The Oakland Freedom Schools operated at Frick Middle school for the summer of 2012. Check out the awesome events, field trips and exciting fun these children had while learning.

1. OAKLAND
FREEDOM SCHOOL
Summer 2012
Oakland, California

3. 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 LaCole Martin
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 3

4. Thank you OFS Volunteers!
Youth Volunteers: Khari, Benny, Simone, Adriana, Umar, Ali, DJ, Ammar, Shaun, Christiana,
Michael, Ife, Mya, Malia, Elijah, and Kiara.
Community service organizations BayUp, OUSD African American Male Initiative, CEO Program.
4 OFS Photos, Videos, and Updates: www.Facebook.com/OakFreedom

5. 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 Bro. Sizwe
10 Sis. Tiara
12 Sis. Melissa
14 Sis. Samiyah
16 Sis. Jasmine
20 Bro. Justin
22 Sis. Tyresa
24 Bro. Sahfari
28 Bro. Eric
30 Sis. Marketa
32 Bro. Durwin The Meet the
2012 OFS
EVENTS AFRICAN Servant Leader
18 D.E.A.R. Day 2012
Drop Everything And Read Aloud
AVENGERS Teacher Interns
26 OFS HipHop Day
Respecting the history, culture CLASS PHOTOS
18
38 Parent ‘Chat and Chew’ What do 2012 OFS
Scholars want to be
Drop Everything And Read Aloud when they grow up?
See Pages 8-35
FIELD TRIPS
6 Lawrence Hall of Science
OFS Scholars explore the sciences
36 Academy of Science
OFS Scholars explore the world
Design, Layout and Photographs 26 6
by Reginald James
(unless noted otherwise)
www.reginaldjames.info Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 5

6. LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE
University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, Calif.
6

7. Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 7

8. KWAME NKRUMAH
The Kwame Nkrumah class The scholars loved when I would
of OFS 2012 was definitely come dressed in Kinte Cloth
Faannttastic, Teeerrrriiifffic, outfits or bring artifacts to the
Grrreeeaatttt, ALL DAY LONG! classroom like an Ashanti
mask or different fabrics that
This year scholars were able to came from the continent.
experience a taste of West Africa
through historical analysis, creative Although these five weeks
play, innovative art activities, and have went by in the blink of
a wealth of culturally relevant an eye I am very proud of the
children’s books. Kwame Nkrumah Class and see
growth within every Scholar.
Our primary focus was on Ghana
and the importance of African This summer at OFS has truly been
unity. As a class we created POWERFUL! HARAMBEE!!
our own Adinkra Cloth, made
Ghanaian flags, and discussed the With Love,
importance/ beauty of our African
Diaspora. Brother Sizwe
8 ‘Africa Must Unite!’ – Nkrumah

9. Sizwe’s Kwame Nkrumah Class Level 1
Ayoluwa Thomas Deshara Reed Giovanni Librick Javaughn Bailey
Doctor Firefighter To Be Determined Basketball Player
Nassor Gant Safir Stills
Father Soccer Player
Kwame Nkrumah
Tajiri McCalla Tasahni Rochell
Basketball Player Basketball Player
Red is for Our Blood
Yellow is for Our Richness
Tesla Anaman Green is for Our Land Tyna Aushin
Doctor Black is for Our Diaspora Princess
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 9

10. La Clase
I fondly refer to my class as Their favorite book this summer, is
‘Clase’...which is simply class in one from my personal collection,
Spanish. The children are amazing called “Meeow”. Meeow is a black
little students with big personalities. cat with some cool animals friends!
I feel so much love coming from
them, and I try my best to return theWe are excited to be putting
favor. together a mini
‘I feel so much love play inspired by
They enjoy our
class discussions
coming from them.’ “Meoow” for the
OFS graduation!
where we’ve talked
about everything from nightmares So get ready to round your applause
about one eyed green monsters to for the OFS players: Ella, Harmony,
discussions about favorite fruits! Santiago, Frank, Akeelah, Erika,
They love playing in centers, which Jacob, Violet & A’nami!.
are 3 areas where they rotate in
groups and play with toys, play With Love,
dough, and practice writing by
copying text out of books. Sister Tiara
10

11. Sista Tiara’s Class (Clase) Level 1
A’nami Anderson Akeelah Nelson Eliana Dyas-Cray Erikah Washington
Doctor Lawyer Veternarian, Doctor
Baker
Frank Tiscareno Harmony Marbley
Gazillionaire Pop Star
Jacob Shipp Santiago Sodaye
To be Determined Astronaut
Books to Read:
“Those Shoes”
by Maribeth Boelts
‘Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace’
by James Posimos
“Mr. George Baker”
Violet Shipp Xavi’Yer Doakes
by Amy Hest
Fashion Model Merman
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 11

12. My name is Melissa Jones The theme of my how OFS has invaded
and this was my first year classroom was their households and how
teaching at OFS. “Madagascar,” also known reading to their children
as the jungle safari. We inspires them daily.
My experience with have introduced some
the students have been animalistic characters onto Their have been many
phenomenal. From singing our environment as well as books in the class that
to dancing to reading being free within our own my scholars have
and art projects, we have jungle. connected to and
definitely been a class have definitely
that has explored all of I have made connections enjoyed.
the possibilities of a fun with the scholars
learning environment. and have seen many
breakthroughs such as
12 parents commenting on

13. Sister Melissa’s Class Level 1
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
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. Sunni Scott
In the second week I Firefighter,
have inspired them to Professional Boxer
incorporate their families;
making them cards,
sharing, appreciating The fourth week We have come full circle in I am honored to have been
togetherness. incorporated the Globe, gaining knowledge about apart of this experience
and trivia games to ourselves, OFS culture, and I am looking forward
In the third week we increase their knowledge and different people. to OFS next year.
went to the park to clean and explore other cultures.
our community, explain We are all one unit, one Sister Melissa
that within this space we Five weeks expresses our sound, one big Harambee
should pull together in understanding and purpose circle for life.
Harambee in our cities. of life.
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 13

14. YEMAYA
Graphic: http://wolfberry-j.deviantart.com/
Sister Samiyah Yemaya is a Goddess of Yoruba origins in West Africa. She is the
Mother of all Orishas, the essence of Motherhood, and a protector
14 of children. Goddess of the Ocean, she is depicted as a mermaid.

15. Sista 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
– African Proverb
Veternarian Teacher
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 15

16. FREEDOM
AIRWAYS
The Freedom Airway Class learn how to work together
focused on recognizing to achieve a common goal. Sky’s the Limit with Freedom Air
their potential and abilities
as young African American The youth collaborated
scholars and working with Sis Marketa Class
together as Level 2
one. I enjoyed having to discuss
different
The class the opportunity of forms of
completed meeting some very bullying
arts and wonderful and in order to
crafts that raise their
were related talented scholars. awareness.
to text
material themes such as The class shared their
self-esteem, recognizing knowledge about bullying
their individual talents and to others. I enjoyed having
working collectively. the opportunity of meeting
some very wonderful and
The scholars participated talented scholars.
in some team building
activities that required I look forward to being a
them to not only get to part of OFS in 2013.
know each other, but to
Sister Jasmine
16

17. Sista 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 17

18. D.E.A.R.
DAY
Drop
Everything
And Read
The community came out D.E.A.R. Day, or Drop
in full force to support Everything And Read
Oakland Freedom School Aloud Day, is an annual
for “D.E.A.R. Day” on OFS event where OFS
Wednesday, July 11 at Scholars read with to
Frick Middle School. 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.
Opposite page – Community members read aloud with our 2012
Oakland Freedom School Scholars.
18

19. Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 19

20. HERU THE HAWK
Young Freedom FighteRS
The scholars of the 2012 Our class began with level These young Heroes As continued, these
Oakland Freedom School 2 scholars and grew to showed they’re physical scholars transformed and
Heru the Hawk: Young become a high-powered strength running races, grew, gaining greater
Freedom Fighters class group of both levels 2 and doing pushups, completing control of their energy
showed their intelligence, 3 OFS Scholars. jumping jacks and even and increasing knowledge
power, resilience, potential carrying younger students of self by choosing
and energy every These young across the basketball court powerful Black leaders
day. scholars displayed in leaps and bounds. from throughout the
their enjoyment of world to represent for the
reading, overcame Students also showed completion of OFS 2012.
fears, exercised their creativity, discipline,
daily and have been strength, talent, diligence It is an honor and blessing
able to investigate and focus through to work with our young
and enjoy music, independent reading, scholars on their path to
science, nature and drumming, drawing and becoming their greatest
technology through photography on our field selves.
our weekly field trip.
trips and afternoon Brother Justin
enrichment.
“I freed a thousand slaves I could have
freed a thousand more if only they knew
20 they were slaves.” – Harriet Tubman

21. Bro Justin’s Class Level 2/3
Billy Mapp Braeden Veloza Cleveland Kennedy Essau Robins-Bilal
To be Determined To be determined Scientist, Inventor, Artist, To be determined
Football and Basketball Player
Jahi Miller-Mathews Massai Crudup Rashid Powell Reginald Cole
Builder Motocross Racer Photographer Amtrak Driver
Sala Adams Willie Coleman
Veternarian Spy
Winged Heru: DaCreativeGenius
Yhzekel Y-kahsai “The most potent weapon in the hands of the
Physicist oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”
21
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook –Steve Biko

22. 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.
Sistah Reese (Tyresa)
22

23. Sista 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 23

24. SPY CLASS
The activities
of the OFS
Spy Class are
Top Secret.
Brother Sahfari
24

25. Bro. Sahfari’s Class Level 2
Andrew Rice Asa Doby Baraka Liuruwi Damarion Cole
Basketball Player Police Astronaut Professor
Gabrael Bey Jakai Tutler Kalani Limbrick Konyae Miller
Best Skateboarder on Basketball Player Motorcycle Driver Police
Earth
DEPUTY DIRECTORS
Countering Counter-Intelligence
Saja Duchicela Mya
Soccer Player Gynecologist
Ifetayo
Simone Jacot-Bell
Actress
Artist
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 25

26. 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
26

27. Photo: Kahnai Kahuai
27

28. The OFS scholars
from “A Different
World” are a
multi-talented and
intelligent group.
This summer, students Three OFS
explored family class were
relationships defining successful in
what makes “family” developing an
enabling them the ability appreciation for
to identify positive their community and
interaction with members their self-worth.
of their own family.
Scholars were themselves to
Through the creative motivated to overcome making a positive
process of artwork, circumstances. And impact in their
poetry, journal writing, by learning from real- “Different World.”
and reading, the students life experiences, these
28 of Brother Eric’s Level scholars are dedicating Brother Eric

29. Bro. Eric’s Class Level 3
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
Tisjah Martin
Basketball Player
Trevon Reedus
Scientist “Be the Change you Desire to See in the World.”
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook Not pictured: Teyveon McBride

30. Freedom
Eagles
Discipline
Accountability
Reciprocity
Ecosystem
Analogy
30 Sister Marketa

31. Sis. Marketa’s Class Level 3
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 London Griggs
To be fulfilled Lawyer Basketball Player Baseball Player,
Racecar Driver
Sierra Suarez Talyah Cole Virginia Shipp
Choreographer Chef Baker
Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook

32. “If you Believe, Then you can Achieve.”
Tupac
My name is Bro. D. I am both proud
and excited to have taught for my
Amaru
Shakur
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 My mission is to groom the innate “I teach the youth to use their REAL
interactive, and informative. greatness within the youth!” EYES to REALIZE REAL LIES!”
32 – Bro. D.

33. Bro. Durwin’s Class Level 4
Anthony Lindzie III Auseon Vaughn Daniyah Powell
Football Player Skateboarder Lawyer
Edward Hannah Jabari Johnson
Football Player Basketball Player
Jarrell Ivy Justin Ross Kahnai Kahuai
Actor Football Player Chef, Photographer
33

34. Level 4 Bro. 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

35. Bro. 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 Winston Grove YahnaiJah Gilliam
Dancer Cartoon Illustrator Forensic Scientist
35

36. CALIFORNIA
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
July 13, San Francisco, Calif.
36

37. Oakland Freedom School 2012 Yearbook 37

38. Photo: Kahnai Kahuai AUTOGRAPHS
OFS Photographer
Reginald James
Parent ‘Chat & Chew’
Every week, OFS parents gathered to Child Center. Parents discussed ways
Do you like the photos?
network and discuss ways families can to stay organized, stay healthy, and stay
More photos online: support themselves and each other. connected.
www.facebook.com/ The “chat and chew,” was facilitated Stay connected: www.
38
OakFreedom by Colette Reid, MSW of the Lincoln leadershipexcellence.org

40. Oakland Freedom School ‘12
Leadership
Excellence
leadershipexcellence.org
Oakland
Fund for
Children &
Youth