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!

  • Partnership with Self-Help Hunger Program

    HEAR HERE Community Billboard is excited to partner with the Self Help Hunger Program, that nurtures the community through nourishment and cultural care. Over the next year, we’ll uplift the voices of unhoused neighbors through story sharing and listening sessions.

    This initiative is generously supported by the Berkeley Civic Arts Commission.

    Learn More

  • California Revealed Archive

    Commons Archive is honored to be part of California Revealed, the California State Library’s online archive.

    Hundreds of neighbor stories shared with Commons Archive since our start in 2015 will soon be part of this online archive. CA Revealed will digitize The Golden Gate Library Local Collection reference series!

    Learn More

  • Oral Historians in the East Bay

    Commons Archive is thrilled to join the stage with local oral historians on Wednesday, October 11 at the Oakland Public Library.

    This evening event is hosted by the Oakland History Center and moderated by the one and only Liam O’Donoghue of East Bay Yesterday!

    Watch The Video

  • Share your neighborhood story!

    Now you can share your Oakland memories with Commons Archive with our new online form! Sharing your experiences is a powerful way to preserve local culture.

    Stories don’t need to be monumental to be meaningful. As Oakland continues to grow and change, let’s document its people and places for the future.

    Learn More

  • Self Help Hunger Program Needs Your Support!

    One of the last remaining free food programs needs your help to continue their services of nourishing communities!

    Please donate to their GoFundMe campaign!

    Learn More

@commons_archive on Instagram

Connecting North Oakland neighbors through stories, shared resources and celebrations

How does a community reflect on and process change? Sharing stories is a human way to celebrate, grieve, and share hope. These experiences have inspired so many communities to speak up and share glimpses of their truth. We’re beyond honored
Rest. Reflect. Self-care. When was the last time you took a break? Rest is essential for us all. It’s important to take a moment—to step away from our everyday routine and restore. The HEAR HERE team is taking a social media pause.
Honesty and vulnerability give people the power and opportunity to heal. The HEAR HERE Community Billboard toured neighborhoods sharing stories about resilience, and love of the community on The Island - the Self Help Hunger Program @self_help_hunge
Peace. Healing. Love. Music. Food. Hope. @self_help_hunger_program members were honored to see their portraits and connect with one another through celebration. This is the beauty about the neighborhood. People want to have a place to belong. Peop
‘We Are Neighbors Together’ Tour – HEAR HERE’s final event to celebrate the Self Help Hunger Program community!! Join us on Tuesday, August 27 for a Neighbor Healing Circle, 3pm - 5pm at Jasper P. Driver Plaza (61st & Ad
Neighbors are story keepers with deep community knowledge. In North Oakland’s Golden Gate neighborhood, everyone knows Fred; true to his southern roots, he says hello to everyone who passes by. Fred and Ruthanne Williams, are longtime black b
It’s therapy. It’s a release. Getting our stories out helps heal our anger.” -Reactions from viewers at the market watching @self_help_hunger_program videos. Have you been to the Berkeley Flea Market? If you haven’t been