An evening in support of St. Mary’s Center: A Community of Hope, Healing & Justice
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:30-8:00pm
Oaklandia Cafe
555 12th St.
Downtown Oakland
Free Indoor Secure Parking, enter on 11th St.
Thank you!
We came together April 30 to unveil a new mural designed by Seniors, honor a lifetime of service by Sr. Marilyn Medau and hear from Seniors about the challenges that St. Mary’s helps them face every day.
You helped us raise $140,000 to support Seniors and Preschool Families!
Stay tuned for our next event early 2027.
For questions or to confirm your interest in sponsoring next year’s event, please contact development@stmaryscenter.org or (510) 923-9600 x222.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
2026 Highlights
Lifetime Service Award
Sr. Marilyn Medau, Honoree
Fireside Chat
Dr. Carolyn Johnson, Moderator
Dr. Carolyn Johnson is the Founding CEO of the Black Cultural Zone CDC and a Strategic Futurist specializing in the nexus of culture and place-keeping. A Columbia MBA and co-designer of the $100M RISE East blueprint, she has underwritten over $1 billion in real estate assets. In 2019, she led the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative in forming the CDC, and in 2025, she co-led the launch of the Centers of Excellence Network. Dr. Johnson designs innovative system architectures that combine institutional-grade finance with community-led sovereignty.
Fireside Chat
Council of Elders, Panelists
Entertainment
McClymonds High School Musicians
Six musicians from McClymonds High School join us during the opening reception, directed by teacher Steven Faivus.