Ten years ago, the city of Oakland adopted the slogan “Love Life.” The simple idea was expanded as a declaration by Oakland musician and educator Kev Choice some years later, words that are now often read at city events. It reads in part, “When we demonstrate love we also manifest qualities of respect, kindness, grace, truth, understanding, humbleness, and forgiveness towards each other.”
The words gesture at the many ways lifelong Oakland residents — as well as the folks who have moved to Oakland and made it their home — find people to build community with, and sometimes, to fall for.
The potential for love is all around the Town, and we heard from more than two dozen couples for whom Oakland is the main character in their love story. Whether fighting for housing rights, enjoying a summer day at Lake Merritt, reconnecting at a workout class years after graduating high school, or while grabbing drinks with friends, these couples found each other doing what they love in the Town…