Navigating the American School System as an Immigrant Student

I did not grow up speaking English. When I was born, my parents could not afford to raise me so I was sent to live in China, where I learned to speak Mandarin. As a result, when I came back to attend school in America, I did not speak any English. I struggled in elementary school. Most of my peers spoke English. During those early years, I was almost always extremely confused about what was happening and struggled to catch up to what was being taught in class.


Oakland students host their own candidate forum

As ballots started arriving in District 5 voters’ mailboxes in mid-October, students from the Oakland Youth Commission helped raise awareness of the election and of the two candidates’ views at a candidate forum it hosted at Fremont High School. 


Student-led school board candidate forum on 10/12 at Fremont High

From the Oakland Youth Commission. Please go here to RSVP. The Oakland Youth Vote coalition are co-hosting a student-led Candidate Forum for the November school board election on Thursday, October 12 from 5 – 7 pm. This event is open to the community and will help voters learn about candidates running in the special election…


Our Election Coverage Drops Wednesday: What One Student’s Attempt to Register to Vote Has Become…

When I arrived in the East Bay in early July from New York City to press on with our brother Dirk’s legacy, this month’s mayoral and school board elections were squarely top of mind for many who care about children and their futures.   In fact, Oakland’s youth was excited, because thanks to Measure QQ –…


From Lighthouse to Law School

Eduardo Figueroa never even thought about college until Lighthouse. Now he’s studying law at UC Hastings -A guest post from Families in Action Eduardo Figueroa, wearing the traditional black cap and gown, hears his name called and strides across the stage in the hot Butte County air to pick up his diploma from Chico State.…