an Incredible Day with Envision Academy
Greetings,
I want to take a moment to share my deep appreciation for the way Brothers AD, Toks, Kahlil, Aman, and Damari showed up yesterday to create a truly memorable experience for 24 young Kings, 4 staff members, and one grandmother from Envision Academy. From the moment they arrived at our building, it felt as though we were welcoming them home. The sense of awe and belonging was palpable, as if they were standing before the Kaaba in Mecca, the Walls of Benin in Nigeria, or the Dahlak Archipelago in Eritrea.
We began with breakfast and conversation in the garden, where our guests quickly settled in — breaking bread, laughing, and engaging as if they were in their second home. From there, the Kings rotated through three powerful experiences: community building, touring the facility, and imagining what Oakland could look like in 20 years.
The Live Room session was a highlight. Brother Kahlil shared the mission of Kingmakers and invited the Kings to our Media Academy. Each group performed the chants they had created with Brother Aman, and Brother Damari played two Kingmaker videos that sparked reflection as Kahlil guided a “what did you see, hear, and feel” discussion.
We closed with more food, fellowship, and joy in the garden — thank you, Brother AD, for always ensuring there is bread to be broken! Afterward, the Envision team debriefed with their Kings, grounding the experience and planning how to carry the lessons back to their community. As they left KOO Labs, crowns in hand, they carried with them not just memories, but a renewed sense of identity and purpose.
Deep gratitude as well to Principal Kassandre for trusting us with her Kings.
Peace
Matin
If you would like to bring your kids or class to check out KOO Labs, we would love to have you. This is a great opportunity for our students to see the resources available to them, provided for and by their community. We created this space with the intention of making it a safe environment where our youth can create, express, and learn freely.
Whether you would like to take a tour with your students, host a class, or use our space for an event, the opportunity is available to you here at Kingmakers KOO Labs.
Contact our facilities director Toks Ajike toks@kingmakersofoakland.org for more information.