Black To School with Kingmakers of Oakland

Join Kingmakers of Oakland Aug 8 at KOO Labs for Black to School! Interactive workshops, local vendors, and a school supplies drive.
About this Event

Kick off the school year with purpose, energy, and unity! Kingmakers of Oakland invites students, families, and neighbors to Black to School—an afternoon where youth brilliance meets collective action. Hosted right at the KOO Labs Design Center & Production House parking lot and studio, this community activation is designed to get our young people connected, inspired, and fully geared up for the academic year ahead.

Come out to support local vendors, network with neighborhood partner schools, grab a bite from local food trucks, and enjoy an interactive environment packed with culture and creativity.

What to Expect
🎒 School Supplies Drive

We are collecting donations and distributing essential school resources to ensure every student in our community can start their first day of school strong.

🏛️ The KOO Experience

Take an exclusive tour of our state-of-the-art multimedia facilities, view powerful youth-produced media, check out our featured videos, and see where the magic happens daily.

🎪 Community Marketplace

Network and socialize with brilliant local organizations, shop from neighborhood vendors, watch live activations on the main stage, and enjoy great local food.

🎨 Interactive Workshops: Unleash Your Creativity

Please note: Workshop breakout spaces are strictly limited to 30 attendees per cycle to keep sessions hands-on and impactful. Show up early to lock in your spot!

• Fashion Design Lab (with Bro Senay) Step into the studio to explore the world of streetwear and apparel design. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the foundations of style creation, from concept to execution, and discover what it takes to bring a clothing brand to life.
• Video Production & Visual Storytelling (with Bro Damari) Get behind the lens and learn how to capture the narrative of the Town. This session explores the basics of framing, camera movement, and digital storytelling, giving you the fundamental tools to create powerful, high-impact media.
• Animation & Digital Illustration (with Bro Otto) Bring your imagination to the screen! Dive into the world of animation and character design, where you’ll learn the core concepts of motion graphics, visual effects, and digital sketching to begin building your own animated worlds.
• Music Production & Beat Making (with Bro Bear) Find your rhythm and master the boards. This workshop introduces the essentials of sound engineering, track composition, and audio production, giving aspiring producers a foundation in creating studio-quality music.
• The Crowns Curriculum Experience (with Sis Nia) Connect, reflect, and lead. Grounded in cultural pride and self-determination, this workshop dives into Kingmakers’ signature Crowns Curriculum. Through engaging dialogue and reflection, attendees will explore identity, community leadership, and the power of their own story.

Schedule of the Day

• 1:00 PM: Doors Open | Community Marketplace & Food Vendors Open
• 1:15 PM: Welcome & Orientation
• 1:30 PM: Workshop Cycle 1 (Breakout spaces)
• 2:30 PM: Workshop Cycle 2 (Breakout spaces)
• 3:30 PM: Main Stage Activations, Resource Distribution, & Closing Affirmations

🎟️ Admission is completely free, but workshop slots are capped to ensure a high-quality experience. RSVP early to secure your spot!