APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
___________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER ROWENA BROWN
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF
SOULOVELY AND RECOGNIZING THEIR POSITIVE IMPACT
THROUGH CULTURAL LEADERSHIP, DEDICATED SERVICE, AND
COMMUNITY BUILDING FOR BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF
COLOR AND LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE CITY OF
OAKLAND
WHEREAS, the City of Oakland proudly honors grassroots cultural organizations whose vision, creativity, and dedication strengthen our city and create spaces for community, healing, and belonging; and
WHEREAS, Soulovely, celebrating its 15th anniversary, was founded in 2011 by Aïma the Dreamer, Lady Ryan, and Emancipation as a space centered on music, dance, culture, and connection for queer and trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; and WHEREAS, what began as a small community gathering has grown into a groundbreaking, multigenerational Oakland cultural event and a beloved gathering place for LGBTQ+ communities of color; and
WHEREAS, Soulovely has showcased more than 400 DJs and live performers across genres, helping elevate artists and strengthen Oakland’s vibrant cultural landscape; and WHEREAS, Soulovely has supported Oakland’s creative economy through living-wage opportunities for artists, performers, vendors, videographers, photographers, designers, producers, and other cultural workers, while raising tens of thousands of dollars for grassroots organizations; and
WHEREAS, Soulovely has steadfastly maintained a commitment to music and programming that does not degrade women or perpetuate homophobia or transphobia, fostering a space grounded in safety, dignity, and respect; and
WHEREAS, for fifteen years, Soulovely has expanded access for working-class, youth, and low-income community members and built a lasting Oakland legacy sustained by generations of artists, cultural workers, organizers, volunteers, and community members; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland celebrates the 15th anniversary of Soulovely and 2 honors its founders, team, and community for fifteen years of cultural leadership, artistry, and steadfast commitment to cultivating Black and Brown LGBTQ+ joy, resistance, and liberation in Oakland.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, GALLO, HOUSTON, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, WANG, AND
PRESIDENT JENKINS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
3485329 / LL