Kings in the Making
On Saturday, September 14th, at MetWest High School in Oakland, California, a powerful gathering took place—a tradition that has been ongoing for the past twenty years. This gathering is dedicated to uplifting the brilliance and joy of Black and Brown boys.
This year’s theme, “Hip Hop Heals” explored how the evolution of Hip Hop, created by the Black community, ignited a cultural movement that has impacted the world. At MetWest High School, youth were immersed in the core elements and values of Hip Hop. They participated in workshops and performances that touched on various topics central to the movement. The day, began with an exciting performance by “KOO Music”, setting the tone for an enriching experience. There were yoga, arts and crafts, and dance instructors who taught the youth movements from “Turfing” an iconic Oakland dance style. But beyond the activities, there was something even more profound in the air: a sense of “love” and “belonging”.
This event fostered an intergenerational connection of black men. From third graders to elders who volunteered, fathers, brothers, uncles, and cousins all came together to support the day. Our community of black men stood present, demonstrating their care, presence, and commitment to uplifting our youth. This day was filled with “healing”, “hope”, and “joy”. It was truly a day to be remembered.
Chinatown Street Fest Check Presentation
On August 24 & 25, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) is hosted their 35th Annual Chinatown Street Fest from between 9th Street & Franklin Street. The Oakland Chinatown StreetFest is a free, two-day event held during the last week of August. The event consist of more than 80 booths spanning 8 blocks of Oakland Chinatown. This community festival features local vendors, food & drinks, arts & crafts, live music, cultural entertainment, and attractions for families and children. In recognition of a collaborative effort to improve the lives in Bay Area with a focus on youth intervention,
the OCCC’s Executive Director Alice Wu invited the recent federal funding grantees, including Kingmakers of Oakland, for a moment of recognition during a symbolic check presentation at the festival. This event followed a roundtable event earlier in the week with Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
Oakland International Film Festival
On Thursday, September 12th, Kingmakers of Oakland proudly took part in the opening night of the 21st Oakland International Film Festival at the historic Grand Lake Theater. The evening spotlighted the creative work of our community, featuring four original animated shorts—Glisten, Ima King, Right on Time, and Public Criticism—along with a live music video for Black Love, performed by Kingmakers Music artists Zo1 and 42klil. These powerful pieces were shown alongside compelling films like The Hoodtrophy Bino Story, Breaking the Generational Curse, and The Forgotten History of the Non-Violent Movement. Following the screenings, a panel discussion offered ticket holders the opportunity to speak directly with the filmmakers. Our CEO, Chris Chatmon, who served as the executive producer of the animated shorts, shared insights on Kingmakers’ narrative change work and why music and film continue to be key drivers in shifting the narratives—and ultimately the outcomes—of Black boys in K-12 education. This celebration of local and international voices aligns with our mission to empower communities through storytelling.
7th Street Thrives
Finally KOO participated in the second of three neighborhood clean ups with 7th Street Thrives Oakland. Bay Area LISC, in partnership with East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative (EB PREC) spearheaded the effort, who are embarking on an emerging Economic Inclusion Strategy on the historic business corridor 7th Street in West Oakland, CA—a multi-year effort that supports an integrated, place-based approach to advancing a collective economic revitalization in which everyone is considered, and the community is prioritized. As a black-owned business situated on the 7th Street corridor, Kingmakers played a central role in the event’s success. We welcome volunteers at the final event on October 19th.