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BLAC
  Points of Unity  
BLAC
  Points of Unity  
BLAC
  Points of Unity  
BLAC
  Points   of Unity  

At BLACspace Cooperative, we…

Practice Black self determination. We believe that Black people should lead the charge for our own futures and liberation. We circulate value within the Black community to govern our own lives, land, and legacies without external control or compromise.

Commit to ongoing healing and trust-building.  We affirm our resilience, strength and triumph in the face of intersecting oppressive systems, and we continually work to dismantle them within ourselves and our communities. We dare to trust each other, and we hold one another close while navigating conflict and harm within our communities.

Believe in shared power, leadership and ownership. This ensures broad, lasting impact without overburdening or concentrating too much power in any one person. The highest creativity emerges from empowering all participants to contribute their unique strengths and practice the muscle of cooperativism.

Embrace the chaos of creation. We believe true transformation requires ancestral wisdom and innovation, radical imagination and bold action, vulnerability and audacity. We embody a student-leader mindset, embracing feedback, continuous learning, and the courage to experiment, fail, get up, and try again.

Move in solidarity. We center Blackness while collaborating closely with aligned co-conspirators, and operate within a lineage and ecosystem of global justice movements, specifically the cooperative and solidarity economy movements.

You can expect:

BLACspace Cooperative Membership is a movement.

A first-of-its-kind initiative repping Black arts and culture in Oakland, this membership is designed for Black-led cultural leaders who are shaping the times we live in. Think mutual support with intention and integrity, business coaching that flips the script, and infrastructure support designed to build legacy. Add to that a curated network of top-tier consultants and creatives, and you’ve got a membership that’s as bold and forward-thinking as the culture it uplifts. This is where vision meets action—welcome to BLACspace.

Holistic Wellness Check

Your membership begins with a 360° Holistic Wellness Check, a deep dive into your organization’s operations, finances, storytelling, and more. This is your moment to share your strengths and needs while we help identify areas where BLACspace can provide targeted support. Twice a year, we’ll check in to ensure your progress and success.

What’s Included in Your Holistic Wellness Check:

  • One (1) in-depth assessment to evaluate key areas like finance & operations, narrative & storytelling, and staffing structure.

  • Two (2) follow-up check-ins to track progress and provide continued support.

  • A customized action plan that addresses your organization’s unique goals.

Coaching Pods

Once your 360° Holistic Wellness Check is complete, you’ll join a Coaching Pod—a small, curated group of peer organizations guided by a BLACspace coach. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, celebrate wins, and strategize for the future with expert guidance.

What’s Included in Coaching Pods:

  • One (1) 90-minute group coaching session per month (10 sessions per year).

  • One (1) 90-minute office hours session per month for individual support (10 sessions per year).

  • Access to an online learning portal with guided activities and templates to support your development.

  • Connections to culturally competent industry experts and helpful resources as needed through peer and BLACspace matchmaking.

Matchmaking

Our matchmaking links organizations with carefully vetted BLACspace members, consultants, or staff to address specific resource or staffing needs. This personalized approach ensures that every connection is values-driven, culturally competent, and designed to further meaningful impact. This process includes:

  • Tailored Matches: Organizations receive up to two customized matches per year, with BLACspace staff dedicating up to four hours per match to ensure the connection is both effective and intentional.

  • Expert Connections: BLACspace staff and consultants align organizations with highly skilled, culturally attuned professionals who bring both expertise and a shared commitment to Black liberation.

  • Offers & Needs Facilitation: During collaborative sessions, members share their resources and services, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer matches facilitated by BLACspace staff

Events

BLACspace events are dynamic spaces designed to encourage collaboration, build capacity, and cultivate meaningful connections. They create a fresh cultural environment where members can exchange resources, share expertise, and strengthen their networks within the community. Event highlights include: 

  • Offers & Needs Sessions: Facilitated gatherings where members present what they can offer and share what they need, sparking connections and mutual support.

  • Learning Lab & Skill Shares: Interactive sessions led by experts and peers, focusing on practical knowledge and tools to enhance organizational impact.

  • Member-Only Gatherings: Exclusive in-person events that deepen relationships and celebrate the BLACspace community’s shared mission and achievements in style.

Digital Sharing & Resources

The Digital Sharing experience elevates your organization’s visibility by integrating its content into BLACspace’s expansive digital marketing ecosystem. This platform boosts your reach, strengthens your operations, and connects you to a network of resources, community musings and art news. Digital shares include:


BLACspace Member Offers & Needs Database: A curated network of member resources and opportunities.

  • Communication Platform (TBD): Connect and collaborate through an interactive space designed for BLACspace members to share insights, resources, and expertise.

  • BLACspace Newsletter: Feature your organization in our widely circulated newsletter, reaching a diverse and engaged audience.

  • Cross-Member Social Media Highlights: Elevate your brand through social media highlights shared across BLACspace's collective channels.

  • Staffing & Consultant List: Access a curated directory of top-tier professionals, including wellness practitioners and industry experts, to support your growth.

Mutual Aid

Mutual Aid at BLACspace is a human-centered model of trust and support. We are building a network where Black-led arts and culture organizations exchange resources, knowledge, and skills in ways that are intentional, reciprocal, and rooted in collective care. Our mutual aid offerings are designed to strengthen organizations by encouraging collaboration, resource-sharing, and sustainability. Mutual Aid includes:

  • Offers & Needs Exchange :A dynamic, member-driven network where organizations can share what they have and request what they need: from space and equipment to expertise and funding opportunities.

  • Cooperative Knowledge Archive : A living archive of best practices, templates, and wisdom from member organizations, designed to empower and inform.

  • BLACspace Collective Braintrust : Connect with a community of strategists, artists, and culture bearers to problem-solve, workshop ideas, and build power together.

  • Co-Operative Marketing & Visibility : Leverage our collective reach through cross-promotion, shared campaigns, and strategic amplification across BLACspace’s digital platforms.

  • Resource Navigation & Staffing Support : Get plugged into a curated directory of skilled professionals, consultants, and practitioners ready to support your organization’s growth and well-being.

Are You Eligible?

To be eligible for BLACSpace Cooperative membership, organizations must meet the following requirements:

Membership Benefits

As a member, you’ll also gain access to a robust suite of helpful resources and opportunities including:

  • Skills-Based Learning Labs: Hands-on workshops designed to elevate your organization’s capacity to thrive.

  • Personalized Matchmaking: Direct connections to professionals, peers and partners aligned with your needs.

  • Vibrant In-Person Events: Celebrate and collaborate with like-minded leaders while honoring our culture and community.

  • Digital Resources: Access to BLACspace tools, networks, and content that expand your reach and capacity.

Your Journey as a Beta Fellow

As a member, here’s what your journey will look like:

Holistic Wellness Check

Assess your organization’s strengths and areas for growth with our comprehensive wellness service

1

Coaching Pods

Join small, targeted groups for structured coaching sessions on common organizational challenges.

2

Match Making

Connect with vetted consultants & staff to meet your resource or staffing needs.

3

Exclusive Event Access

Gain free entry to BLACspace events— spaces designed for capacity-building, collaboration, and resource sharing.

4

Digital Sharing & Resources

Amplify your reach by integrating content across BLACspace’s digital channels and gain access to curated resources that support sustainability.

5

Mutual Aid

Join a powerful network of coaches, consultants, cultural workers, real estate experts, and creatives—collaborating, sharing helpful resources, and building a community-driven ecosystem of care and trust.

6

Get ready to unlock resources that fuel growth, collaboration, and cultural connection within a network of dedicated change-makers!

BLAC  values  
BLAC   values  
BLAC   values  
BLAC   values  

Video Title

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POLITICAL     Education  
POLITICAL     Education  
POLITICAL  :
  Education  
POLITICAL  
  Education  

Longer description placeholder language. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

POLITICAL     Education  
POLITICAL     Education  
MODULE 0  :
  Education  
POLITICAL  
  Education  

Longer description placeholder language. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Slideshow Title

Subtitle placeholder language. À nous autres, que nous faut-il?

Medium-lengthed description placeholder language. Contentez-vous de mon amitié, car, je vous le répète, c'est tout ce que je puis vous promettre, et je ne promets que ce que je suis sûre de pouvoir donner.

[SHARED] - BLAC_ Brand Ecosystem Guide by BlacSpace Cooperative

Secondary Title language or description placeholder language. Nous rêvons toujours.

Optional Additional language or description placeholder language. Contentez-vous de mon amitié, car, je vous le répète, c'est tout ce que je puis vous promettre, et je ne promets que ce que je suis sûre de pouvoir donner. Oui, je comprends, dit Fernand; vous supportez patiemment votre misère, mais vous avez peur de la mienne.

Optional Additional language or description placeholder language. Contentez-vous de mon amitié, car, je vous le répète, c'est tout ce que je puis vous promettre, et je ne promets que ce que je suis sûre de pouvoir donner. Oui, je comprends, dit Fernand; vous supportez patiemment votre misère, mais vous avez peur de la mienne.

POLITICAL     Education  
POLITICAL     Education  
MODULE 0  :
  Education  
POLITICAL  
  Education  

Longer description placeholder language. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Click the link below & select the folder with your Organization’s name on it, to access your personal templates to use and make your own.

Slideshow Title

Subtitle placeholder language. À nous autres, que nous faut-il?

Medium-lengthed description placeholder language. Contentez-vous de mon amitié, car, je vous le répète, c'est tout ce que je puis vous promettre, et je ne promets que ce que je suis sûre de pouvoir donner.

[SHARED] - BLAC_ Brand Ecosystem Guide by BlacSpace Cooperative

Secondary Title language or description placeholder language. Nous rêvons toujours.

Optional Additional language or description placeholder language. Contentez-vous de mon amitié, car, je vous le répète, c'est tout ce que je puis vous promettre, et je ne promets que ce que je suis sûre de pouvoir donner. Oui, je comprends, dit Fernand; vous supportez patiemment votre misère, mais vous avez peur de la mienne.

Optional Additional language or description placeholder language. Contentez-vous de mon amitié, car, je vous le répète, c'est tout ce que je puis vous promettre, et je ne promets que ce que je suis sûre de pouvoir donner. Oui, je comprends, dit Fernand; vous supportez patiemment votre misère, mais vous avez peur de la mienne.

By holding space to heal and build shared power, we strengthen our roots.

People & Systems

Building legacy teams and strengthening organizational infrastructure through coaching, consultant matchmaking and staffing support.

1

2

Mutual Aid

Facilitating members to share offers and resources to meet one anothers' needs.

3

Storytelling

Amplifying members reach by integrating content into BLACspace digital marketing channels, boosting visibility and operations. 

4

Funding

Pooling funds so everyone benefits, and leveraging our collective power to spread resources throughout the ecosystem.

5

Space

Uniting BLACspace members, partners, and space-holders to acquire, share, and steward spaces that strengthen the roots of Black arts and culture in Oakland.

By holding space to heal and build shared power, we strengthen our roots.

People & Systems

Building legacy teams and strengthening organizational infrastructure through coaching, consultant matchmaking and staffing support.

1

Mutual Aid

Facilitating members to share offers and resources to meet one anothers' needs.

2

Storytelling

Amplifying members reach by integrating content into BLACspace digital marketing channels, boosting visibility and operations. 

3

Funding

Pooling funds so everyone benefits, and leveraging our collective power to spread resources throughout the ecosystem.

4

Space

Uniting BLACspace members, partners, and space-holders to acquire, share, and steward spaces that strengthen the roots of Black arts and culture in Oakland.

5

Events

BLACspace events are designed for capacity-building, collaboration, and resource sharing.

6

“We are here to say that we want to stay in Oakland. We deserve to stay in Oakland. We want to make it as a Black presence”

– Carolyn Johnson, BlacSspace Co-Founder

Esther's Orbit Room 1987 courtesy AAMLO & CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance

BLAC            

mission

“Comrade Sisters” photo by Stephen Shames. Courtesy of CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance

“Free Huey Rally Bobby Hutton Park Aug 25 1968 RMBaruch” photo by Ruth-Marion Baruch and Pirkle Jones. Courtesy of CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance

BLAC          

vision

BLACspace is about building a sustainable, self-governed network of support for Black artists and organizations that moves beyond the traditional nonprofit model.

BLAC         

FAQs

BLAC         

FAQs

BLAC            

mission

Organizational Members receive:

1

Holistic Wellness Check

Assess your organization’s strengths and areas for growth with our in-depth wellness assessment.

2

Coaching Pods

Join small, targeted groups for structured coaching sessions on common organizational challenges.

Access to Events

Gain free entry to BLACspace events—spaces designed for capacity-building, collaboration, and resource sharing.

3

4

Matchmaking

Connect with vetted consultants, staff, and fellow BLACspace members to meet your resource or staffing needs.

5

Digital Sharing
& Resources

Amplify your reach by integrating content across BLACspace’s digital channels and gain access to curated resources that support sustainability.

Mutual Aid

Join a powerful network of coaches, consultants, cultural workers, real estate experts, and creatives—collaborating, sharing helpful resources, and building a community-driven ecosystem of care and trust.

6

Howard L. Bingham. Black Panthers reading the Little Red Book, Oakland, CA, 1968. In Black Panthers 1968, by Howard L. Bingham, 12–13. AMMO Books, 2009. Accessed at Community Archival Resource Project, Oakland, CA.

BLAC           

 press 

“Reading at Bobby Hutton Park” photo by Howard L. Bingham. Courtesy of CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance

BLAC   organizational membership  
BLAC   organizational membership  
BLAC   organizational membership  
BLAC
  organizational  
  membership  

BLACspace is a California Cooperative Corporation, which means it is owned and governed by its members.

  history 

BLAC          

In 2020 Culture Bank fellows Zakiya Harris and Anna Shneiderman planted the seeds of inquiry:

What would it take to cultivate an ecosystem where Black cultural groups not only survive but thrive?

They gathered a circle of leaders with deep roots in the community, and from this fertile ground, four stewards emerged, leaders of some of Oakland's most respected anchor Black cultural organizations. Together, they envisioned a thriving network that would nurture Oakland’s Black arts and culture ecosystem.

From this vision, BLACspace Cooperative was born. Like mycelium weaving through fertile soil, BLACspace connects, sustains, and amplifies the vibrant network of Black cultural groups in Oakland. It offers a foundation for collaboration, storytelling, and collective healing, rooted in the principles of mutual aid and shared growth.

“Comrade Sisters” photo by Stephen Shames. Courtesy of CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance

Liberation and Cooperativism

BLAC                                  

Unlock resources that fuel growth, collaboration, and cultural connection within a network of dedicated change-makers. 

Become an Organizational Member with BLACspace

BLAC   organizational membership  
BLAC   organizational membership  
BLAC   organizational membership  
BLAC
  organizational  
  membership  

BLACspace is a California Cooperative Corporation, which means it is owned and governed by its members.

BLACspace Cooperative Membership is a movement.

A first-of-its-kind initiative repping Black arts and culture in Oakland, this membership is designed for Black-led cultural leaders who are shaping the times we live in. Think mutual support with intention and integrity, business coaching that flips the script, and infrastructure support designed to build legacy. Add to that a curated network of top-tier consultants and creatives, and you’ve got a membership that’s as bold and forward-thinking as the culture it uplifts. This is where vision meets action—welcome to BLACspace.

3

Then, check your email for the link to join!

Liberation and Cooperativism

BLAC                                  

Black Liberation and Cooperativism

BLACspace Cooperative is a hub for a thriving

Black arts and culture ecosystem in Oakland.

BLACspace is about building a sustainable, self-governed network of support for Black artists and organizations that moves beyond the traditional nonprofit model.

We connect and sustain a member network of Black-led spaces through mutual aid, community-centered business coaching, and amplifying stories. 

By holding space to heal and build shared power, we strengthen our roots.

"We, as a collective community, recognized that we were at a critical moment, and we could leverage the opportunity of the pandemic and the uprising toward a cultural reset."

– Zakiya Harris, BlacSpace Co-Founder, and Cultural Architect

BLAC           

 press 

“Reading at Bobby Hutton Park” photo by Howard L. Bingham. Courtesy of CARP / Community Archival Resource Project at EastSide Arts Alliance

 vision

BLAC          

BLACspace is about building a sustainable, self-governed network of support for Black artists and organizations that moves beyond the traditional nonprofit model.

Members of the Artist As First Responder collective reading BLATANT zine. Oakland CA 2025 by Sasha Kelley

BLAC          

vision

BLACspace is about building a sustainable, self-governed network of support for Black artists and organizations that moves beyond the traditional nonprofit model.