The Village Is Already Here: A Coming Together for Education in East Oakland’s 40x40

Black teachers have always been more than educators. They are keepers of community wisdom, builders of possibility, and people whose care, creativity, and leadership reach far beyond the classroom. Parents, caregivers, students, elders, and community leaders carry their own knowledge, histories, and hopes for what education can be, too. That village of wisdom, care, and possibility is already here is East Oakland’s 40x40.

The Black Teacher Project (BTP), in partnership with Rise East Oakland, invites Black educators working in East Oakland’s 40x40 to The Village Is Already Here, a community homecoming and wisdom gathering at Sankofa Sanctuary, a cultural hub operated by the Black Cultural Zone. 

This gathering is an opportunity for Black teachers to connect, share their experiences, and help shape the future of Rise East’s 40x40 Learn & Grow Initiative, a community-driven project that’s working alongside Black educators in Oakland to imagine and build the support, resources, and relationships they need to thrive, stay in education, and support more liberated learning for young people in a part of Oakland home to to the largest concentration of Black residents in the city.

And because the wisdom of a village doesn't live in classrooms alone, we're inviting Black parents, caregivers, students, and community organizers to join the conversation. Their experiences and perspectives will help us surface what Black teachers and young people need, what the community already has, and what we can create together.

Expect an evening of meaningful conversation, community connection, music, activities, and Black joy. Light dinner and drinks will be provided. Come as you are, bring what you know and help shape what comes next for education in the 40x40. The village is already here. Let's celebrate what it holds and imagine what it can grow to be.

What to Expect

An evening of good food, good company, Black joy, and meaningful connection.

• Celebrate Black teacher wisdom. Honor the knowledge, experiences, and contributions of Black educators working in the 40x40.

• Connect across the village. Build relationships with fellow Black teachers, families, students, and community leaders through conversation, games, crafts, and activities.

• Share what you know and need. Reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and aspirations shaping Black teachers' experiences in deep East Oakland.

• Help co-create what's next. Bring your ideas into conversation with community perspectives to help shape future Learn & Grow programming and solutions.

• Enjoy the fellowship. Expect music, food, refreshments, giveaways, and plenty of good vibes.

Who Should Attend

• Especially encouraged to attend are Black TK–12 educators who currently teach or have previously taught in East Oakland's 40x40 neighborhood, which stretches from Seminary Avenue to the Oakland–San Leandro city border.

• Also warmly invited are Black parents, caregivers, families, and students who attend school in the 40x40, as well as community-based organizations and local groups who care about education and equity.