OAKLAND — Tech company Block Inc. has teamed up with Black Cultural Zone to open Uptown Market, a retail hub that’s poised to bring a lively mix of shops and food to downtown Oakland.
“Uptown Market is a way for us to support local businesses,” said Ahmed Ali Bob, Global Impact Lead at Block. “Block is an active member of the Oakland community. We have identified where we can make the most impact. Our support of the Black Cultural Zone is one way to have an impact.” “Uptown Station is a historic landmark that is well-recognized in Oakland and that has fond memories for Oakland residents,” Ali Bob said.Black Cultural Zone is curating a “Best of Oakland” shop where vendors will offer retail items as well as food and drinks in Uptown Market.
“This community space is a blank slate for a variety of uses and programs,” Ali Bob said. “It can be used for meetings, training sessions, a lot of activities for nonprofits.”