February is Black History Month

Celebrate our Oakland public school graduates that have become leaders in their field!

Oakland's public schools have graduated many men and women that went on to become leaders and agents of change in their fields.  For Black History Month, we are showcasing two iconic graduates that made a lasting impact in politics and sports.

Politician and civil rights activist Ron Dellums (1935 – 2018) was a ‘52 grad of Oakland Tech!  He served in the U.S. Marines before earning degrees in psychology and social work. He went on to be a U.S. Representative for nearly three decades (1971-1998).  

A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus,  he was the first Black person to chair the House Armed Services Committee. He played a key role in passing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which imposed sanctions on South Africa. After leaving Congress, he served as the Mayor of Oakland, 2007-11. Dellums left a lasting impact on American politics. 

How about BIll Russell (1934 – 2022) iconic basketball player and coach and a graduate of McClymonds High School!  While an athelete at University of San Francisco he faced racist insults and exclusion despite leading the team to 2 NCAA championships. He went on to lead the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career and be a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star. He also made history as the first Black head coach in the NBA, guiding the Celtics to two championships as a player-coach. Off the court, Russell was a prominent civil rights activist, advocating for equality and justice throughout his life.

Dellums and Russell are just two of many!  Who would you want to recognize?