In the spring of ‘22, I was brought on by I/D . W Studios to capture the bold new logo design of Oakland Museum of California. One of the highlights with the re-opening since the pandemic is the new entrance on 12th Street, a significance that dates back to the 1960s where the entrance was previously blocked by a cement wall built during the height of the equal rights movement in Oakland. Organized demonstrations led by of the Black Panther Party took place at two prominent areas in the heart of Oakland: the Alameda Courthouse and Lake Merritt, just across the street from the new entrance.

In thinking of the significance of bringing the walls down, I thought of the people across the street. The new access granted and the direct effect of this new gathering space for the community… In a city where gentrification is erasing what used to be, the People of Lake Merritt will too reflect this.