Oakland Digital (www.odalc.org), a 501(c)(3) non-profit that educates and inspires low-income communities through technology, brought the Hammer down on Oakland, wrapping a successful year with educational classes and capping it off with its second annual Inspiration Awards, honoring MC Hammer, singer/artist Goapele and technology leader Alex Bernstein of North Social.

Through Inspiration Awards 2011, Oakland Digital recognizes and honors prominent local Bay Area pioneers who have made substantial contributions to the community at large through their innovation and dedication in their chosen fields of: 1) business, 2) artistic creativity, and 3) technology.

Lines of Communication commenced in August 2010 and was completed in September 2011. Creating the mural was both a beautiful and challenging process. “The mural began during my pregnancy,” says Espinoza. “There was a time walking to Oakland Digital when I said to myself, I’m so exhausted – I can’t do this. But each time I started working on the mural, it gave me inspiration to keep going.”

On Thursday, August 18th 2011, Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC) hosted the first meeting between the Burmese Community and Daphne Kwok, Chair of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders. This historic gathering in downtown Oakland was part of the White House Initiative for positive change in the AAPI community.

“Inspire Oakland” billboard in East Oakland NOW (located directly in front of Bay Area Warehouse Co. at 8707 San Leandro St # A, Oakland, CA)… Congrats to Inspire Oakland 2011′s grand prize winner, Nik Eakle!!!

Oakland Digital (ODALC)’s Inspire Oakland 2011 Campaign! Here are the Top 4 winning designs created by our students…!

“Oakland has made serious efforts to change its image for the better. In particular, its art community has become much more visible, as evidenced by the murals now gracing downtown buildings. I see these events as signs that Oakland is trying to plant the seeds of a new beginning for itself. Oakland can be a beacon that people can look to,” Jason Suryoutumo, Inspire Oakland 2011, Top 4 Winner.

“Inspire Oakland” encourages interest in graphic design and information technologies through creative expression. The ultimate goal of this project is to promote a positive image of Oakland that unites and inspires its diverse population, while encouraging young talent to jumpstart their digital media careers. The four designs will be featured on billboards throughout the greater Oakland metro area!

The “Inspire Oakland” campaign was launched to generate interest in graphic design and information technology through creative expression, while also encouraging artists to help project a positive image of Oakland through their designs. Nearly 400 design submissions were submitted this year, thanks to Laney College and McClymonds High School, which both implemented “Inspire Oakland” into their respective art programs.

Oakland Digital (ODALC) invites your design entry to our 2nd annual “Inspire Oakland” billboard contest. This year’s theme is “What about Oakland Inpires YOU?” “Inspire Oakland” encourages interest in graphic design and information technologies through creative expression.