In a captivating discourse, Alexis Madrigal, author of 'The Pacific Circuit' and KQED's Forum host, joins Noni Session, executive director of East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative and a third-generation West Oaklander. They explore Oakland's historic role in the global economy, discussing community-led initiatives to combat displacement and revitalize local culture. Key topics include transforming vacant offices into homes, the impact of technology on labor, and the fight for justice against systemic challenges, creating a vibrant picture of resilience and activism.
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Tank Demolitions in West Oakland
The City of Oakland used a WWII-era tank to demolish homes for an automated post office.
This exemplifies the intersection of racist urban renewal and global economic forces.
insights INSIGHT
From Great Migration to Lost Generation
Noni Session's family, originally from Louisiana, found opportunity in West Oakland, but it was later diminished by displacement.
The 1990s marked a "lost generation" due to crack and social service cuts.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Margaret Gordon's Activism
Margaret Gordon, through a 10-year fight, successfully banned idling trucks on West Oakland's 7th Street corridor.
This significantly improved air quality and public health in the area.
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How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger
Marc Levinson
The Pacific Circuit
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Alexis Madrigal
The Color of Law
Richard Rothstein
The Man Who Could Move Clouds
The Man Who Could Move Clouds
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Ingrid Rojas-Contreras
Ingrid Rojas Contreras's \\"The Man Who Could Move Clouds\\" is a captivating memoir that delves into the author's Colombian heritage and explores the complexities of family, memory, and identity. The narrative seamlessly blends personal experiences with elements of magical realism, challenging conventional notions of truth and history. The book examines the impact of violence and displacement on individuals and communities, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through vivid storytelling and insightful reflections, Contreras crafts a powerful and moving account of her family's history and her own journey of self-discovery. The book's exploration of cultural identity and the power of storytelling resonates deeply with readers.
On March 25, I interviewed Alexis Madrigal and Noni Session in front of a sold out crowd at Spire in West Oakland. Madrigal is the author of an essential new book called “The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City.” He is also host of KQED’s Forum, a longtime journalist, and a dear friend. Noni Session is a third generation West Oaklander and the executive director of East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative, a community-funded organization that challenges displacement with cooperative economic strategies. Through her groundbreaking work with EB PREC, Session is rebuilding local institutions, such as Esther’s Orbit Room, and also removing housing from the speculative market to create permanently affordable, community-controlled homes.
Our discussion explored themes that connect Madrigal’s book and Session’s revitalization projects, the history of West Oakland’s role in the global economy, and much more.
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