Mary Forte, BEAT Partner

This month, we would like to highlight Mary Forte, who participates in neighborhood groups such as Block By Block Organizing Network (BBBON) to improve neighborhood conditions.   

Born and raised in East Oakland, Mary Forte knows how vibrant, clean and well taken care of East Oakland was in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. There were many thriving businesses along East 14th Street (now called International Blvd) from 73rd Avenue to 98th Avenue. There were two Safeway grocery stores, a bowling alley, a skating rink, two major banks, a movie theater, realtors, dentist, doctor offices, a 5 and dime store, ice cream shop, several major gas stations and small neighborhood grocery stores. The streets were always clean and safe. People took pride in their homes, neighborhood, and maintained their homes and yards. A return to this kind of environment is the reason that Mary works hard in District 7.

 

Mary has been active in two NCPCs for more than 15 years, holding various positions including treasurer, secretary, and co-chair. Mary is also a Neighborhood Block Captain and her neighbors refer to her as "the Mayor" because she is always taking care of the neighborhood, looking out for neighbors, keeping neighbors informed, and organizing events and activities on National Night Out and Earth Day. Mary has a strong passion for keeping Oakland beautiful with litter-free, clean streets and trees and plants planted along the walkways. Mary has also adopted a spot in her neighborhood and has been picking up litter in her neighborhood for more than 20 years. Most recently, Mary was asked by Councilmember Reid to liaison with the Mayor's Office on the first of a series of cleanups in District 7.

 

Mary has been a member of BBBON since 2011, a partner of HOPE's Built Environment Action Team (BEAT) for the past two years. BBBON builds stronger and more sustainable communities for the benefit of all Oakland residents, aligning with HOPE's mission and vision. BBBON D7's G Street Transformation project is of special interest to Mary as she remembers when the Poultry and Fish store on 86th Avenue and G Street was the number one place to buy fresh chicken and fish in East Oakland and the store was owned by an African American family that lived in the Elmhurst community. The store on 85th Avenue and G Street was also owned by an African American family that lived on the corner of 85th & G Street. These memories inspire Mary to work with the BBBON D7 team and continue the partnership with BEAT to improve Oakland's flatlands.

 

This Saturday, July 18, healthy changes are coming to Sunbeam Market, located at 1400 Adeline Street in Oakland. HOPE invites you to come celebrate and support the changes happening at the store, as part of the Healthy Corner Store Project.

Come meet the store owner and people in the community, participate in the cook off and taste testing, and give us your feedback on the store changes. There will also be family friendly activities including bike smoothie making, games, raffles, photobooth, music, and a bouncehouse.

WHAT: Healthy Changes at Sunbeam Market
WHEN: Saturday, July 18 from 12-4pm
WHERE: 1400 Adeline St., Oakland CA 94607
HOW: RSVP to Ang Hadwin at angela@hopecollaborative.net or (510) 444-4221  

Are you an Oakland resident? Do you want easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables? Do you want a healthy neighborhood where it is safe to walk and play in? HOPE Collaborative is seeking Action Team members to join our Youth Action Board, Healthy and Safe Elmhurst Neighborhood Team, or Healthy Corner Store Team. We provide leadership opportunities for residents to lead our work and create change directly in East and West Oakland. Action Team members receive a stipend for the time spent working on project.