Shaping The Future: The Importance of Creative Education

Women’s history month is a wonderful time to look back and reflect on the immeasurable accomplishments that women have made throughout the years to reshape culture and society as a whole. From breaking the glass ceiling to being role models for young girls, there are countless empowering women that deserve the spotlight for their vision and dedication that have resulted into lasting positive impacts in today’s world.

Meet Dr. Ida Oberman 
Dr. Ida Oberman is a powerhouse Waldorf schools advocate and the Executive Director and Founder of the Community School For Creative Education (CSCE) in Oakland. Dr. Oberman has supported thousands of young minds through culturally rich, holistic education. Based in the United States, Ida Oberman is a Dutch-born woman who attended a Waldorf school in Germany, an experience that has left a profound impact on her to this day. Waldorf education, also commonly referred to as Steiner education, is an educational system that revolves around developing children's intellect, artistic, and practical skills through holistic means.

Waldorf schools were also co-ed, which was somewhat unique for the time. For
Dr. Oberman, being able to experience this advanced education influenced her dynamic perspectives on education and allowed her to truly grasp the power that art had at healing the world. 

Upon moving to Germany when she was nine years old, Dr. Oberman’s parents enrolled her in a Waldorf school primarily because they discovered that it was a place that was more tolerant of non-German speaking students. She enjoyed every moment of learning and developing through art, music, and building relationships that fostered leadership skills. Furthermore, Dr. Oberman accredits her 3rd-grade teacher and mentor, Hanna Lindengert, and the founding principal of Urban Waldorf School Milwaukee, WI, Dorothy St Charles, for being key women who have helped shape her into the woman she has become today. 

Ida Oberman in her home town of Tübingen, Germany, preparing to move to New York City for her first teaching job, 1984 (top left) - Hanna Lindenberg & Ida Oberman, Stuttgart, Germany - Dorothy St. Charles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Community School for Creative Education Journey 
Upon graduating from school, Dr. Oberman chose to migrate to the United States to earn her Ph.D. Here she learned English as a foreign language and leveraged her previous holistic education foundation to succeed in her advanced career objectives. She always knew that the inspiration she received from her Waldorf education would translate into her opening a school someday. In fact, this was the beginning of a 20-year planning journey to make that blueprint vision a reality. But Dr. Oberman did not just plan to open a Waldorf school; she aimed to break away from the private sector and bridge the path to make this type of education available to everyone, launching the first-ever urban public Waldorf School in the world. 

Dr. Oberman became committed to bringing Waldorf education to society using the
public-school model so every child can have the education they deserved regardless of their economic status.

With this as her cornerstone angle, along with her tenacity and resilience, Dr. Oberman worked diligently with Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) since 2008. OCO convened a vast range of community leaders, public officials, educators, and parents helping to launch CSCE in 2011. This was a euphoric moment in her life that she simply describes as ‘incredible.’ 

CSCE Impacts 
Fast forward to today, Dr. Oberman takes immense pride in being able to provide children and youth with a Waldorf education that engages the whole child- head, hands and heart. To date, CSCE has built countless leaders such as Chiara Parks, who won the 2021 International Black Youth Techathon Education Series at age 11. Dr. Oberman is a creative fundraiser, and has formed a monumental intercultural network locally, state-wide and internationally. Some of those partners include The Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, Envision Learning Partners Bay Area Performance Network, BELL Learning, and the Alameda County Food Bank. Dr. Oberman also is a key ally with AHC, and together we have helped empower young minds through integrated arts education. According to Dr. Oberman, “Through art we grow into our true humanness in deep relationships with others. We are so thankful for our deep partnership.” 

Dr. Oberman is undoubtedly an educational advocate for all people, regardless of gender, race, or religion. But as a woman herself, she is exceptionally proud of how much opportunity has risen for women today and what they have accomplished from generation to generation. Now that she is established in her career, she finds great joy in being a mentor to others. She also understands the importance of  educational systems that allow young girls to capitalize on their strengths so they can live their lives to the absolute fullest and leave their own lasting marks that influence positive, global change.

"Education lays the foundation for a girl’s future" - Ida Oberman.

Women's History Month: Aeeshah Clottey (AHC Co-Founder)

March is Women’s History Month. We’d like to take the time to acknowledge the trailblazing women that are within our midst now. Women that have paved the way and dedicated themselves to laying a strong foundation for others to build, grow and thrive. First, we will acknowledge our co-founder and leader of the Attitudinal Healing Connection (AHC) in Oakland, Mrs. Aeeshah Clottey (known by many in the community as Ms. Aeeshah).

Born in Louisiana and the youngest of 12, she grew up picking cotton and being reared by her tenacious older sisters, heroic mother, and hard-working father. At age 15, Aeeshah migrated west to help her elder sisters who had settled in East Palo Alto to work and raise families. It was there that she finished high school, became the valedictorian of her class and got a full scholarship to UC Berkeley. At Berkeley, she became fully awakened to the impact of racism, witnessing how its insidious nature manipulated humanity’s capacity to live in unity. Her spiritual and philosophical evolution and the tumultuous civil rights movement of the 60’s led her to join the Nation of Islam. 

Dedicated to the Black liberation movement, she found that her journey had not ended as she sought truth through books that spoke to higher conscious thinking, awareness, and spirituality. At this point, she was introduced to a set of books, "A Course in Miracles," which connected her to a burgeoning Attitudinal Healing community in Tiburon, CA. This new relationship catalyzed a profound and effective shift in her thoughts and direction. Aeeshah knew there was more to learn and understand—her path led her into an inner journey of healing and a deeper connection to her purpose.  

In 1989, she co-founded AHC with her life partner and husband Kokomon Clottey. Since then, she has traveled the world, supported the development of other Attitudinal Healing Centers globally and written the published books: Beyond Fear, Twelve Spiritual Keys to Racial Healing (revised and published as Color Theory) and Eternal Quest for Happiness.

Through her work, passion, and commitment, she envisions a world where everyone is loved, educated and valued. Her notable projects involve parent and community engagement, workforce development for youth, and teaching the values of being a good neighbor while imparting the benefits of public housing. She is a woman beyond her time with the unique ability to connect with all communities and build an array of diverse allies to support the work of AHC.

AHC Providing Employment Training During the Covid-19 Crisis

In 2016, AHC launched Earn2Learn, a workforce development program designed to connect Oakland youth to local job opportunities. This year, the program is more vital than ever. The unemployment rate has jumped from 2.6% to 7.7% in Alameda county within the last year, and the number continues to rise due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The program is a much needed resource for the community we serve, primarily engaging Oakland youth ages 16-24. Workshops include resume building, cover letter writing and presentations from local business leaders. This year we also covered workplace safety measures relating to Covid-19. Students are challenged to think deeply about the true meanings of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. 

Zyaire Knighten graduated from Earn2Learn over the summer and has been working at AHC since October, helping with the ArtEsteem Art Kit program. There has been a high demand for art kits and AHC recently fulfilled an order of 7,500 kits for the San Francisco Unified School district in partnership with Flax Art Store. Zhaire has found the work to be rewarding, “We are working on some new art kits that include clay, water colors, construction paper, pencil, pencil sharpeners- I love the work!”

Employment opportunities are not limited to AHC. The Earn2Learn program has partnered with a highly diverse group of Oakland based businesses including: Mandela Foods, Flax Art Store, Sankofa African Arts and Jewelry, Kingston 11 Cuisine and Community Foods Market. The program graduates are able to take the skills they learn through the program to the next phase of their career. Zhaiye has built up her confidence through the program, and plans to attend medical school in the future. “I will recommend Earn2Learn to others,” says Zyaire.

Creating everlasting change.
When you donate to AHC, you are supporting programs like Earn2Learn that create real change in the lives of young people. We hold a vision of sustainable, resilient, and adaptable communities that can thrive under any situation. Make a donation today to help youth thrive by providing access and support for the workforce of tomorrow.

AHC Partners with FLAX Art & Design

AHC has partnered with FLAX Art & Design to supply children, youth and families with premium art supplies through the Art YOU Ready? campaign. FLAX is a family owned business and has been at the center of the Bay Area arts community since 1938.

AHC is preparing to distribute 3,000 Art Kits to Alameda County children and families. Our focus is on empowering the communities most in need, in our immediate area; strengthening and inspiring our neighborhoods to be prepared and creative.

Youth Spotlight

Darrion Blackmon (pictured right) came to AHC though our Earn2Learn Program. He is now working at FLAX Art & Design, located in downtown Oakland.

Through Earn2Learn, Darrion has a permanent job in a creative environment that allows growth and encourages leadership.

• Each year, Earn2Learn provides Oakland youth with job opportunities in their own community; fulfilling an urgent need during this time.

• AHC partners with business owners, both large and small, building relationships with entrepreneurs at all levels.

When you donate to AHC, you are supporting programs like Earn2Learn which give work opportunities to young people in under-served communities.

Art YOU Ready? Campaign Launch!

The COVID-19 pandemic, racial justice-related unrest, and present climate
crises highlight the importance of connectedness and community in
the face of uncertainty.

Fires and hurricanes thrive in greater intensity and number every year. Marginalized communities respond to unchecked police power and brutality.
The pandemic poses threats to everyone we know and love. The moment calls, now more than ever, for investment in community, in the shared mental and spiritual condition. 

Our children will change the world, and we know that art empowers
them to grow. 

AHC helps children and families prepare for the future through art. Through the Art YOU Ready? campaign, we aim to distribute 3,000 Art Kits to Alameda County children and families to direct them to crucial emergency resources
and to create self-awareness and community engagement through art.
We hope to embolden the communities first affected by present crises.

Art skills empower child development and community engagement. At AHC, we have served Bay Area families by empowering artistic expression since 1989. With this new campaign, we aim to address this pivotal moment by empowering students to express themselves through artistic response. When you give today, your gift puts quality art materials in a child’s hands alongside disaster readiness information; keeping families creative and safe!

AHC recognizes the opportunity to invest in children and their families through the
Art YOU Ready? campaign.

Your donation enables distribution of Art Kits that artfully prepare
students for emergency.

Health Update for AHC Founder Kokomon Clottey

Dear Friends of AHC,

Since love is eternal, change need not be viewed as fearful.
2020 has offered many surprises and opportunities to go inward, reflect,
connect and shift what we are accustomed to.

In January of 2020, our dedicated leader, co-founder and father of AHC,
Kokomon Clottey had a stroke. This indelible occurrence left him fighting to
recover mobility, speech and much more. Along with the onset of Covid-19,
Kokomon had taken this hit with an unwavering stride and was on the road
to recovery until July 2020 when he suffered a heart attack and another
set of strokes.

These unfortunate events have created a profound shift in our direction
and scope. Over his 30 year commitment to AHC, Kokomon has helped us
gain credence, fiscal viability and brought a global perspective that helped
root our work in indigenous African wisdom and methods. He is deeply loved
and respected by so many.

We ask now for your prayers and thoughtful messages for recovery. We know
through the teachings of Mindful Drumming that when we join as one and in
rhythm, miracles can happen. We need your rays of magical healing light now.
And so it is!

If you would like to support AHC founders Kokomon and Aeeshah Clottey
in our GoFundMe effort to offset their cost of hospital bills, medications and
home care, please click here. The development of AHC has been their life's work.
They have freely and compassionately given their love, time and resources
to building AHC.

Thank you in advance for your love and blessings.

Peace,

Amana Harris
Executive Director, AHC

Earn2Learn Provides Jobs for Oakland Youth!

Earn2Learn is a youth-employment program that provides Oakland youth with training and employment opportunities. This year participants have been able to work with local businesses such as Sankofa African Arts and Jewelry, Flax Art Store, and Community Foods Market amongst many others.

The goal of the program is to provide youth in Oakland an opportunity to earn income while developing their employment skills, and building self-esteem through work experience. Earn2Lean is managed by AHC in coordination with Lao Family Community Development Inc. and the Oakland Housing Authority.

Oakland youth graduate from our Earn2Learn program (2019)

Hoovers Students Help Design MLK Banners

Last week our student-designed banners were installed on Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Oakland.  The students' involvement in the community banners project has been in development since January of 2019.  The project was presented to AHC by the San Pablo Area Revitalization Collaborative (SPARC). It presented AHC with the opportunity to lead a beautification project that would have a lasting legacy in the Hoover-Foster community. The first and original theme of the banners was centered on community identity, whereas the second and final installment of banners pay homage to the great social justice activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The first set of banners were installed on San Pablo Avenue, between Brockhurst and 29th Street. The second set of banners are installed on Martin Luther King Jr. Way,
between 32nd and 29th Street.

San Pablo Avenue & 31st Street

The MLK banners were student-designed and led with the support of community members of Resident Action Council (RAC), primarily Ms. Annette Miller. The students from Hoover Elementary were offered the opportunity to submit an artistic rendition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an entry to win the opportunity to convert the artwork into a banner to be installed on  MLK Jr. Way. Over forty student submissions were retrieved. A winner was selected unanimously by RAC.

Martin Luther King Jr. Way & 32nd Street

With the additional support of Gold Metropolitan Media and the City of Oakland, the MLK banners
were installed the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, just in time to celebrate and remember the
many teachings of one of the world's most iconic civil rights leaders. One year later, the entire process
has expanded and strengthened the community as a whole. Collaborative efforts were exercised and generational connections were established for years to come. - Eduardo Escobedo, ArtEsteem Instructor

Thank You, ArtEsteem Exhibition 2019

ArtEsteem students from Hoover Elementary School in Oakland.

Friends, families and community allies!

Thank you for gracing us with your presence, smiles, cheers and accolades at AHC's 21st Annual ArtEsteem Exhibition! ArtEsteem students put their heart and soul into their artwork and we had one of our most successful exhibition openings to date. We are so appreciative of AHC volunteers who worked with passion to engage our young people and make this event a success!

ArtEsteem instructor “Mr. Justin” with family

Life-sized self portrait by ArtEsteem student Isabella Alonzo, “Let Us In”

BAYCAT Filming at AHC

We loved having our friends from BAYCAT at AHC this morning! BAYCAT is a nonprofit based in San Francisco that provides media education and jobs for youth of color. Their mission is to end inequality and racism through the art of storytelling.

This morning they interviewed AHC co-founders Kokomon and Aeeshah Clottey for a documentary on food justice in black communities. We will keep you posted about it’s release date!

pictured: AHC co-founder Kokomon Clottey

pictured: BAYCAT staff

pictured: AHC co-founder Aeeshah Clottney