Group photo of all attendees at the 2025 Gathering.
Photo by Alex Coba, Communications Associate, Build It Green.
The event served as a powerful reminder of South Berkeley’s rich legacy—a neighborhood shaped by visionary leaders and relentless organizers who stood at the forefront of social change. This historically Black community has been home to national figures such as Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, and Frances Albrier, a pioneering civil rights activist. Byron Rumford, author of the landmark Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963, helped dismantle discriminatory housing practices in California.
Judge Charles E. Wilson and Maudelle Miller Shirek fought for equity in employment and public service, while leaders like Henry Ramsey, Jr., Tarea Hall Pittman, and Allen E. Broussard helped break racial barriers in education, law enforcement, and labor. Other influential figures include Mable “Mama” Howard, a political and union activist known for her humanitarian work, and C.L. Dellums, a Pullman porter who rose to national prominence in labor rights. D.G. Gibson, a World War I veteran, and Thomas Lucius Berkley, the grandson of enslaved people, each left a lasting imprint on civic life and social justice efforts in the region.
These individuals, along with countless unsung community members, cultivated a thriving South Berkeley anchored by Black-owned businesses, vibrant cultural events, and a strong sense of village interconnectedness. However, decades of racist housing policies, predatory lending, systemic disinvestment, and even targeted environmental harms have displaced many families and stripped resources from those who remain.
Healthy Black Families Inc. continues to advance the Right to Stay, Right to Return campaign in historic South and West Berkeley. This initiative works to reconnect displaced families with affordable housing opportunities in the city and to preserve South Berkeley’s cultural legacy. But the question remains: What kind of community are they returning to?
Participants described the gathering as a moment to celebrate progress, share lessons, and re-ground in a collective vision for neighborhoods that are more equitable, resilient, and alive with possibility — a reminder to keep showing up, listening, and building together long after the event ends.
Participants join a walking tour through South Berkeley, hosted in partnership with the Bay Area Community Land Trust, exploring sites of community-led housing and land stewardship.
Partnership is essential for sustainable, community-driven change. As the proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” True wisdom lies in the lived experiences of those rooted in the community. In that spirit, Build It Green has formed a strong alliance with Healthy Black Families Inc., working collaboratively to create equitable spaces informed by those who have long sustained them.
This work is further strengthened through partnerships with local organizations such as the African American Holistic Resource Center, West Berkeley Family Wellness, the Center for Independent Living, The Black Reparatory Theatre, Friends of Adeline, and the faith-based community —each playing a vital role in advancing equity and community resilience.
Early takeaways from the gathering point to a renewed sense of momentum and connection. Participants shared that they felt energized by the chance to exchange ideas, deepen relationships, and explore new pathways for collective action. An early theme was the genuine sense of safety and shared purpose—a space where participants could authentically envision a future for the next seven generations, unified by a common commitment to peace, prosperity, strategic unity, and a positive mindset committed to the hard work ahead.
Partnership is essential for sustainable, community-driven change. As the proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” True wisdom lies in the lived experiences of those rooted in the community. In that spirit, Build It Green has formed a strong alliance with Healthy Black Families Inc., working collaboratively to create equitable spaces informed by those who have long sustained them.
Reflections
This work is further strengthened through partnerships with local organizations such as the African American Holistic Resource Center, West Berkeley Family Wellness, the Center for Independent Living, The Black Reparatory Theatre, Friends of Adeline, and the faith-based community —each playing a vital role in advancing equity and community resilience.
This work is further strengthened through partnerships with local organizations such as the African American Holistic Resource Center, West Berkeley Family Wellness, the Center for Independent Living, The Black Reparatory Theatre, Friends of Adeline, and the faith-based community —each playing a vital role in advancing equity and community resilience.
The gathering honored ancestral knowledge and traditions, recognizing Indigenous communities as the original stewards of the land. Restoring practices disrupted by colonization was emphasized as essential to healing and regeneration. By centering community leadership and lived experiences, the event underscored the importance of cultural interconnectedness in building a truly regenerative future—weaving together economic, environmental, social, and spiritual well-being.
This work is further strengthened through partnerships with local organizations such as the African American Holistic Resource Center, West Berkeley Family Wellness, the Center for Independent Living, The Black Reparatory Theatre, Friends of Adeline, and the faith-based community —each playing a vital role in advancing equity and community resilience.
This work is further strengthened through partnerships with local organizations such as the African American Holistic Resource Center, West Berkeley Family Wellness, the Center for Independent Living, The Black Reparatory Theatre, Friends of Adeline, and the faith-based community —each playing a vital role in advancing equity and community resilience.
Relationship-centered, long-term approaches are essential to building equitable and environmentally vital communities, particularly in historically marginalized areas like South Berkeley. While policies have been introduced to advance equity, many continue to undermine those efforts, perpetuating cycles of displacement and erasure. Colonization has long disrupted the cultural integrity of Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Black communities, and transactional partnerships often fail to acknowledge, address, or repair this harm.
Partnership is essential for sustainable, community-driven change. As the proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” True wisdom lies in the lived experiences of those rooted in the community. In that spirit, Build It Green has formed a strong alliance with Healthy Black Families Inc., working collaboratively to create equitable spaces informed by those who have long sustained them.
This gathering was not an endpoint but part of an epic journey. It marked another step in our collective work to build regenerative neighborhoods and strengthen networks, reminding us that true transformation is an ongoing process rooted in respect, continued connection, and shared learning.
Reflections
This gathering was not an endpoint but part of an epic journey. It marked another step in our collective work to build regenerative neighborhoods and strengthen networks, reminding us that true transformation is an ongoing process rooted in respect, continued connection, and shared learning.
Stay connected as we continue to uplift community voices, share powerful stories, and highlight the ongoing work toward regenerative, equitable neighborhoods. Your engagement helps move this vision forward. To keep up with future updates, reflections, and stories, sign up for Build It Green’s newsletter here, explore our blog section here, and check out Healthy Black Families’ newsletter here and Podcast. We look forward to continuing this journey together.
We remain deeply committed to this regenerative work in South Berkeley and with partners across California. Together, we’re continuing to center community leadership, strengthen local networks, and reimagine neighborhoods as places of belonging, resilience, and possibility. We’re deeply grateful to all the partners and community members who make this work possible. Your commitment and generosity of spirit inspire and drive this collective journey forward. Together, we are not only preserving a powerful legacy but also co-creating a future rooted in equity, resilience, and community care. Thank you for showing up, sharing your voice, and helping move this vision forward.
Alex Coba
Communication Associate
As a proud California native from Stockton, Alex brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set. He has a solid communication background with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from California State University, Chico. Alex is adept at strategic communications and media relations, with experience gathering and sharing stories from his local communities that uplift the unique spirit and values of those places. He is excited to join Build It Green, where he can apply his talents to further BIG’s mission to help communities across California thrive