In the third contact sheet from activist photographer Bob Fitch’s visit to the Oakland Community School, the photographs focus on the piano, a big piece of furniture (perhaps a dresser) and the kitchen.
The first few photos show two small children standing on the piano together, one with her shoe on the keys. Two other children play the piano at the same time. Other photos of the piano similarly show many children playing it all together. There are also several photos of children climbing up on a big piece of furniture and playing with a small rug. The next few photos are of a man (perhaps a teacher) with several students. Behind them there is a poster with the words “Youth Committee Assignment.”
Pictures on the 6th line give the viewer a rare glimpse into the Oakland Community School kitchen. Food was a vital part of how OCS nourished the whole child: with three healthy meals a day. A woman frosts a cake, while two young boys watch with focused attention (though one can be seen surreptitiously tasting the frosting…) In the last photo in the kitchen, the boys look at each other forehead to forehead, and more children have gathered to watch.
The last line of photographs show a sweet moment between a staff member and a small child. She’s bending down to help another student, and he comes up to hug her. Her neutral expression before he arrives instantly transforms into a big smile.
The mix of women and men in the photographs underscores both the importance of women to the Oakland Community School, and the fact that contrary to many schools, there were also male staff members. In addition, the spirit of playfulness and care is clearly evident in all of these photographs.
These three sets of photographs allow one to imagine the warmth and connection that existed at Oakland Community School.
