Oakland first fridays grapples with fear, hope after recent violence
The familiar rhythms of Oakland’s First Fridays were punctuated by a palpable tension this past weekend. Just weeks after a shooting near the festivities left two dead, vendors and attendees alike wrestled with a lingering sense of unease, even as organizers sought to reaffirm the event’s commitment to community and healing.
A shadow looms over telegraph avenue
The incident, occurring six hours after the March edition of First Fridays at a bar several blocks away, has cast a long shadow. While police assure the public that the shooting was not directly related to the event itself, the reverberations are undeniable. “I feel like it definitely does impact the amount of people who want to come,” admitted Kai Smalls, a vendor. “I've had people express reservations, saying they've heard about the shooting.” But, she quickly added, “It’s one bad incident, and you can't let it define the entire season.”
Mayor Barbara Lee responded by bolstering police presence in the Broadway and Telegraph Avenue corridors, increasing traffic and parking enforcement in an effort to deter crime. However, the precautions haven’t fully quelled the anxieties. Venessa McGhee, First Fridays director, acknowledged the emotional toll. “We know we’ve gone home,” she stated, her voice tinged with sadness. “Our event is safe and we have a good time. It still doesn't feel like a win when at the end of the night if somebody doesn't make it home.”
Adding a layer of spiritual solace to the evening, a “Praise on the Pavement” gathering offered attendees a space to pray for positive change in Oakland. Star, a local resident, articulated a sentiment echoed by many: “I think we have a good reputation. Some things do happen, but a lot of people like Oakland, the Bay Area…we’re not that bad. Everything happens around the world.”
The numbers offer a contrasting perspective. According to Oakland Police Department data, violent crime is down 27% this year compared to last, with a 31% decrease in murders. This statistic, however, struggles to penetrate the prevailing narrative of fear. Smalls urged community members to experience First Fridays firsthand, arguing that it's a