Our Story

By grounding our approach in Targeted Universalism and unapologetically focusing on Black boys, our work is consequently proven to ENGAGE, ENCOURAGE and EMPOWER children and families of all backgrounds.

Kingmakers of Oakland is a leadership development and systems change organization committed to fundamentally transforming the education system and building the capacity of people to design and sustain thriving and liberated systems, structures, conditions, and culture to improve educational and life outcomes for Black students.

WHY WE DO IT

Education systems are failing African American (AA) boys.

Harsh Discipline

AA Students are 3x more likely to be expelled than White students

Ill Equipped teachers

Teachers who lack cultural competency are less likely to engage, encourage and empower black students

Biased Curriculum

Curriculum based on white narratives create negative internal identity for Black Students

Literacy

Nationally, only 15% of Black boys read at grade level.

Juvenile Arrests

AA males are arrested 5X more than white males

Graduation

59% of AA males graduate High school, compared to 71% all males

How we do it

We facilitate building collective will, strategic planning and transforming practices with Multi-racial, Inter-generational, Cross-functional (MIC) equity teams in schools, districts and communities across these programs and services.

District Partners

Educators

Youth

Community

Our Theory of action

We embody the metaphor “Healing the Fish by Treating the Toxic Ecosystem.”

Our Theory of Action starts by establishing Learning Collaborative teams within school districts. We provide them with thought partnership, technical assistance, and the necessary support systems to undergo a meaningful transformation.

While these Learning Collaboratives are formed at the school district level, our approach includes all stakeholders; everyone from the students, to policymakers, and the community at large.

We are the people we've been waiting for

STAY CONNECTED

Get up to date information about upcoming events and projects.