24th Annual Oscar Wright African American Academic Excellence Celebration Carries On Without its Namesake

Like it is every year for this popular event, Acts Full Gospel Church was filled with students, families, and school staff for the annual Oscar Wright African American Academic Excellence Celebration. This was the 24th year of the event, but this year, it was different, because it was the first time that the namesake was not in attendance. Oscar Wright passed away last fall. Yet, because of the impact he had on education and young people in Oakland, he still loomed large at the May 12th event at Acts Full Gospel Church. "I feel really happy that I got honored for Oscar Wright. I'm really happy about that, specifically for this ceremony. So, I'm really happy," said Cali Hornage, a Westlake Middle School 6th grade honoree.

Throughout the evening, Wright, who founded the event to celebrate Black boys and girls across the District for their academic accomplishments, played a prominent role for honorees and their loved ones. "I think it's very powerful to know this legacy, that we're receiving this award. And the fact that so many of us are here today, it's a lot of information to know, it's very empowering to think about, and it shows what we have been through and how we have grown," said Maliya Brandy, an Oakland High 9th grade honoree.

The celebration got underway with the singing of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and then it moved on to uplifting speeches by leaders including OUSD's Chief of Staff, Dr. Dexter Moore Jr., who said, "Remember that your brilliance is your birthright, discipline is your superpower, and community, this community, is your launch pad. Keep listening, keep learning, keep leading."

Oscar Wright was a World War II veteran who grew up in the segregated south, picking cotton in Mississippi. After college and his military service, Wright moved to California, settling in Oakland. He then spent decades advocating for equal education for students of color.

Before students received their awards, several District staff members were honored, including Coron Brinson from Skyline High School, as Assistant Principal of the Year. "It means a lot to follow in the legacy of Oscar Wright," he said. "I know that he paved the way for me as a Black man to be able to be in this position, to be an assistant principal here in the city of Oakland. Without the hard work that he did, I wouldn't be possible. So, I'm really thankful, and really happy to be seen for the hard work that I do every day up at Skyline. And it's truly an honor to be here today."

Emerson Elementary Principal Shawn Stibbins received the Principal of the Year award, Vinh Trinh from the Linked Learning Office received the Jean Wing Award, and Cynthia Adams, the President of the Oakland Branch of the NAACP received the Community Award. Jamila Levine from Castlemont High and David Pratt from Piedmont Avenue Elementary received Facilitator of the Year awards for African American Female Excellence and African American Male Achievement respectively. Community member Oral Lee Brown was also honored for her decades of work helping more than 160 students get their college education.

Families know well the impact that Wright had on Oakland's young people. "He was such an amazing person, my Dad also knew him, my Mom and Dad. And he was such an awesome person. I love the way that he gave back to the community. He came from the community, and he gave back to the community. And as far as the Oscar Wright award goes, it's such a privilege and honor to be represented by that man… She's very proud, we're all very proud of her," said mother Regina Bellow of her Fremont High senior honoree.

Another education leader was also honored at the event, one who has had a huge impact on the District and its students, and that is the outgoing Superintendent. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell for extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment, and deep-rooted love for Oakland's students, families, and staff," said Jerome Gourdine, the Director of Student Achievement in the District's Office of Equity.

After receiving her award, Dr. Johnson-Trammell called on the audience to continue the fight for an outstanding education for all." Let's keep making sure every single student in Oakland gets everything that they need so that they can fulfill their dreams. That's what it's all about at the end of the day, that's what this whole celebration is all about. You know, people love hating on Oakland. But look around you. Look how many brilliant students come out of Oakland every single year."

Dr. Johnson-Trammell's words echoed Oscar Wright's motto about education, "It's not about me, it's not about you, it's about the children."

Nearly 2,000 students from middle and high schools across the District received honors at the event, which included a medal designed with a "Mate Masie" Adrinka symbol, which translates to, "What I hear, I keep." OUSD congratulates all the students for their hard work and dedication to their education.