Founding of Oakland Community School

In 1973, the Black Panthers opened the Oakland Community School in East Oakland. It is regarded as one of the nation’s first community schools — a model where public schools partner with community organizations to provide comprehensive support services alongside academic instruction. 

Many of the school’s practices formed the blueprint for community schools today. Today, our friends at KQED’s Mindshift podcast dive into the pioneering initiatives of the Black Panthers, and show how Oakland schools are using this model now.

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