”