La Clinica de la Raza

What is their story?

On January 2, 1971 La Clínica de la Raza opened its doors at 1415 Fruitvale Avenue, as one of the first free community health clinics in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood.

The focus on the opening day of La Clinica de la Raza was on creating the means for expanded access to health care services for everyone. The Spanish term “La Raza” exemplified this - this was the Clinic of the People.

In many ways the quiet opening of a humble storefront office was the triumphant Grito (a celebratory shout) of Oakland’s Frutivale community that served as a declaration of Barrio Liberation while highlighting the ongoing commitment to securing “Health as a Right” for everyone. This was a powerful statement because it was made in a vacuum of health services in this community. Claiming this “right” had not been done in this way before, especially by a group of disenfranchised students and community members. These activists were ready to do all the things needed to reverse the dire health reality in the Fruitvale. Their collective response was “Si se Puede” (Yes it Can be Done).