ABOUT US
Celebrate. Uplift. Connect.
Mission
GospelFest Oakland harnesses the transformative power of gospel music to uplift communities, promote healing, and strengthen civic belonging. Rooted in Oakland’s rich cultural legacy, we center intergenerational joy, wellness, and resistance through an annual festival and year-round programming that celebrates spiritual expression, arts-based education, and collective care.
Vision
To establish GospelFest Oakland as a dynamic platform for cultural preservation, civic engagement, and community wellness — where gospel music serves as a living tradition that unites generations, amplifies underrepresented voices, and reclaims public space for joy, justice, and shared purpose.
Our Story
Founded by Leonard B. Lothlen Sr., an Oakland-based gospel music pioneer and founder of Straight Street Music Group, GospelFest Oakland emerged from a legacy of faith, fellowship, and musical excellence. Co-led by local leaders in education, hospitality, and the arts, the festival represents a commitment to Oakland’s youth, families, and cultural future.
