change

Even tho the streets of East Oakland seem dark at times, There is Always a ray of light that will shine and inspire Greatness. If you take the time to search for that Pot Of Gold You will come to find That East OAKLAND is A Beautiful Place to Live! In this picture are My children (Kahlil Age 9 N Po`Peion age 6) Pointing at the Rainbow over Havenscourt and Bancroft Ave, in East Oakland Saying, "See I Told You There is A Pot of Gold!"

Jay tells how it used to be in the East Oakland she knew growing up, and the changes today.  She encourages us to talk TO young people, rather than AT them. "You'd be surprised," she says. "Theres a lot of talent on those corners."

This video is part 1 of an interview with Jay by our media partner First Voice Action Media at our second Community Storytelling Day, and edited into two videos with Jay's powerful observations about the community.

Minh-Tram Nguyen, principal of EnCompass Academy, talks about her philosophy of educating the whole child- Mind, Body, Spirit and Emotions, and the challenges and rewards of working in East Oakland.  The video was shot on October 25, 2008 at the first Our Oakland Community Storytelling Day.