Weaving health and environmental justice, Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) held the second annual ‘Love Yo Mama’ Earth Day on April 24 in East Oakland.

Black and Brown solidarity reverberated throughout the event, as speakers' messages were also translated into Spanish. Nehanda Imara, a community organizer with Communities for a Better Environment, told OaklandLocal.com that “Love Yo Mama” has elements that other Earth Day events may not address.

“One theme is black and brown unity," said Imara.

"It’s a celebration of East Oakland’s cultural and historical assets. East Oakland has a long history of social justice. It’s also a family event with fun activities for kids. It’s a well-rounded event and it shows that East Oakland matters.”

This year's theme was “Green is Good for the Hood.” And the celebration brought together a diverse audience, while encouraging young people and their families to organize to address environmental issues and make healthier food choices.

The program began at Tassafaronga Recreational Center, shortly after 11 a.m., with a rally focusing on the environmental conditions of East Oakland - particularly the Hegenberger Corridor. Two years ago, CBE, along with Merritt College students, studied the corridor and found high levels of airborne toxins due to a high level of diesel truck factories and heavy-industry sites. About 125 people gathered in a large circle in front of the park’s playground.

“Today is a time for celebration and to give thanks to the Earth,” said CBE Northern California Program Director Niles Malloy.

“We need to build a healthier more resilent East Oakland.”

Reverend Daniel Buford, director of Allen Temple Baptist Church’s Prophetic Justice Ministry, took a spiritual approach to Earth Day celebration, and how our lives are intertwined with the planet’s health.

“The Earth has given us all life. It was here before us and we will return to it when our life ends,” said Buford.

“Our ancestors are in this earth. We all have a stake in its protection and its pollution. We must protect the earth like it is a family member."

City Councilwoman Jean Quan also addressed the crowd, along with Chris Miley, aide for at-large councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan, who read Kaplan’s proclamation.

At high noon, a parade through the streets of Deep East Oakland began. Led by African drummers on the back of a flatbed truck and elementary students from Acorn Woodland on foot, followed students from Castlemont High School and Youth Uprising, the people marched through the streets chanting, “Green is Good for the Hood.”

As part of the Black and Brown solidarity, people also chanted, "Salud primero/No importante el dinero," which means, "Health first, Money is not important."

A few people from the neighborhood joined in the parade, including one woman who heard the drums and came outside with her own tambourine.

The Scraper Bikes held up the rear of the parade, with Michael Jackson’s, “Earth Song” blasting out of the speaker box of Tyrone “Baby Champ” Stevenson’s three-wheeler.

The parade ended at Acorn Woodland elementary, where youth performances took place, and a health fair with a variety of vendors and organizations shared information about different environmental programs.

Vendor Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro appreciated the event, because it gave her a great opportunity to connect with the people she wants to attract to the outdoors.

“Outdoor Afro is all about connecting African Americans to the outdoors,” said Mapp.

She encourages parents to go to real parks instead of theme parks when taking youth out.

“I’m a Black girl from Oakland. If I can do it, you can do it. It’s possible and affordable.”

Other vendors included Kijiji Grows, Aquaponics; Transform, Communities for a Better Environment, Rising Sun Energy Center, Assembly Member Sandre Swanson’s Office and East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC).

The performances at the amphitheater began with Xiuhcoati (Fire Serpent), a group of Aztec dancers paying homage to the ancestors and this land’s original inhabitants. Other performances included a drill team from EmCompasse Academy, Praise Dancers from Master Seals Baptist Church, the Scraper Bike King and Guaribo, a Puerto Rican Bomba dance group. All of the performances encouraged crowd participation, through singing, clapping and dance.

“Earth Day came about when people realized they needed to pay attention to how we treat the Earth,” said David Wafford, an East Oakland resident and volunteer with CBE who emceed the afternoon events.

“If we don’t treat the Earth good, it won’t treat us good.”