By Jahi
Kingmakers of Oakland has been deeply engaged in nurturing connection, creativity, and community across Oakland’s youth, schools, and cultural spaces—bringing the spirit of Kingmakers alive in powerful new ways.
Our Kingmakers Club successfully wrapped up a vibrant series of programs at West Oakland Middle School, Westlake Middle School, and McClymonds High School. At Westlake, Kings and Queens explored chess and mindfulness as tools for holistic health and academic success. McClymonds students created their own talk radio show while also honing their focus and discipline through chess. Meanwhile, West Oakland Middle Kings embraced yoga, meditation, and the wisdom of the 12 Jewels—knowledge, wisdom, understanding, food, clothing, shelter, freedom, justice, equality, peace, love, and happiness—to guide their journey from boyhood to manhood. These programs foster growth rooted in identity, purpose, and community. Read more
At the same time, Kingmakers Music—our youth-powered label—celebrated the culmination of its year-long Black Love album campaign with a dynamic performance during opening night of Spring Symposium 2025. Our Artist Development Program has been a launching pad for emerging producers Sire, Dice, and Raymond, and MC King Jadon, who have sharpened their craft and business skills. Mark your calendars for June 6 at KOO Labs, when King Jadon will release his debut project New Beginnings, alongside Kingmakers Beat Tape Volume One from the producers—a true celebration of young talent, creativity, and community uplift.
Furthering our mission to inspire through art and activism, Kingmakers Music is in the final stages of producing A Whole Lot, an animated music video created in partnership with Hip Hop Public Health. Featuring King Jadon and Jahi (Director of Kingmakers Music), and produced by Skyline High’s Keith Barnes Jr. and teacher Corbin Harris, this project blends intergenerational storytelling with a call to environmental justice. Supported by the visionary work of Theo Hollingsworth, Chase, Omar, and Joey, A Whole Lot speaks directly to youth and community resilience. Look out for its release this summer—a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop, education, and healing.
Through these initiatives—Kingmakers Club, Kingmakers Music, and community collaborations—we continue to build spaces where Oakland’s young Kings and Queens can grow, create, and lead with purpose. The future is bright, and it belongs to them.
