Spotlight Sundays: Russell City Remembered

Spotlight Sundays: Russell City Remembered — Film Screening & Panel Discussion, Moderated by Alexis Madrigal

Join us as October’s Spotlight Sunday wades into the powerful story of Russell City. We will start with a screening of The Apology, a feature-length documentary that highlights Russell City’s deep history while outlining the 1963 forced relocation of the community’s residents and makes clear the harmful impacts of eminent domain. 

Russell City, home to 13 businesses, several churches, and 205 families, was lost to claim the 200 acres for an industrial park. Alameda County’s calculated and utter dismantling of this beloved village pushed upwards of 1,400 residents from their homes and from the land.

Following the film, Aisha Knowles—a descendant of Russell City families and the film’s producer—will be joined by fellow descendants Marian Johnson and Vena Sword-Ratliff for a panel discussion. The conversation will be moderated by journalist Alexis Madrigal, author of The Pacific Circuit: A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City, which maps racialized capitalism in Oakland and the powerful resistance movements that confront it.

In light of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ recent approval of ‘redress funds’ (distinct from reparations) to the former residents of Russell City, this is a critical moment to explore what it means to make amends for a past that remains present and to acknowledge the dangers of eminent domain for Black and Brown communities. 

This program is a part of our exhibition programming for Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain on view through March 1, 2026

Accessibility

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.