• Dr. Charquita Arnold, Principal

    Dr. Arnold is an equity driven leader and practitioner of equitable, liberatory, and healing-based pedagogies. She has been a secondary educator for 10 years gaining experience from Atlanta to California. As a teacher, she led a Teaching for Black Lives book study, designed curriculum for Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, and hosted a Unity Rally and other multicultural events. As a past drama, language arts, and history teacher, Dr. Arnold enjoys helping students express themselves, learn about the world, and find their voice. One of Dr. Arnold’s greatest joys before the principalship was working as a Human Rights Trainer with the California Teachers Association. She enjoys writing and performing spoken word poetry, vibing to good music, and finding time to laugh. Dr. Arnold is also a Black Teacher Project Fellow and a Diversity in Leadership (DLI) Fellow. Her joy comes from building with the community she serves to ensure justice, joy, knowledge, and thriving are attained for all. She believes that students can do all things with the right support, systems, and services. She looks forward to serving the Sankofa United Community!

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    Erica Macklin

    Erica Macklin, Community School Manager

     

    Erica Macklin has worked with students and families for over a decade with the Oakland Unified School District. Throughout her career she has held many roles in leadership from a paraeducator to Resources Specialist. She has been on the Sankofa campus since 2014 as an advocate for students, families, and the community at large.As the Sankofa United Community School Manager, her role is critical in integrating the partnership work of the school with its academic mission. Erica serves as a high-level administrator by managing, leading, and coordinating the community work to support school and student needs. This work is accomplished by conducting ongoing needs assessments to provide proper alignment with school, student and family core values. Mrs. Macklin serves with a strong equity lens and strives for equality in education for all students.

     

    Erica earned a bachelorś degree from Holy Names in Oakland, California and is a wife and mother of two daughters.

     

    Elissa Moriarty, Teacher on Special Assignment

    Elissa Moriarty is a passionate elementary educator, with ten years of classroom teaching experience in 1st through 4th grade and twelve years as a mentor and coach to teachers. She is committed to the well-being of students and supporting teachers in maximizing their students' learning through equitable, high-quality instruction. Elissa brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective that drives her practice. She has worked in a variety of settings, including OUSD, an urban charter school, and independent schools, collaborating with teachers and school leadership to transform instruction and culture. Her work is rooted deeply in equity and social emotional learning, finding ways to raise the voices and meet the needs of all students. Elissa is committed to transforming the educational experience of students by leading teachers in their own growth, resilience, and understanding of how to best serve their students. Elissa has been working in OUSD since 2018 and is the proud mother of two Sankofa United scholars! 

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    Mr. D

    Derrick Wesby, After School Program Coordinator

     

    Derrick Wesby, affectionately known as "Mr. D", is the Bay Area Community Resources After School Program Coordinator. Derrick began his career with BACR in 2006 on the Sankofa campus as an instructor. Derrick has over 15 years experience within the education and social justice realm and has held titles such as program assistant, intervention specialist, and resource specialist. Derrick supports students, families and staff through programs that not only enrich student academic learning but also support student social emotional growth. Derrick's mission is to provide a safe space for youth, support student agency, and advocate for the Sankofa United community. Derrick has received many awards and accolades including the 2019 Superintendent Recognition Award. Derrick is a proud father and community member who is committed to social change in the community.

     

     

     

     

     

    Mrs. Kehinde Salter is a classically trained vocalist, dancer, and actress with a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts, a minor in music, and is currently working towards her MA in educational leadership and administrative services credential. She has served as an educator for the past 24 years, and has performed professionally for over 30, utilizing the performing arts as a means to educate students and audiences alike. An accomplished vocalist, Mrs. Salter has recorded for, and performed with the Kaleo Christian Fellowship Choir, the Go Tell It Ensemble, Umoja Jazz Ensemble, the African Roots of Jazz, Ma’at Jazz and Performance Ensemble, the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and the Prairie View A&M University Concert Chorale. Beginning her vocal studies at the age of 12, Salter trained with Norma Levister at UC Berkeley's Young Musician's Program until graduating from high school. Starting out as a dancer for the Imhotep Dance Ensemble, Salter performed for such legends as Katherine Dunham, and Winnie and Nelson Mandela. Specializing in Hip-Hop, West African, Majorette, Stepping, Tap, and Liturgical Dance, Mrs. Salter began her dance studies  with Linda Johnson. An instructor full of energy, and enthusiasm, Salter has taught dance for Stanford University, California State University East Bay, Berkeley City College and numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, conservatories, dance and theater arts schools and companies throughout the greater Bay Area. Currently the artistic director and co-founder of Lyric Performing Arts Academy, former performing arts instructor and fine arts co-chair at Fremont High School, she is also the director of OUSDs Oakland Performing Arts Intensive for summer learning.