Welcome
As an activist, former political prisoner & leader in the Black Panther Party, educator & student I’ve devoted my life to the equitable treatment of all human beings—beyond the boundaries of race, age, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability and status associated with citizenship.
For the past 37 years I have lectured across the country and internationally on issues relating to the well-being of women, children & youth; restorative justice as the antidote to punitive justice; whole being education, and the role of spiritual practice in sustaining activism and promoting social change.
I spent 14 years in the Black Panther Party—the highlight being my eight years as Director of the renowned Oakland Community School from 1973-1981. During that time I became both the first Black person & the first woman appointed to the Alameda Co. Board of Education.
I had the honor of being an instructor at San Francisco State University, California State University-East Bay and the Peralta Community College District in the last fifteen years. During that time I learned that, as a teacher I must first be a student; as a student I must be willing to teach.
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I meditate every day. I write poetry. I read to hone my critical thinking skills. I believe that we learn best by listening to and engaging one another as we serve the world.
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May this year bring you to a deeper understanding of your life and work.
Welcome to my website.