Women’s History Month Spotlight | Carolyn Johnson
During Women’s History Month, Eat. Learn. Play. celebrates influential women leaders who are doing great work supporting our mission of providing access to the three essential pillars of a healthy childhood — nutrition, education, and physical activity.
Meet Carolyn Johnson, CEO of the Black Cultural Zone. As a Bay Area native, Carolyn has worked tirelessly to address the impact of disinvestment within the community, and with an emphasis on community development, the Black Cultural Zone works to cultivate spaces for Black culture within East Oakland. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Eat. Learn. Play. has worked alongside the Black Cultural Zone to build community and advocate for Oakland families to support the continuation of thriving Black arts and culture within Oakland.
We are so grateful to be working with amazing community leaders in the Oakland community to support and uplift Oakland natives. Continue reading about Carolyn Johnson below. Thank you for tuning into this month’s celebration of inspiring women leaders.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Carolyn: This month serves as inspiration and a reminder of the unique and important role of Women in the movements for equity, justice, empowerment and liberation. Women are anchors for their family, community and each other. This month is a reminder to appreciate all of the wonderful women who have supported me directly—my mom, grandmothers, aunts, sister, friends and colleagues. It reminds me that the unique support of fellow women, with common experiences, challenges, hopes and opportunities, has helped me to keep my head up, be brave, and to trust we have an absolute right to equity and equality in this world we have co-created with our brothers. This month is a reminder of the women whom I did not know but whose perseverance, strength and bravery made it possible for me to be here today including my maternal ancestors who were kidnapped and enslaved; those who resisted and contributed to our freedom; those who remained in the motherland and weaved the community back together in order to survive. This month is a reminder that we as women are beautiful, powerful, talented, loving, lovable, joyful and amazing!
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Carolyn: Hug your family and tell everyone you love that you love them every chance you get. Trust that all things will work out! Be brave... the butterflies in your tummy are good and you are on the right track. Make sure to eat well, work out every day, and enjoy the outdoors. Everyone is in your life for a purpose, and they may be there for a moment or for a lifetime—treasure the time you have with them and don't sweat the details. Dance and play a lot, so, when you have to weep, you will have an enormous reservoir of joy to draw from.
What do you admire most about Black Cultural Zone’s work with Eat. Learn. Play.?
Carolyn: I admire how Eat. Learn. Play. and the Black Cultural Zone worked collectively to provide rapid response to community needs for hot meals during the pandemic. We responded rapidly with quality meals sourced from local entrepreneurs that was thoughtfully done in a manner that supported the dignity of our community members—many of whom had not been in a position to need this type of support. We really enjoyed the 12 Days of Christmas with the Currys Holiday Event where we brought an amazing Tree Lighting ceremony and gifts. I appreciate the dignity with which Eat. Learn. Play. provides support—thoughtfully, quality, and with obvious love. This is what our communities deserve!
Is there anything else you’d like to share in your spotlight?
Carolyn: The Black Cultural Zone CDC is a Proud Partner of the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative. We are powered by this Collaborative of over 35 Black Led/Black On Purpose Organizations. Our organization is energized by over 30 staff members and nearly 20 consultants. I do not walk alone—we are a Squad!
Connect with Carolyn
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Read more about Carolyn and her work at the Black Cultural Zone by clicking the link below.