Today I had an amazing perennial Oakland Moment. At least what I know, remember and love about it, living here for 11 years. On the way to work today, I stopped at the gas station on lakeshore. Every pump but one was occupied with weary folks off all cultural backgrounds on their way to work, whose coffee hadnt kicked in yet. A young cat pulls in to the last pump bumping 2Pac All Eyes On Me loud as possible. INSTANTLY every one at every pump starts vibing and dancing, gathering towards the middle of the pump area, hands in the air, in a collective OH THATS MY SHIT! moment. I mean there was an old white lady who could have been my fourth grade teacher in beavercreek, Mexican day laborers, a few other randoms...even the asian dude who worked there came out of the store join in the moment. Everyone vibed out in a circle for a minute, which then led to a albeit brief, but very real and positive discussion on race relations amongst the youth. The Old (50+) white lady then had us all blow on her lottery tickets for good luck, claiming she would do good things with the money, and saying all eyes on us, right? which admittedly got some sarcastic comedic sneers from some...Then the young cat said, Have a good day yall! I got Ps too if anyones lookin! No? Alright then, peace yall! and drove away. It was so surreal, and all took about 5 minutes from start to finish. It was a true positive humanistic moment....people SPONTANEOUSLY bonding over dope creativity. No ironic hipstery disconnection, no one acting too cool, or being lost in their phones...just instant fearless connection and freedom. People in Oakland/SF are NOT afraid..and NOT gonna fit into any box you expect them too. Your art has power folks. Just thought Id share a rare re-affirming moment of humanity. As you were.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:45:02 +0000
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