By Erica Esparza

Hummingbird of Fruitvale is a project about , The Unity Council, in Oakland California located in the neighborhood of Fruitvale that began in the 1960’s during the height of the civil rights movement. The organization began as a resource to Latinos in the surrounding area to be better represented and to provide more Latino visibility within the economic and political power structure. The project highlights one of the founding members, Arabella Martinez who is the referenced “Hummingbird,” as a contributor to the innovative plans for restoration, preservation, and Chicanismo of Fruitvale. The organization, led by Martinez, were able to provide social services and bring economic revitalization to the neighborhood without gentrification to Fruitvale. Together the organization was successful in bringing in economic and social benefits to the neighborhood while spotlighting the Chicano culture in the area.