Video and Photos

As we began our day of interviews, we were told that there was a church nearby with an interesting sign in front pertaining to our project and budding careers as teachers:

Due to the nature of Skyline's student body, we had planned on being flexible with our interview locations and plans - this seemed like a logical place to start. Plymouth Jazz and Justice Church, on Monte Vista Ave, focuses their energies and social justice campaigns on education in Oakland, as evidenced by their "More Schools, Not Jails" sign prominently displayed in front of the church.

As we walked up to the front of the church, a young man followed us up on his way to Sunday services. We asked him if he'd be willing to speak with us and he was one of the most candid (and willing to be filmed/photographed!) interviews of the day. Similar to other students we spoke with, he emphasized the importance of a teacher's desire to be in the classroom as well as the need to understand how to navigate the system. His interview follows below:



Later, we spoke with a woman who is known as "The Doll Lady" in the community. She makes handmade small dolls and sells them on the street, with proceeds going to benefit abused children in the community. Originally from Louisiana, she at first did not have much to say about Oakland public schools. However, when we asked her about Skyline in particular, her response was stronger and her impression was that it's a school only for the rich kids.

Skyline HS 1972-73