2020 Year in Review: Adapting and Supporting During Crisis
Adapting and Supporting During Crisis
2020 was a year unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, but Alameda Peeps adapted quickly to continue supporting our community in new and innovative ways.
What’s Open Alameda Directory
In May 2020, as businesses struggled to adapt to new health guidelines and restrictions, Alameda Peeps created the “What’s Open Alameda” directory. This community-driven resource helped residents find local businesses that were open for delivery, takeout, or modified services.
The directory became so popular and useful that it inspired the City of Alameda to create their own official business directory page. This was a great example of community innovation leading to official city resources.
Porch Concerts
In April 2020, as social distancing measures were in full effect, Alameda Peeps members organized “porch concerts” where local musicians would perform from their porches or driveways, and neighbors could enjoy the music from a safe distance. These events brought joy and connection during a time when people were feeling isolated.
The porch concerts became a beloved tradition, bringing the community together while respecting public health guidelines. They showed that even in difficult times, we could find creative ways to connect and support each other.
Jackson Park Renaming: A Major Step Forward
After years of community organizing and discussion that began in 2018, 2020 saw significant progress in the effort to rename Jackson Park. In July 2020, the Alameda Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to rename the park and remove the sign. Later that month, the Alameda City Council voted unanimously to rename Jackson Park, located at Park Avenue and Encinal Avenue.
The Park Renaming Committee launched a “Give Us a Sign” project, inviting community members to submit name suggestions that reflected values of inclusion, diversity, equity, social justice, human rights, and anti-racism. The community engagement process generated extensive discussion in the Alameda Peeps community, with members sharing historical context, proposing new names, and participating in community forums.
The physical sign bearing the name “Jackson Park” was removed in July 2020, marking a visible step in the renaming process. This effort, which had been a major topic of discussion in Alameda Peeps for years, reflected the community’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and creating public spaces that better represent our values.
”Dancing While Black” Incident
In 2020, an incident occurred in Alameda that drew national attention and highlighted ongoing concerns about racial profiling and police practices. According to ABC7 News reporting, a Black man was handcuffed by Alameda police for dancing in the street, an incident that became known as the “dancing while black” case.
This incident occurred during a year when national conversations about racial justice and police accountability were at the forefront of public discourse. The incident generated significant discussion in the Alameda Peeps community, with members sharing information, expressing concern, and engaging in important conversations about racial profiling, police practices, and the need for accountability and reform.
The Alameda Peeps community served as a platform for community members to discuss these difficult issues, share perspectives, and work toward understanding and change. These conversations reflected our community’s commitment to addressing issues of racial justice and ensuring that all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.
Trademark Filing
In 2020, Alameda Peeps filed for trademark protection, recognizing the value and importance of our community brand. This was a significant step in formalizing our identity and protecting the work we had built over the past decade.
Looking Forward
2020 was a challenging year, but it also showed the resilience and creativity of the Alameda Peeps community. As we looked ahead to 2021, we were hopeful that better days were coming, and we were ready to continue supporting our community in whatever ways were needed.