Keynote Address with Dr. Cesar Cruz

From marching 76 miles to hunger striking for 26 days, César has dedicated his life to justice. Born in Guadalajara, México, he migrated to the U.S. with his mother and grandmother, growing up in South Central L.A. and later moving to the Bay Area to study. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in History.

An educator for 23 years, César has held leadership roles for 17 years, most recently as Dean of Secondary Schools Program at Harvard University. He co-founded the independent school, Making Changes, and has led the Homies Empowerment Program for gang-impacted youth in Oakland, CA.

Author of two books, César earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Harvard, becoming the first Mexican immigrant male to do so. He received the Jefferson Award for Public Service and currently serves as a Bridge Fellow for TNTP and on the advisory board of Broader Bolder Approach to Education.

Above all, he is proudest to be a husband and father of three: Olin, Amaru, and Quetzali. He can be reached at Cesar_Cruz@mail.harvard.edu.

Storytelling Performance by Jahi

Jahi (Ja-he), is a Kiswahili name meaning dignity. Born and raised in East Cleveland, Ohio, and now residing in Oakland, California, Jahi is an MC, artist, author, curator, and the director of Kingmakers Music and Youth Voice for Kingmakers of Oakland.

With 25 years in Hip Hop, Jahi has released 19 musical projects since 1999, many with Chuck D from Public Enemy. His discography includes albums on Tuff Gong International, Warner Music Denmark, and features on Def Jam, Universal, and Spitslam.

Jahi authored The Microphone Journeyman and The Intersection between Hip Hop Culture & Education. He has curated exhibits like Each One Teach One at the Black Panther Party Museum and Hip Hop 50 at The Oakland Museum of California. He has presented Hip Hop globally, including in Ghana, Ireland, and at the deYoung in San Francisco.

Formerly a Program Manager for African American Male Achievement at Oakland Unified School District. Son. Father. Avid chess player. He/Him. Human being. Lover of ornithology and nature. International traveler. Pan African.

www.kingmakersmusic.com
www.kingmakersofoakland.org