The purpose of this unit is for students to explore concepts that are not as prevalent in standard curriculum. We want to give students an opportunity to learn about Oakland activists who have created positive changes that impact us to this day. In doing so, students gain a new perspective that combats the dominant narratives of history/groups of people. Often, the Ethnic Studies units are the first time students ever hear about certain activists. Students will use their critical thinking skills and make connections between the past/present and reflect on how it ties into their own values as human beings. We also hope to uplift and highlight the power/impact of indigenous folks. Students will understand how Native Americans lived with the land in a reciprocal way. They will also learn about tribes from a lens of empowerment, while also highlighting the realities of colonization. Students will learn that indigenous people are not just part of history; they are still here.

This unit will focus on SELF & STORIES as it recognizes CULTURE as MEDICINE, centering cultures that have been marginalized, specifically those of Black Indigenous, and People of Color. In doing so, this unit will examine and re-examine dominant narratives found in current local and global multimedia (text, music, cartoons, movies, magazines, etc…) to address and dismantle white supremacy, anti-Black and BIPOC bias, as well as local (Oakland) history. Students will work towards developing and sharing their truths in the formation of their Autoethonographies/Origin Stories to share and build with others.