November Newsletter- a Message from Chris chatmon

From the Desk of Chris Chatmon, Founder & CEO

Family,

As we enter this season of reflection, gratitude, and collective care, I am honored to share important updates about the continued growth of our Kingmakers of Oakland family.

Honoring Our Outgoing Board Co-Chairs

Before we welcome our new leaders, I want to express deep appreciation for our outgoing Co-Chairs, Romero Wesson and Gary M. Beasley.

Bro. Romero, a Kingmakers alumnus, entrepreneur, pastor, and community advocate, has led with heart, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to the uplift of Black boys. His vision, integrity, and passion have shaped this organization in ways that will carry forward for years to come.

Bro. Gary, an accomplished leader in youth services and mentorship, brought both strategic insight and personal dedication to our mission. His ability to balance disciplined governance with deep humanity has strengthened our board and our organizational foundation.

We are grateful for their service, their leadership, and their love for our Kings and our community. Kingmakers of Oakland is stronger because of them.

Welcoming Our New Board Co-Chairs

Please join me in celebrating our new Co-Chairs.

Bro. Rickey Jackson
A proud son of Oakland, an Oakland Tech graduate, and an emerging leader in business and community service. Rickey brings operational brilliance and a deep commitment to uplifting young people. His lived experience represents the next generation of leadership we are honored to stand beside.

Dr. David J. Johns
A nationally recognized voice for equity, educational excellence, and liberation. From leading the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans under President Obama to serving as CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition, Dr. Johns brings unmatched expertise and heart to our mission.

We are blessed to have these two powerful brothers guiding our future.

Welcoming Our Newest Board Member: Tsadiku Obolu

We are thrilled to welcome Tsadiku Obolu, a visionary young leader and system builder whose work at UC Berkeley and in the community aligns deeply with our mission. His scholarship, activism, and commitment to Black student thriving exemplify what it means to be a Kingmaker.

Standing Together in Grief and Healing

This month has also brought pain and loss, and we hold our community close.

We honor the life and legacy of Coach Beam, a giant in Oakland whose mentorship shaped generations.

We send love and support to the families affected by the tragic shooting at Skyline High School.

We hold these families and our village in prayer, and we remain committed to building a world where Black boys are safe, seen, celebrated, and protected.

In Closing

Family, as we move through this season together, celebrating new beginnings, honoring transitions, and supporting each other through grief and difficult times, I am reminded of why we do this work. At Kingmakers of Oakland, we lead with love, we move with collective will, and we show up for our children and our community with an open heart and a steady spirit.

These moments, both joyful and challenging, call us back to who we are. We are a village committed to lifting up our young people, strengthening our families, and building a future rooted in dignity, brilliance, and possibility.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for caring, for showing up, and for believing in our young people the way we do. Let us continue to walk together in partnership, purpose, and love as we build the world our children deserve.

Sending peace, power, and good health to each of you,

Bro. Chris