ABOUT US
Located in the heart of West Oakland and only blocks away from Oakland's downtown corridor, The Oak Center Cultural Center (OCCC) is a community based, 501(c)3 arts and cultural organization that has been serving the city of Oakland for over 40 years.
For the past 12 years the center has closed the year with two major community events: The Thanksgiving banquet where we also donate clothes to those in need and the Christmas toy and winter clothing give-away. The center’s board and community workers are excited to give back to these events that serve well over three hundred low-income and homeless families.
In keeping with our mission to serve the west Oakland community we have also made the OCCC available for rent at low or no cost for special events and community meetings. Please see our gallery page for pictures and memories of past events.
OUR MISSION
Through cultural, artistic and educational programs and charitable support services, the OCCC provides enrichment activities, public meetings, and forums, in its Mission to enrich the quality of life to the greater West Oakland area and provide support to the underserved in the community.
OUR VISION
The Vision of the OCCC is to improve our community and empower its residents through the promotion of the historic cultural legacy and contemporary artistic expression within the West Oakland community.
OCCC CURRENT PROGRAMS AND FOCUS
Oak Center Cultural Center programs are divided into four focuses which are reflective of our mission and vision. Those areas of focus are Arts, Education, Culture, and Community.
PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
ART
EDUCATION
Dreaming Again
Teaching the youth in our community music production and song writing skills. Dreaming is currently in its Genesis. We will be hosting open mics in an effort to gain visibility and find talent in the Oak Center/West Oakland Community.
Oak Center Little People Academy
OCLPA provides childcare for children from three months to entering kindergarten. The nonprofit infant, toddler, and preschool program are play-based providing quality care in an amazing safe setting. The preschool program staff, families and the board work together to share the core values of love, health, and community.
CULTURE
Celebrate!
Events centered on cultural traditions and holidays in an effort to restore a strong sense of culture and community in the Oak Center neighborhood.
COMMUNITY
Core Value
A key core value for the center is COMMUNITY. The OCCC board, associate members and host of community volunteers
Support
The center supports the community by
providing programs to enrich the lives of families from all walks of life. The center provides community holiday banquets which also feed homeless and low-income families; provide toy and clothing giveaways, field trips and family outings..
CURRENT & PAST PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PROVIDED
2018- Current
-
SPARK Preschool Program
-
Oak Center Little People Academy
-
Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Banquet
-
Annual Christmas Toy & Winter Clothing Giveaway
-
Collaborations with community nonprofit organizations
2006-2016
- Cultural Salsa Dance, Culinary Arts & Art
-
Art Gallery Showings - Exhibitions featuring artists in our community.
-
Community Movie Nights - A public viewing of classic movies for the entire family.
-
A.L.C (Art. Love. Community) - Promoting art collaborations, performances, open-mics, painting, and OCCC private auctions. An event to inspire youth and families in the community, as well as encourage artists in the area to exhibit their works of art.
-
Vets For Chess - Teaching and training chess strategies to vets.
-
Peacemakers Youth at risk & Tutorial
-
Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program – provided G.E.D/job training in the summer months.
-
Pivotal Point Youth Services – helping youth in the community successfully transition from high school to college and into the workforce.
-
The Manhood Collaborative –A group created to promote positive relationship building between African-American fathers and sons.
-
SHERO (Sustainable Health Education Resources and Outreach) – teaching safe sex and AIDS awareness to community females. SHERO has grown to become a national, non-profit organization.
-
OCCC Dance Program – African, modern, and jazz movement/exercise for community members.
2001-2005
-
S.I.S.T.E.R. Program – drug treatment and recovery support services to women.
-
OCCC Community After-school Program – tutoring and mentoring to grades 1-6th.
-
Acorn/Lowell Park Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council – awareness in neighborhood safety and crime prevention.
-
OCCC Dance Program – African, modern, and jazz movement/exercise for community members.
-
Pathway Productions (theater group) – provided training in theater arts to youth in the community.
-
OCCC Martial Arts Program – teaching martial arts and self-defense to youth in the community.
-
Urban.net – provided training, mentorship, and tutoring in technology to youth in the community.
-
J.A.M. – provided mentor-ship and dance training to youth in the community.
1995-2000
-
Oak Center Children’s Pre-school Academy – provided childcare for low income to no income families primary in West Oakland.
-
S.I.S.T.E.R. Program – drug treatment and recovery support services to women.
-
Chosen Vessel Church services – community spiritual enrichment.
-
OCCC Community After-school Program – tutoring and mentoring to grades 1-6th.
-
Federation of African American Contractors Board Meetings – job training in construction and carpentry.
-
OCCC Dance Program – African, modern, and jazz movement/exercise for community members.
-
OCCC Martial Arts Program – teaching martial arts and self-defense to youth in the community.
-
OCCC Community Choir – provided vocal and performing arts training in addition to exposing community members to various parts of the Bay Area through performance opportunities.
-
Peace Makers -
