We create opportunities for a new civic narrative that recognizes the importance of engaging, supporting, and maintaining the rich cultural diversity of our communities residents.Our projects and vision take the concept of art and culture as the frame through which diverse expression and creativity will be seen, shared, respected, and supported in Oakland, the Bay Area and a global network. OTEC uses alternative methods that encourage self-love and actualization for its participants, which prepare them to stand up to the many obstacles in their path. Our annual event AfroComicCon (AFCC) is diverse and eclectic. Typically, comic books and their conventions throughout America are not reflective of people of color, nor do they facilitate critical thinking skills, much less diversity, and equity awareness. We have social justice and change baked into our basis and structure. Afrofuturism is our theme for a reason. Our programs and projects offer an alternative to the images that are shown every day in the media. Outside of AfroComicCon, we work in partnership with community and school partners to offer workshops, in-school projects, internships and strengthened workforce pathways grounded in storytelling to build skill, confidence and talents in gaming, film/animation, podcasting, comic art, design and screen printing, event production, costume design and cosplay. The event and programs are designed to bring about the healing power of redemptive love for one’s value and reinforce self-worth. This work is needed in an industry that has less than 1% of minority representation. AFCC and our general programming provides a safe place for nerds of color to be free to be themselves and to be okay with being smart, as well as knowledgeable about their passions: Anime, Cosplay, Cartoons, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Gaming, and dressing up as characters from TV and film.