Families in Action for Quality Education

What can we accomplish collectively that we can't alone? We went from autonomous and isolated school communities to a connected citywide movement driven by family power. I hope you can join Rich Harrison and myself to hear about how we are empowering grassroots Oakland families to lead the movement to increase access to high quality, equitable schools. #24CSDC Families in Action for Quality Education

I’m more than honored to receive the Rachel Willis Henry Parent of the Year award! Thank you to Kimi Kean & Families in Action for Quality Education , my wife Viveca Ycoy-Walton, my son Karter, parent peers, and my family for the support and inspiration. This journey has been about fighting for educational justice—ensuring that Black and Brown kids have access to the opportunities they deserve, from A-G requirements to inclusive environments with Pride flags flying. You never look to get recognized for #HEARTWORK but it’s nice when you do. 💜💙💜 Congratulations to all the other award recipients too‼️ Kareem Weaver , the leader of Cox Academy Omar Emmanuel Currie, Parent Leader Marlene Garcia & youth leader Benjamin Ceja ‼️ Like Rachel Willis-Henry, I speak my truth and fight for our children’s future. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Grateful for the village that uplifts and strengthens us all. #ParentOfTheYear #EducationJustice #OaklandReach #ItTakesAVillage #explore #awards #recognition #serviceaward

A heartfelt thank you to the FIA community for joining us on September 26th to celebrate the FIA Dirk and Rachel Awards! This year, we honored our first-ever Youth Leader of the Year, Benjamin Ceja, along with Educator of the Year, Kareem Weaver, and Parent Leader of the Year, Stephisha Ycoy-Walton. A special shout-out to Omar for receiving the Honorable Mention for the Dirk Tillotson Education Advocate Award, and Marlene for receiving the Honorable Mention for the Rachel Willis-Henry Parent Leader of the Year Award. Together, we carry on Dirk and Rachel's legacy in the fight for educational equity for all our students. Let’s keep pushing for change! 💪🏽

Appreciation post! We are so proud of the FIA parents and youth leaders who came together to host Oakland's largest candidate forum and ONLY forum hosted by family leaders. It's a joy to feel the power, confidence and efficacy of family leaders I watched grow over years. There is no limit to our power and impact in service of making sure every Oakland student has access to a excellent and equitable public education. Special shoutout to: Naborina A., Lodestar Lila, Lighthouse Rich H, LCps Lucinda Z., Aspire Lionel Wilson Maria V., Unity High Norma G, Lodestar Tunisia H, Lodestar Cecilia, Aspire LWP Mariela, UC Berkeley Emmanuel, Unity High Luis, Unity HIgh Dimond, Lodestar Mayra G, Bridges Kimi Kean Oakland Unified School District Jorge Lerma Clifford Thompson Sam Davis

I love stepping back as a Families in Action for Quality Education team. We are experiencing such a phase of rapid growth and demand for our family power building work. Appreciate the Bridges Transition Model for giving us a way to frame this phase - what we are letting go of so we can unleash our spirit of creativity and innovation to get to our new beginning. Love this amazing team of leaders! https://lnkd.in/e_R-7nSb

Nothing fills my bucket like witnessing parents and youth living into their leadership. Families in Action for Quality Education family leaders hosted a spectacular forum last week, putting questions to school board and city council candidates who wish to represent them. Big thanks to all the candidates who showed up because they know “When families rise, Oakland Thrives!” Dwayne Aikens Jr. Patrice Alexandra Berry Clifford Thompson Rachel Latta Warren Logan LeRonne Armstrong Rowena B. Benjamin Salop Charlene Wang

We are so excited to get 16-17 year olds registered to vote! Have a teen at this age who lives in Oakland Districts 1, 3, 5 or 7? Let's get them registered and have their voices be heard! https://lnkd.in/g6dKQvN

Last week, Family Engagement coordinators across Oakland met for their first Professional Learning Community (PLC) session of the school year. Every month these amazing coordinators from District and Charter Schools in Oakland will dive into family engagement and learn how to create Parent teams at their school sites. They will receive 1 on 1 support from an organizer and support from each other to help engage families in their students education and at the school. Oakland Unity High School @Hoover Elementary

Without fail, I leave Education Leaders of Color feeling grateful and invigorated by the brilliance of this community. I was honored to share our work Families in Action for Quality Education alongside @LaTishaVaugh of 3Es and Reverend Rhonda of @FaithinFloria who are building power and advocacy to fight attacks on CRT and teach the full truth about Black history; Vanessa from ABC in LA is doing incredible data driven work expanding the Latino vote. It was a blast to have Micia Mosely bring her comedic brilliance, watch Kamala slay at the Debate Watch Party and witness the inspirational talk on multiracial coalitions from Tulaine M. to bring us to a powerful close.

We just recently had the pleasure of joining the latest iteration of the California Early Literacy Coalition 2024-25 at the virtual kickoff! This coalition will focus on statewide literacy advocacy , policy work, and engagement with elected officials statewide to bring better alignment and support for all our students in California!