Crosspollination is a block party series created by We Rise Production with the purpose of strengthening and deepening existing connections and initiating new ones, after the changing culture and community landscape Oakland experienced in years of social distancing and pandemic.

Our themes will deepen into an exploration of how WE TAKE CARE OF US. We Take Care of Us is a phrase that comes out of BIPOC-led community spaces dedicated to the practice of mutual aid & abolition as a strategy for long-term collective wellbeing. We use this phrase intentionally to lift up & carry forward this invitation in our own communities as we crosspollinate.

We use the word “emergent” – in part drawing on adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy – to signify that these organizations’ work reflects a vision they are each stewarding of collective liberation.

We Rise is committed to offering free education and raising awareness on important community work and causes through live events and cultural production. This series of seasonal intercommunity block parties will cultivate cross-pollination of intergenerational and intersectional identities coming together to learn about & support social justice, community safety, local businesses, & celebrate our artistic abundance.

Opening prayer with Dr. Uzo Nwankpa
Poetry by Darius Simpson of People’s Programs
Panel Moderator Yemi from People’s Programs
Panelists:
James Birch, Deputy Director, Anti Police-Terror Project
Dr. Cesar Cruz, Co-Founder Homies Empowerment, Founding Principal The Freedom School
Delency Parham, Co-Founder, People's Programs
Sound Tech: Frank Sterling aka Freewillin Franklin, with assistance from Mickey Mayes

Music:
Quantic - Cumbia Sobre el Mar, El Buho Remix
Gingee - Gong Spirits
Mos Def - UMI SaysLowkey - Free Palestine (Instrumental)

Get involved! Learn more & connect at WeRiseProduction.com/crosspollination
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