Greetings Community,
As we step into this new year, I am reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who stood before a crowd of over 7,000 at the Oakland Civic Auditorium in 1963 and proclaimed, “We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.” His call for economic justice and civil rights, as well as the fierce urgency of now, continues to resonate deeply with us at Kingmakers of Oakland. Dr. King’s vision lives through our work, driving us to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for our youth to thrive in a world that values their brilliance and dignity.
We see this commitment reflected in initiatives like our upcoming Spring Symposium and in our partnership with the California Department of Education’s Black Student Achievement Task Force. In collaboration with Superintendent Tony Thurmond, I am honored to serve alongside thought leaders like Dr. Pedro Noguera and Dr. Tyrone Howard to move the needle on educational equity for Black students across California. Together, we are building pathways to success by empowering teachers, fostering literacy, and ensuring every child receives the support they need to excel in both ELA and math. This isn’t just about test scores; it’s about equity, justice, and creating a future rooted in intergenerational collaboration and systemic transformation.
We also celebrate the transformative power of storytelling and shared knowledge. I am humbled to have joined Dr. David Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), on their Teach the Babiespodcast. In Episode 20, we discuss strategies for nurturing Black kings, queens, and non-binary royalty. NBJC’s work at the intersection of civil rights and LGBTQ+ equality inspires us to build bridges between movements for racial justice and inclusion. Their efforts remind us that every child deserves to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith, and community.
In everything we do, Black love is the foundation—a love that brings joy, healing, and hope. That’s why I invite you to join us at our Spring Symposium this year. This three-day national leadership event is not just a conference; it’s a celebration of Black brilliance, a call to action, and a movement of change-makers committed to building equitable futures for Black youth. You’ll experience the powerful voices of our students, the artistry of our KOO Crew, and strategies that empower educators and leaders to uplift the communities they serve.
I ask you today to honor the legacy of Dr. King by taking action:
As Dr. King said, “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” Let us be the village that uplifts, empowers, and transforms. Join us in building a future where every King, Queen, and Non-Binary youth can take their crowns out their pockets and rock it with pride.
In solidarity and determination,
Chris Chatmon
Founder & CEO
Kingmakers of Oakland