"When you think of OSA and performances you don’t think of Literary Arts as one of them." --- Winnie Yuasa, 6th grade
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 Corbrae Smith, otherwise known as Mr. C, is OSA’s new Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator ( J.E.D.I ).Before Smith worked at OSA he was an ethnic/art teacher for 11 years.
Smith is an artist who attended The Academy of Art University of San Francisco and graduated with a degree in traditional illustration. “As of a year ago when I slowed down, I would vend at a ton of events, I am a part of two mural non-profits: BAMP and local Color, I also have collaborated with the SJ Sharks a few times,” Smith explained. “I started working at OSA because Ms. Hernandez told me she thought all of the skills that I have been developing over my years of teaching would transfer super well over to this position,” Smith said. “I had also been throwing around the idea of leaving the classroom and this felt like a manifestation. I am also so passionate about impacting the youth, I felt like this would be a perfect fit for me.” When I asked Smith about his experience of being a J.E.D.I. Coordinator, he said, “I love being the J.E.D.I. here at OSA. I feel like my position allows me to get to know so many different kinds of kids which is fun. I also get to support the students with developing their conflict management skills.” When I asked Smith to explain what DEI was he said, “DEI stands for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I have been deep into that work my whole teaching career -as an ethnic studies art teacher I centered the kids' learning around building their empathy muscles which is the prerequisite to kids critically thinking about DEI as it relates to societal issues.” Smith said that the most challenging part about working at OSA was“Forming new relationships, getting an understanding for the culture and history of the school, getting to know your role and how you fit in is very challenging.” The most fun part about working at OSA? “Getting to hang out with all the kids and going to all the shows is hands down the most fun part of working here,”he said. I’m sure everybody is wondering “What does Smith do outside of OSA ?” I asked him and he said,, “I am leading a pretty boring life these days. I get home and play videogames with my partner, watch Survivor and paint. I also have a weekly game night with my friends, but I am pretty low key these days.” I also asked Smith what his favorite grade is, and he said this, “The 6th graders are so sweet! AND every grade has its place in my heart.” When I asked Smith if there’s something that we should know about him that we don't, he shared that, “I love taking VERY long walks in neighborhoods that are new to me to appreciate all the beautiful homes we have here in Oakland.”  OSA production of DReamgirls was a smashing hit! but how much work was put into this?-- Lottie Mills, 7th grade  "Lilah has a very interesting sanctuary, but what is it? IS it her pet rat?"-- DOmino H.C, 8th grade  "Popularized in Catholic churches across 14th century Europe, the word sanctuary refers to a holy" -- CeCe Burger, 8th grade  "Alice Stewart is a Literary Arts 7th grader who attends Oakland School for the Arts. She is a passionate writer and a great person. She is kind to everyone and always takes pride in her work. Alice is a great part of a sanctuary because she’s always looking out for people."-- Vanessa schulte, 6th grade  "Sanctuary is a big word with no exact definition; it is left for people to decide what sanctuary is for them, and for Paloma Bastos, it’s an important thing to get her through the day."--Yuri Espinoza, 7th grade  "For Evie Ahlers, a 6th Grader in Literary Arts here at OSA, sanctuary is a place to cope and feel listened to."--Adela Orozco, 6th grade |
