Cycle of Gratitude Fundraiser - December 7th, 2024
We’re sold out!
Dine in with us & forge unity through discussion!
Rooted together, we grow stronger.
Engage in critical conversations to enrich your perspectives and open your heart
Enjoy delicious catered 3 course lunch from Jusla Catering’s Chef Christina “Lala” Harrison
Hear from Oakland youth and connect with fellow members of our amazing community
ArtEsteem is dedicated to uplifting, inspiring, & empowering youth through art and creativity to express themselves, become critically aware and envision positive solutions for themselves and our communities.
In our current social, political, and economic realities, ArtEsteem’s healing arts work is especially vital.
“Oakland teens witness more violence, feel sadder than U.S. counterparts” from the San Francisco Chronicle (June 9, 2023) shares: “High school students in Oakland outpaced their peers in California and around the U.S. in one particularly distressing category: 36% of respondents — nearly 1,300 students — said they witnessed someone in their neighborhood get shot, stabbed or beaten.”
Arts for Life’s Sake, a September 2021 report by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and a testament to the power of arts learning for social and emotional development, states that “the arts facilitate personal and emotional growth by providing opportunities for students to reflect on who they are and who they want to be.”
Over the years, our students have spoken to the impact of participating in ArtEsteem programs:
“We are all different, but everyone should be treated equally. Everyone has different skills or talents, but we are really all the same - we are all human. I want my art to inspire others to find the courage to do what they are passionate about.”
Nikko, 8th Grade, Westlake Middle School
“I am a very anxious person and I occasionally will become closed off to the people around me, but when I am with AHC, all of my worries go away. This safe space is never discriminating or criticizing, I feel emotionally and physically safe here. I am not afraid to show my real self.”
Rodney, 11th Grade, Oakland Legacy Project
“This mural project allowed me to step up as a leader, in my school and in my community and within myself. It taught me how to be committed to something and to never give up, and always put your mind to something and believe you can do it and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. It allowed me to step outside my box and explore my imagination.”
Umiika, 11th Grade, McClymonds High School
Snapshots of 26th Annual ArtEsteem Exhibition.
Lunch from Chef Lala of Jusla Catering!
With over a dozen years of experience, Chef Christina “Lala” Harrison is a proud Black chef serving Oakland & the greater Bay Area through her self-made business, Jusla Catering. Her food is an expression of Black Heritage Cuisine with a California twist, focusing on historical African American experiences through food. Her flavorful dishes utilize ingredients from local farmers, prepared with love and positive energy to feed the mind, body, and soul.
When she’s not in the kitchen, Chef Lala works with local area youth and undeserved communities to teach important trade skills, because kitchens build character. She’s also a lover of her dogs, and the World Champion Golden State Warriors.
Chef Lala works hard to partner and share opportunities with in the community. She partners with other small businesses around the Bay Area owned by Black women, showcasing talents and skill sets to make each experience special and give fellow Black women entrepreneurs opportunities to network and thrive.
We are proud to partner with Chef Lala, and are ecstatic for you all to join us in enjoying her cuisine!
NAVIGATION:
Our new property is located in the residential neighborhood of the Hoover Corridor at 3111 West Street.
Parking is limited to spaces on the surrounding streets. We recommend that you walk, bike, take public transportation, carpool, or rideshare to ease your arrival experience.
Major thanks to our sponsors!
Mechanics Bank, Community Bank of the Bay, and Beneficial Bank are steadfast friends and supporters of us and other organizations that uplift community and enrich the Bay Area. We are thankful for their continued support!
