2022 reflections from Karen & Tiffany
Friends of Lincoln Square Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, Karen Dea (L) and Tiffany Eng (R)
As the year winds down, we find ourselves thinking about everything that has happened over the past twelve months. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago we found ourselves at the beginning of another wave of high COVID numbers. Some days were faced with uncertainty, as we were left wondering if we would ever see the other side of the pandemic….a pandemic that brought the energy, hustle, and bustle of Oakland Chinatown, and Lincoln Square, to a screeching halt just a few years ago. While the pandemic may have changed many things, it has not change the need for a new center at Lincoln Square. After decades of broken promises and disinvestment, Chinatown finds itself at a crossroads. There is a sense of urgency as a new center is needed now more than ever.
“A thriving center will allow Chinatown to rebound from the devastating effects of the pandemic and the recent increase in AAPI hate crimes. It is the spirit of resiliency that will enable us to build the center of our dreams. ”
2022 has been full of exciting progress that has brought us together as a community, and closer to building a 21st century community recreation and resiliency center. Some highlights include:
In January we found ourselves ready for the year ahead after our December Prop 68 grant announcement;
In May, we partnered with Cut Fruit Collective, Pixar Studios, and many other community organizations for our AAPI Community Festival;
Lincoln Summer Nights returned in June for a full 5 months of community outreach and celebrations;
Our own Willie Davis was nationally recognized by People Matter, as a Black Hero of Chinatown;
In September the project design team wrapped up their design phase and presented to the the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, who voted unanimously to support the project;
In November we announced big steps for our capital campaign project. Wa Sung Community Service Club became our fiscal agent, and we hired three consultants to help our committee;
Measure U passed with support from over 72% of voters, and authorized the City to issue bonds to fund capital improvement projects, like Lincoln Square
None of this work would have been possible without the City of Oakland, our supporters and our wonderful committee members. 2022 has certainly been a year to remember and we are looking forward to 2023. Thank you for being part of our journey. We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year! See you in 2023!