Transformative Power of KOO Events
| Greetings,
In September, we carried forward the spirit of our partnership with the Hieroglyphics Crew on Hiero Day last year which marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. Narrative Change is a key driver to Kingmakers of Oakland’s theory of change and one major reason why “Hip Hop Heals” was selected as the theme for the first Kings in the Making Conference of this school year. We chose it for how Hip Hop serves as a form of self expression and how the genre reaches today’s youth where they’re at. The theme was planned as a return to the original meaning of Hip Hop and what the culture is supposed to do for the community and world: share knowledge and inspire movement. Kings in the Making is one of the Events that Kingmakers of Oakland hosts that has become a signature experience in manifesting our vision and addressing the toxic ecosystem our Black boys find themselves living in. We treat the ecosystem and inoculate youth with programming tailored to them, for them and by them, hence why Events is one of our four Strategic Intentions. We are revolutionizing perceptions of self, family, community, and possibilities through Events and our other Intentions which are all deliberate in design so that they empower with knowledge of African heritage. Intergenerational teaching and learning is a core aspect of Kings in the Making, with sessions that impart essential leadership skills all provided in a brave space for healing and belonging. From new gatherings like our neighborhood cleans ups and family movie nights to our annual Spring Symposium and Crowning Ceremonies, Events allow us to provide opportunities to celebrate Black joy and strengthen networks of support for youth and their families infused with community-centered values. I look forward to sharing more on our other Strategic Intentions in the coming months. With Gratitude, Chris ‘Baba C’ Chatmon Founder & CEO, Kingmakers of Oakland |