OAKLAND FREEDOM SCHOOL
Summer 2012
Oakland, California
Nedra Ginwright
Macheo Payne
Congratulations OFS 2012! “OFS! We Manifest! We choose the path that’s best from east to west, we put ourselves to the test ‘cause we refuse to settle for less!” You have completed the summer of Oakland Freedom Schools 2012, an experience you will never forget! We hope you have appreciated learning all about your culture, heritage and history as children of African decent for the purpose of instilling a strong sense of pride in who you are. We also hope you have grown a love for reading and great books written by and about black people from all over the world. Lastly, we hope you continue to internalize and express the principles of unity and self determination and pulling together our hearts, our minds and our spirits for the liberation of all people everywhere! With Love, The OFS Leadership Team LaCole Martin, Site Coordinator Nedra Ginwright & Macheo Payne, Co-Directors Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – OFS Staff
LaCole Martin 3
Volunteers from Oakland Unified School District’s Office of African American Male Achievement.
Thank you OFS Volunteers!
Youth Volunteers: Khari, Benny, Simone, Adriana, Umar, Ali, DJ, Ammar, Shaun; and not pictured, Christiana, Michael, Ife, Mya, Malia, Elijah, and Kiara. Community service organizations BayUp, OUSD African American Male Initiative, CEO Program. 4
Get Involved: Email nedra@leadershipexcellence.org or Visit www.leadershipexcellence.org
OFS
OAKLAND FREEDOM SCHOOL
CONTENTS SUMMER 2012 Oakland Freedom School (OFS), a partnership between Leadership Excellence and Lincoln Child Center, is a five-week literacy and cultural enrichment program serving children ages 5-14 years old.
CLASS PHOTOS 8 10 12 14 16 20 22 24 28 30 32
Bro. Sizwe Sis. Tiara Sis. Melissa Sis. Samiyah Sis. Jasmine Bro. Justin Sis. Tyresa Bro. Sahfari Bro. Eric Sis. Marketa Bro. Durwin
EVENTS
The
AFRICAN
AVENGERS
Meet the 2012 OFS Servant Leader Teacher Interns
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D.E.A.R. Day 2012
Drop Everything And Read Aloud
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OFS HipHop Day
Respecting the history, culture
CLASS PHOTOS
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Parent ‘Chat and Chew’
Drop Everything And Read Aloud
What do 2012 OFS Scholars want to be when they grow up? See Pages 8-35
FIELD TRIPS 6
Lawrence Hall of Science
OFS Scholars explore the sciences
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Academy of Science
OFS Scholars explore the world
Design, Layout and Photographs by @ReginaldJames (unless noted otherwise)
www.reginaldjames.info
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More Oakland Freedom School Photos – Facebook.com/OakFreedom
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LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, Calif.
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Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – Lawrence Hall of Science
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KWAME NKRUMAH The Kwame Nkrumah class of OFS 2012 was definitely Faannttastic, Teeerrrriiifffic, Grrreeeaatttt, ALL DAY LONG!
This year scholars were able to experience a taste of West Africa through historical analysis, creative play, innovative art activities, and a wealth of culturally relevant children’s books. Our primary focus was on Ghana and the importance of African unity. As a class we created our own Adinkra Cloth, made Ghanaian flags, and discussed the importance/ beauty of our African Diaspora. 8
The scholars loved when I would come dressed in Kinte Cloth outfits or bring artifacts to the classroom like an Ashanti mask or different fabrics that came from the continent. Although these five weeks have went by in the blink of an eye I am very proud of the Kwame Nkrumah Class and see growth within every Scholar.
This summer at OFS has truly been POWERFUL! HARAMBEE!! With Love,
Brother Sizwe
‘Africa Must Unite!’ – Nkrumah
Brother Sizwe’s Class
Ayoluwa Thomas Doctor
Deshara Reed Firefighter
Giovanni Librick To Be Determined
Nassor Gant Father
Level 1
Javaughn Bailey Basketball Player
Safir Stills Soccer Player
Kwame Nkrumah Tasahni Rochell Basketball Player
Tajiri McCalla Basketball Player
Tesla Anaman Doctor
Red is for Our Blood Yellow is for Our Richness Green is for Our Land Black is for Our Diaspora
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Kwame Nkrumah Class”
Tyna Aushin Princess 9
La Clase I fondly refer to my class as ‘Clase’...which is simply class in Spanish. The children are amazing little students with big personalities. I feel so much love coming from them, and I try my best to return the favor.
Their favorite book this summer, is one from my personal collection, called “Meeow”. Meeow is a black cat with some cool animals friends!
We are excited to be putting together a mini ‘I feel so much love play inspired by for the coming from them.’ “Meoow” OFS graduation!
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They enjoy our class discussions where we’ve talked about everything from nightmares about one eyed green monsters to discussions about favorite fruits! They love playing in centers, which are 3 areas where they rotate in groups and play with toys, play dough, and practice writing by copying text out of books.
So get ready to round your applause for the OFS players: Ella, Harmony, Santiago, Frank, Akeelah, Erika, Jacob, Violet & A’nami!. With Love,
Sister Tiara
Sister Tiara’s Class
A’nami Anderson Doctor
Akeelah Nelson Lawyer
Level 1
Eliana Dyas-Cray Veternarian, Baker
Erikah Washington Doctor
Frank Tiscareno Gazillionaire
Harmony Marbley Pop Star
Jacob Shipp To be Determined
Santiago Sodaye Astronaut
Violet Shipp Fashion Model
Xavi’Yer Doakes Merman
Books to Read: “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts
‘Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace’ by James Posimos “Mr. George Baker” by Amy Hest Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “La Clase”
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My name is Melissa Jones and this was my first year teaching at OFS. My experience with the students have been phenomenal. From singing to dancing to reading and art projects, we have definitely been a class that has explored all of the possibilities of a fun learning environment. 12
The theme of my classroom was “Madagascar,” also known as the jungle safari. We have introduced some animalistic characters onto our environment as well as being free within our own jungle. I have made connections with the scholars and have seen many breakthroughs such as parents commenting on
how OFS has invaded their households and how reading to their children inspires them daily. Their have been many books in the class that my scholars have connected to and have definitely enjoyed. >> Continued (Next Page)
Sister Melissa’s Class
Amin Scott
Elijah Davis
Jaylin Brown
Kevin McDaniel
Professional Boxer
Beyblade Master
Singer, Dancer
Baseball Player
Makayla Gilder
Makeda Booker
Marquez Martin
Samahdi Scott
Teacher
To be Determined
Police
Doctor
Level 1
>> For instance, ”Those shoes” by Maribeth Boelts has been a favorite to read at D.E.A.R time. I have made it a point to include my scholars talents and ideas to make since of themselves in the first week. In the second week I have inspired them to incorporate their families; making them cards, sharing, appreciating togetherness. In the third week we went to the park to clean our community, explain that within this space we should pull together in Harambee in our cities.
Sunni Scott Firefighter, Professional Boxer The fourth week incorporated the Globe, and trivia games to increase their knowledge and explore other cultures. Five weeks expresses our understanding and purpose of life.
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Madagascar”
We have come full circle in gaining knowledge about ourselves, OFS culture, and different people.
I am honored to have been apart of this experience and I am looking forward to OFS next year.
We are all one unit, one sound, one big Harambee circle for life.
Sister Melissa
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Sister Samiyah 14
Yemaya is a Goddess of Yoruba origins in West Africa. She is the Mother of all Orishas, the essence of Motherhood, and a protector of children. Goddess of the Ocean, she is depicted as a mermaid.
Graphic: http://wolfberry-j.deviantart.com/
YEMAYA
Sister Samiyah’s Class
Level 1
Ajene Snaer
Caleb Kuper
Dabria Reed
Dialo Ashe
Rockstar, Spy
Basketball Player
Fashion Model
Doctor
Elijah Burciaga
Hanif Howard
Javier Ulises Tello
Kaiefay
Scientist
To be fulfilled
Wrestler
Ninja
Keylan Brown
Maurice Richardson
Omega Andrews-Abakah
Superhero
Superhero
Ballet Dancer
‘Where Water is Boss, The Land Must Obey’ Taylor Sky Criswell
Zaniya
Veternarian
Teacher
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Yemaya Class”
– African Proverb 15
FREEDOM AIRWAYS
The Freedom Airway Class learn how to work together focused on recognizing to achieve a common goal. their potential and abilities as young African American The youth collaborated with Sis Marketa Class scholars and working Level 2 together as one. I enjoyed having to discuss different the opportunity of forms of The class completed meeting some very bullying in order to arts and wonderful and crafts that raise their talented scholars. were related awareness. to text The class shared their material themes such as knowledge about bullying self-esteem, recognizing their individual talents and to others. I enjoyed having the opportunity of meeting working collectively. some very wonderful and The scholars participated talented scholars. in some team building I look forward to being a activities that required part of OFS in 2013. them to not only get to know each other, but to
Sister Jasmine
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Sky’s the Limit with Freedom Air
Sister Jasmine’s Class
Level 1
Alisya Hunt
Amir McLeod Robinson
Anjelay Scott
Evelyn Rose Snelgo-Bilal
Teacher
Bus Driver
Doctor
Police
Fiyah Andrews-Abakah
Isis Brown
Kahari Mercadel
Kylon Brooks
Inventor, Basketball Player
Singer
Rapper
Football Player
Myriana Williams-Powel
Singer, Princess
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Freedom Airways”
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D.E.A.R. DAY The community came out in full force to support Oakland Freedom School for “D.E.A.R. Day” on Wednesday, July 11 at Frick Middle School.
Drop Everything And Read
D.E.A.R. Day, or Drop Everything And Read Aloud Day, is an annual OFS event where OFS Scholars read with to community members.
This page – Clockwise from top: Group photo; OFS puts the “A” in ‘Games”; Baba Greg Hodge offers libation after giving OFS History; Leadership Excellence co-founder Dr. Shawn Ginwright salutes; OFS Scholars “Chant Down Babylon”; Oakland poet Ise Lyfe.
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Opposite page – Community members read aloud with our 2012 Oakland Freedom School Scholars.
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – D.E.A.R. Day 2012
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HERU THE HAWK
Young Freedom FighteRS The scholars of the 2012 Oakland Freedom School Heru the Hawk: Young Freedom Fighters class showed their intelligence, power, resilience, potential and energy every day.
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Our class began with level 2 scholars and grew to become a high-powered group of both levels 2 and 3 OFS Scholars. These young scholars displayed their enjoyment of reading, overcame fears, exercised daily and have been able to investigate and enjoy music, science, nature and technology through our weekly field trips and afternoon enrichment.
These young Heroes showed they’re physical strength running races, doing pushups, completing jumping jacks and even carrying younger students across the basketball court in leaps and bounds. Students also showed their creativity, discipline, strength, talent, diligence and focus through independent reading, drumming, drawing and photography on our field trip.
As continued, these scholars transformed and grew, gaining greater control of their energy and increasing knowledge of self by choosing powerful Black leaders from throughout the world to represent for the completion of OFS 2012. It is an honor and blessing to work with our young scholars on their path to becoming their greatest selves.
Brother Justin
“I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” – Harriet Tubman
Billy Mapp
Braeden Veloza
Cleveland Kennedy
Essau Robins-Bilal
To be Determined
To be determined
Scientist, Inventor, Artist, Football and Basketball Player
To be determined
Jahi Miller-Mathews
Massai Crudup
Rashid Powell
Reginald Cole
Builder
Motocross Racer
Photographer
Amtrak Driver
Sala Adams
Willie Coleman
Veternarian
Spy
Yhzekel Y-kahsai Physicist
Level 2/3
Winged Heru: DaCreativeGenius
Brother Justin’s Class
“The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Heru the Hawk”
–Steve Biko
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OTOWN RECORDS To the Kings and Queens of Oakland Freedom School. Music and song is an essential element of life. Freedom school represents fun, reading, excellence, energy, determination, open mind, music, creativity, Harambee, Oakland, elevation, and Love. Reading is important because it keeps your brain activiated and helps you learn. Be smart. Stay happy.
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Sistah Reese (Tyresa)
Sister Tyresa’s Class
Level 2
Alyssa Belisle
Elijah Payne
Ericka Marbley
Malik Hensley-Prince
Teacher
Lawyer
Dancer
Police
Mandume Kaluenja
Marcus Rubio
Naomi Yde
Nia Poole
Chemist
Pilot
Singer
Babysitter
Salaam Lateef Singer
Yolisa Adams Actress Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Motown King’s and Queens”
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SPY CLASS
The activities of the OFS Spy Class are Top Secret.
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Brother Sahfari
Andrew Rice
Asa Doby
Baraka Liuruwi
Damarion Cole
Basketball Player
Police
Astronaut
Professor
Gabrael Bey
Jakai Tutler
Kalani Limbrick
Konyae Miller
Best Skateboarder on Earth
Basketball Player
Motorcycle Driver
Police
Saja Duchicela Soccer Player
Simone Jacot-Bell Artist
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Spy Class”
DEPUTY DIRECTORS
Countering Counter-Intelligence
Brother Sahfari’s Class
Level 2
Mya Gynecologist
Ifetayo Actress 25
HIP HOP DAY 2012
OFS hosted the third annual ‘Hip Hop Day’ on June 22. The event, organized by Brother D, featured dancing led by Kat Brown, a freestyle by Mistah F.A.B., and more.
Photo: Brotha D
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Photo: Kahnai Kahuai
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – OFS Hip Hop Day 2012
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The OFS scholars from “A Different World” are a multi-talented and intelligent group.
This summer, students explored family relationships defining what makes “family” enabling them the ability to identify positive interaction with members of their own family.
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Through the creative process of artwork, poetry, journal writing, and reading, the students of Brother Eric’s Level
Three OFS class were successful in developing an appreciation for their community and their self-worth. Scholars were motivated to overcome circumstances. And by learning from reallife experiences, these scholars are dedicating
themselves to making a positive impact in their “Different World.”
Brother Eric
Brother Eric’s Class
De’Sonn Shipp
Emerson Rodriquez
Isiah Hubbard
Jehni Stewart
Basketball ‘Superstar’
Teacher
Veternarian
Musician, Singer
Marion Ivy
Nahla Limbrick
Quincy Grove
Sage Ross
Chef
Fashion Designer
Soccer Player
Singer
Level 3
Tisjah Martin Basketball Player
Trevon Reedus Scientist
“Be the Change you Desire to See in the World.”
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “A Different World”
*** Not pictured: Teyveon McBride
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Freedom Eagles Discipline Accountability Reciprocity Ecosystem Analogy 30
Sister Marketa
Sister Marketa’s Class
Amir Stills
Amore’ Rose
Autumn Bryant-Williams
Bernard Hyde
Soccer Player
Marine
Chef
To be fulfilled
Delaney Mapp
D’Niya Jay-Prim
Jeremiah Goode
Kaia Mercadel
To be fulfilled
Singer
Football Player
Veternarian
Kailen Curtis
Kaliyah Scott
Kwame Glover
To be fulfilled
Lawyer
Basketball Player
London Griggs Baseball Player, Racecar Driver
Sierra Suarez
Talyah Cole
Virginia Shipp
Choreographer
Chef
Baker
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Freedom Eagles”
Level 3
“If you Believe, Then you can Achieve.”
My name is Bro. D. I am both proud and excited to have taught for my eighth consecutive Oakland Freedom School summer. I primarily teach the Level 4 Adolescent youth, ages 11-14. My classroom is named in honor of Bro. Tupac Amaru Shakur. My class curriculum entailed Classical African Civilizations, Critical Thinking, Creative Writing, Media/Video/ Entertainment analysis, and language etymology. Unlike the ‘normal’ classrooms most youth are used to, my class was ALWAYS lively, fun, totally interactive, and informative. 32
Tupac Amaru Shakur
My mission is to groom the innate greatness within the youth!”
“I teach the youth to use their REAL EYES to REALIZE REAL LIES!” – Bro. D.
Brother Durwin’s Class
Anthony Lindzie III
Auseon Vaughn
Daniyah Powell
Football Player
Skateboarder
Lawyer
Edward Hannah
Jabari Johnson
Football Player
Basketball Player
Jarrell Ivy Actor
Justin Ross Football Player
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Tupac Amaru Shakur”
Kahnai Kahuai Chef, Photographer
Level 4
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Level 4
Brother Durwin’s Class
Kobi Thompson
Mariah Conley
Marshaunne Jones
To be Fulfilled
Professional Dancer, Dentist
Swagnician, Computer Technician
Monticia Scott
N’Namdi Nassor
To be Fulfilled
Neurologist
Nyah Ginwright
Shanell Hudson
Stardazia Hailey
To be Fulfilled
Police
Singer
Brother Durwin’s Class
Level 4
"I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world." –Tupac Amaru Shakur
Symone Woodruff-Hardy
Dancer
Winston Grove Cartoon Illustrator
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – “Tupac Amaru Shakur”
YahnaiJah Gilliam Forensic Scientist
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CALIFORNIA
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
36
San Francisco
California
July 13 2012
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook – California Academy of Sciences
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Photo: Kahnai Kahuai
AUTOGRAPHS
OFS Photographer Reginald James
Parent ‘Chat & Chew’ “Like” photos? More photos online:
www.facebook.com/ OakFreedom 38
Every week, OFS parents gathered at Youth Uprising in East Oakland to network and discuss ways families can support themselves and each other. The “chat and chew,” was facilitated
by Colette Reid, MSW of the Lincoln Child Center. Parents discussed staying organized, healthy, and connected. Stay connected: nedra@leadershipexcellence.org
Oakland Freedom School Yearbook 2012
Leadership Excellence leadershipexcellence.org
Oakland Fund for Children & Youth (OFCY)