PRESS RELEASE
April 17, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
(510) 747-4714
Hands Across Alameda came together for the first time on a stormy day in February, when several hundred Alamedans joined hands to create a human chain, celebrating our island’s diversity and symbolizing inclusiveness and unity. This Earth Day, people from across the island will come together again for this historic and meaningful event, covering more ground with more people.
WHAT: Hands Across Alameda is a human chain, stretching along the Alameda shoreline from Crab Cove to Park Street. It will take around 1,000 Alamedans to create 1 mile of human chain; join us!
WHEN: Saturday, April 22. People should begin gathering at 9:30am for a photo scheduled at 10:00am.
WHERE: People will join hands along Alameda beach, from Crab Cove to Park Street, with meeting points on the beach at Crab Cove, Grand Street, Willow Street, and Park Street.
WHY: Alameda is a diverse community with over 80 languages spoken. Hands Across Alameda is being organized to celebrate our island’s diversity and symbolize that Everyone Belongs Here.
“Alamedans are your friends, family, and neighbors. They are renters and landlords. They are teachers, students, tech workers, stay at home parents. They serve ice cream and bake cakes. Alamedans are musicians and artists,” remarked Jill Keimach, Alameda’s city manager. “This event celebrates all of our 80,000 residents from Bay Farm to Main Street, highlighting what is truly special about our island.”
“This is not a political event, it is a community event, an opportunity to stand together as one island, united,” stated John-Michael Kyono, community organizer.
Following Hands Across Alameda, the Alameda Recreation & Parks Department and partners are hosting Love Our Green Island, a free, family friendly Earth Day Festival at Washington Park with exhibits, activities, a petting zoo, jumpers, and more. Everyone is welcome. More information is available at www.alamedaca.gov/earth-day-2017.
