Based on a conversation with Jordon Chatmon, Kingmakers of Oakland Jegna Literacy Ambassador
Big things are happening this year for Jegna. After years of working solely at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, the team is now expanding its reach to a second site: East Oakland Pride Elementary. This marks a major step forward for the program as they begin supporting even more students across Oakland.
According to Jordon Chatmon, a second‑year Jegna Literacy Ambassador, their work goes far beyond tutoring. While they offer one‑on‑one support in literacy, math, and science, their presence is also about culture keeping and relationship building.
Right now it’s just Jordon and fellow James serving both schools but there is hope to bring in more literary ambassadors for Jegna soon. They are also exploring creative ways to reach students, such as rapping word‑for‑word over children’s books from Akira’s Book Club to help students engage with stories through rhythm and music.
When asked about the most rewarding part of the work, Jordon did not hesitate. “my passion is working with kids so that is set in stone but getting the opportunity to work with my brother James, to see him glow and grow… just to have my friend here with me, doing what I love, I was like, this is cool,” he said.
Whether it is working locally or connecting with students abroad—like during a recent service trip to Panama—this work is about building community and uplifting youth through intentional presence.