The second half of Day 1 at the Spring Symposium offered an immersive look into the creative, academic, and healing ecosystems that power Kingmakers of Oakland. Through three dynamic rotations, attendees experienced the heart of our programming and innovation.
At the KOO Labs Design Center & Production House, visitors stepped into the creative universe of our youth-led studio. With guided walkthroughs and student-led tours, participants explored the spaces where Black youth shape story through animation, beat-making, video production, and fashion. From storyboard walls to music editing bays, attendees got an intimate look at how we build culture from the inside out—and why creative agency is essential to youth development.
In the California Ballroom, our Education team brought the Crowns Curriculum to life. Educators journeyed through a hands-on, interactive gallery featuring modules like “Civic Joy,” “Digital Storytelling,” and “Black Thriving.” Many paused to read, annotate, and even snap photos, engaging deeply with the themes. This wasn’t a sit-and-get—it was an invitation to co-construct liberatory learning environments rooted in Black excellence and history.
The third rotation featured Dr. Grace Carroll, who led a powerful session on early literacy and identity development. Through the Jegna Early Literacy Program and Akira’s Book Club, participants learned how Kingmakers supports young readers and their families in building strong foundations. Grace’s session was intergenerational, community-centered, and deeply rooted in the cultural practices that sustain our babies and build their brilliance.
After the rotations, we gathered for a closing session to reflect: What brought you hope today? What felt like healing? We invited attendees to journal, pair share, and connect the dots between their experiences and the KOO Theory of Action. It was a moment to ground, name our takeaways, and recognize the brilliance in the room.
The evening closed with a Welcome Reception and Kingmakers Music concert. We screened award-winning animated music videos like Glisten and Ubuntu, followed by electrifying performances from Reach Back Retain (Fiyah Abakah & Jordan Chatmon) and Zo1, backed by the 1Luv Band performing music from our Black Love album. It was joy, art, and community at its finest—an unforgettable close to an unforgettable day.