School

If you ever find yourself losing faith in humanity, spend some time at an elementary school, because these kids really are our future and it looks pretty good. The 50 plus second graders from Ms. Natassia Pura’s class at Lodestar Elementary in the School neighborhood are some of the most eager, engaged, and enthusiastic young people I’ve ever met. They were part of a several month photography project where they photographed each other and learned a bit about photography and portraits in the process. Rather than the usual signs with people talking about their neighborhoods, these young scholars made signs that tell us where their families are from. The story told in signs by this small microcosm of Oakland’s diverse population is a strong reminder that while we may all be from somewhere else, we’re all here now. So let’s all try to be more like these beacons of inspiration and hope.