Berkeley was the first city in the Bay Area to recognize that its citizens live on Ohlone land by revising street signs to read “Welcome to Berkeley, Ohlone Territory.” This effort was spearheaded by City Councilmembers Cheryl Davila and Sophie Hahn.
After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, people around the country painted city streets with “Black Lives Matter.” The Berkeley City Council passed a resolution to paint two downtown streets with “Black Lives Matter” and “Ohlone Territory.” Some enthusiastic Berkeley High students painted Black Lives Matter in front of their school before the City was even able to block off the street.
Two years and a pandemic later, Ohlone activists and their allies were able to complete the street paintings. On May 22, 2022, they touched up Black Lives Matter and added the Ohlone Territory mural on the other side of City Hall, designed by artist David Solnit.
We bring you these highlights from a beautiful spring day.