Scroll down for series content.
What is “Open E.A.R.S. for Change” about?
“E.A.R.S.” stands for Engage. Activate. Rise-up. Series. This series is an on-going initiative that aims to build stronger allyship and co-conspiratorship among our API audiences with local Black communities in order to foster a more diverse and inclusive culture in our communities that is anti-racist and anti-discriminatory in the Oakland/East Bay Community.
The two key objectives of the series are:
1) address anti-blackness in API communities and meaningfully confront issues of colorism/racism in a safe space; and
2) address Black-Asian community relations specifically in the Oakland Chinatown area.
What does this program series look like?
This series is currently structured in three phases that will be regularly monitored and re-evaluated depending on capacity and available funding.
- PHASE 1: Develop the “Let’s Talk” audio series to highlight local stories of cross-racial solidarity
- PHASE 2: Translate the audio series transcripts into more languages, broadening our audience engagement
- PHASE 3: Develop program series that integrates anti-racist content into concrete local community efforts including a collaborative exhibit
Programs under the Open EARS series can take on a number of formats with the intention of widening audience accessibility and inclusivity of different stages of understanding about anti-racism. Generally, our program contains the following categories:
- “Activate” – events that help maintain the momentum and energy of informed, engaged individuals already involved in anti-racism efforts and learning.
- “Engage” – efforts that seek to directly engage key community sectors to cultivate a better understanding about the values expressed by the Black Lives Matter movement and address relations between API and Black communities.
- “Inform” – projects that leverage cross-cultural collaborations to help distribute information about anti-racism across a broader audience base.
How can I get involved?
We cannot do this work alone. We invite community members and organizations to partner with us on this multi-layered effort. Get involved! Got questions or ideas? Email programs@oacc.cc.