Malonga Arts Residents Association

The Malonga Arts Residents Association (MARA) is represented by the residents/tenants who live on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors that have studio apartments, some with and some without bathrooms.

Malonga Arts Residents Association Leadership

Melanie Wofford

President

Melanie Wofford is a Co-Director of the Malonga Arts Residents Association and Strategic Consultant for the Black Wall Street USA.

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David De La Gran

Treasurer

Davíd de la Gran is a musician, composer, writer, radio personality, public speaker and Malonga Arts Association Treasurer.

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Jaimes Mario Bowen

Secretary

Jaimes is a dancer, cheer industry professional, activist and Malonga Arts Residents Associtation Secretary.  

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Here's just a small sampling of our projects.

Malonga Leadership Series: Wellness and Advocacy

The Malonga Leadership Series is all about empowering our residential community to combat the impact of gentrification through leadership development. We are currently partnering with CCED to host these workshops for residents and allies of our community. So far, our topics have been focused on healing trauma, community organizing, and developing a strategic plan of action for our community.

Third Parent COVID 19 Community Response

Our association partnered with the organization Third Parent to provide a free shipment of Trader Joe’s to our residential community. We are grateful for our partners and supporters!

Malonga Resident Artists Showcase

A brief display of the various residential artists who live in the Malonga Center for the Arts building City of Oakland, CA which also houses a number of performing arts organizations. This video was intended for grant receiving purposes.

Reparations Now - Black Souls Matter

A poem collectively performed by the Malonga resident and artist community. Written and directed by Judith Sims.

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Terrific Tuesday Farmer’s Market

Our organization continued to partner with Third Parent Family and Youth Services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to promote food security in our community. We hosted weekly community farmer’s markets where local residents could pick up free produce and other food items.

Continuing a Legacy of Advocacy: Malonga Leadership Series Workshop

Our residents came together through this workshop to build vital leadership skills and capacity in order to advocate on behalf of our residential community and the greater Black Arts Movement Business District (BAMBD) of artists and business owners.

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