YU's youth leadership team, Rise Up, has been focused on skill-building and developing campaigns around issues that impact young people in Oakland.
They have also hosted several events this winter including a game and movie night, Valentine's party for kids in the neighborhood, our annual holiday party, and a series of events for Black History Month. We are proud to see their growth as a team and most importantly, the self-reflection and pride they have expressed on this journey.
Rise Up Awarded Youth Mini Grant
The Rise Up team was excited to be awarded a grant from the City of Oakland's ReCAST Project Youth-to-Youth Mini-Grant. Grantees were awarded for their proposals that supported community resiliency and healing in our Oakland community.
Black History Month Event
Community Altar & Healing Circle
During Black History Month, Rise Up chose the theme 'Black Excellence' and hosted weekly events for members. After dealing with a series of losses, Rise Up members felt compelled to create a safe space within the Center where YU members and the community could come to grieve and heal. They wanted to remember and celebrate their peers, family members, and influential leaders that have passed within their community. Rise Up has also created an altar in the YU living room that they invite the community to contribute to.
The event opened with an African drumming performance by Kuufa Talking Drums Kenyatta who shared some history as well as their personal connection to this tradition. Attendees were invited to play and learn how to "make the drums talk." At the conclusion of the event participants were a part of a healing circle led by Rosesharon Oates and Gina Hill in which they saged the space and shared their positive intentions for each other.
Valentine’s Party
Rise Up was inspired to plan a party for kids in the community on Valentine's Day. They were excited to host younger children and provide them with fun outdoor activities and art projects. The event was a huge success thanks to the hard work of Rise Up!
Annual Holiday Party
YU held its 14th annual holiday event to celebrate our youth and members of the Castlemont Community by providing 100 members with warm weather clothing such as jackets, scarves, and socks. Rise Up assisted with setting up the gift shop, and supported throughout the event as well as providing a dance performance!
Additionally, YU partnered with groups such as Oaklandish who donated hats for the event, and Sephora, who kindly donated beauty kits. Pixar donated an abundance of toys for younger youth which were supplemented by a generous donation the Darryl Reed Foundation! Youth Uprising was also able to supply our members with a slew of other items including speaker boxes, undergarments, gloves and other apparel and accessories kindly donated by local brands.
The holiday party showcased local talent Mally Bo, DJ Toure from Hieroglyphics and more who were huge draws for our members!
