Small but Mighty: The Story of East Palo Alto

Small but Mighty is an inspiring story about how a small city fought for self-determination through grassroots organizing, securing its place in the heart of Silicon Valley. East Palo Alto (EPA) has a rich history rooted in social justice and is one of the Bay Area’s most diverse cities. Small but Mighty documents how this historically underserved community fought for incorporation and thrived despite facing many obstacles.

Small but Mighty was awarded three 2023 Muse awards: two gold awards for Cinematography & Short Film along with a platinum award for the Documentary category.

Collections you might like

If you enjoyed Small But Mighty, here are some collections of artifacts from the EPA Community Archive that provide more insight into topics covered in the film.

Incorporation of East Palo Alto Timeline Collection (1980 - 1994)

Selections from the Archive related to the efforts to incorporate East Palo Alto, including the East Palo Alto Citizen Committee on Incorporation (EPACCI) and legal actions to overturn incorporation.

Community Revitalization Timeline Collection (1995-2010)

Selections from the collection related to community economic development such as the Ravenswood 101 Shopping Center, raising of Whiskey Gulch, and federal, state, and private partnerships to develop local land. The city of East Palo Alto instituted a community policing program to quell the local crime.

Community Preservation & Transformation Timeline Collection (2010-present)

Selections from the collection related to the effects of gentrification and influx of the tech industry on East Palo Alto. The city of East Palo Alto saw continued community economic development at this time.

Barbara Mouton Collection

Artifacts compiled by Barbara Mouton throughout her time as East Palo Alto's Mayor and City Councilmember. Her collection focuses on the battle for the city's incorporation, civil rights, city history, and affordable housing.

Dr Omowale Satterwhite Collection

Artifacts donated by and documenting the long career of Dr. Omowale Satterwhite. Dr. Satterwhite was on the first EPA City Council, a leader of EPACCI, founder of NCDI and CDI, an educator at Nairobi College, and a co-founder of the EPA Community Archive.

Sharifa Wilson Collection

Artifacts contributed by East Palo Alto resident, former Mayor, and East Palo Alto Community Archive founder Sharifa Wilson. Her collection focuses on East Palo Alto city government and community development in the 1990s and 2000s.

Meda O Okelo Collection

Artifacts contributed by longtime East Palo Alto resident, Meda Okelo, that focus on community celebrations, non-profits, and youth organizations. Mr. Okelo is a devoted photographer and chronicler of East Palo Alto.

People of EPA Video Collection

Videos from the #PeopleofEPA documentary video series produced for the EPA Community Archive.

Do you love learning about East Palo Alto’s story and community?

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