This article highlights the “spirit of love and concern” present at OCS, which the 11 graduating students say (by way of a poem) has contributed to their individual and collective growth. A sentiment of love and hope for the future is underscored by the songs sung at the graduation, including “Love is the Answer” and “We Can Do Anything.”
Students pantomimed activities that they had participated in the past year, including the School Spelling Bee; the Black Engineers Conference; a field trip to the Afro-American Cultural and Historical Society in San Francisco; and baseball games played with the staff. This array of activities demonstrates that the Oakland Community School prioritized field trips relating to African American history, culture and identity, but also included many other activities.
Graduating students described their dreams for how they want to transform the world, saying that they “Want to make things better for the little children we will leave behind.” The professional lives graduates hoped to pursue included those of a nurse, doctor, social science, science, mathematics and language teachers, and professional sports players.
Additionally, a “Parent of the Year” award was given to one mother who had headed up the Parental Advisory Board and devoted significant time to OCS. This award, and the existence of a Parental Advisory Board, helps show that parents were very involved in shaping Oakland Community School, and were recognized for their efforts.
Photos in the article are of the OCS student body, students pantomiming activities they did throughout the year, Elaine Brown presenting the Parent of the Year award to Ms. Mary Means, and Ericka Huggins handing graduation certificates to students.
