The Future is Being Built in Oakland: Introducing Sankofa Kings
We are thrilled to officially introduce Sankofa Kings, a first-of-its-kind AI Fellowship and youth-led research lab designed specifically for Black men in Oakland (ages 12–25).
At Sankofa Kings, we aren't just teaching youth how to use tech, we are training Social Architects. By merging the power of Generative AI with Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), our Kings will move from being passive tech consumers to the architects of their own neighborhoods.
The Vision: Ancestral Wisdom meets AI
Our residents will lead the charge in interviewing community elders and gathering local data. They will then use professional-grade AI tools to analyze those findings and build "Activation Toolkits", complete with maps, project plans, and media assets, to propose real-world solutions to Oakland’s leaders.
We Are Growing: Join the Movement
We are looking for the next generation of leaders and mentors to anchor this mission. We operate in three seasonal cycles—Summer, Fall, and Spring—offering flexible entry points and the ability for returning Kings to promote into paid leadership positions.
Become a King: Are you a young Black man in Oakland ready to master AI and lead your community? Apply to the Residency Here
Become an Advisor: We are also looking for mentors to help guide our Kings through their research and technical sprints. Apply for Advisor Roles Here
Lead the Movement: We are seeking a Lead Facilitator to anchor our classroom and guide the day-to-day curriculum. If you have a passion for youth development and a vision for the future of tech in Oakland. Apply for the Lead Facilitator Role Here
Come Meet Us: Info Sessions are Live!
Curious about how it all works? Want to learn about the stipends, the tech, and the schedule? We are hosting three interactive Info Sessions at KOO Labs Design Center (1035 7th Street, Oakland).
Come through, meet the team, and see how you can get involved:
Wednesday, May 6th 4:30 - 5PM
Wednesday, May 20th 4:30 - 5PM
Saturday, June 6th 10 - 11:30AM
RSVP via Partiful to Save Your Spot
This isn't just a program; it's a "War Room" for community innovation. Whether you are applying to be a resident or joining us as an advisor, now is the time to claim your seat at the table.
Let’s build the future, together.
— The Sankofa Kings Team