State of Black Education

One Grandmother’s Struggle with Reading, and the Push for Literacy for All

Connie Williams shares her story of graduation from an Oakland high school unable to read or write. “You shouldn’t have to live like that.” She has been pushing for better for her family. “I’ve been singing the same song for so long, from my kids to my grandkids.” And she finally feels like she is…

How Oakland Is Tackling the Reading Crisis; An Interview with Lakisha Young

A cross post from Tanesha Peeples at Education Post Lakisha Young is the executive director of The Oakland REACH. Her work began through witnessing the disparities faced by Black and Brown students, including members of her own family. She sought to change the trajectory of public education for her three children and communities of color in…

High Schools that Black Families Should Consider Based on the Latest Data

Where you send your child to school is one of the most important decisions you can make.  The new school quality data was released by the state recently, and I wanted to highlight some of the schools making progress with Oakland children, and encourage families to visit.  Every child is different, and I will break…

Holy Crap, OUSD, and Partners, Are Getting Creative on Housing

After years of stagnation, one of Oakland’s largest landowners is finally taking on one of Oakland’s biggest challenges, housing.  Two incredibly important events recently took place that hopefully signal a new era, where we move beyond the gridlock of fussing and fighting and get together to do something for the families, students, and staff that…