Why is it powerful to know our neighbors?

Commons Archive is a creative grassroots history project that builds neighbor relationships. Started in North Oakland, our work stands on the shoulders of the long history of local community-based programs.

Since 2016, Commons Archive has been empowering neighbors as narrators and creators of their many local histories. We connect longtime and new neighbors through stories, shared resources and celebrations to build community resilience.

We all carry stories of our neighborhoods, the stories that make a place home. Commons Archive honors the many histories of this rapidly changing North Oakland and South Berkeley neighborhoods.

This starts by listening to and learning from each other - people caring about people, block by block.

Commons Archive is led by marksearch with incredible community partners: The Black Panther Party Alumni Legacy Network, Neighbors for Racial Justice, Design for Belonging and All Power to The People (AP2TP) art collective.

HEAR/HERE Summer Tour

HEAR/HERE Summer Tour

The HEAR HERE Community Billboard was on the road all summer! 

‘We Are Neighbors Together’—powerful video stories that celebrate the power, resilience, and love of the community on The Island — the Self Help Hunger Program.

Break bread with us as we close the tour and honor community storytellers.

Listening & Learning Block by Block!

HEAR/HERE

Community Billboard

We are here to hear from you! HEAR/HERE is a mobile community billboard truck - a vehicle for empowerment and understanding, designed to gather stories, share memories, and encourage neighborhood interaction. With a large digital display screen, a sound system, and an eye-catching analog display board, the HEAR/HERE Community Billboard tours the streets of Oakland and joins community events. Check our calendar to see where we’ll be headed next!

WHAT’S NEW!

@commons_archive on Instagram

Connecting North Oakland neighbors through stories, shared resources and celebrations