During the school year of 2013-2014, Culture Keepers was born. The building of this group was to promote self-awareness, an understanding of self by learning the history of the African diaspora and to motivate youth to see themselves as ambassadors of themselves and communities. As youth gained interest and began to see themselves outside of everyday stereotypes but students with potential, we asked the question "Would you go to Africa"? With many criteria and needs that must be meet, Ms. K knew the exact place: South Africa. So it began, with a push to see this happen, there were many sleepless nights but with a  driven mind, she made it happen!  

 

And in the summer of 2015 and a spring of  2017, two groups of students were given the opportunity! They took off in Oakland, CA and landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they explored, learned the history of this country and were given South African names. On these trips, students have gotten the opportunity to go on safaris, visit two different Apartheid museums and meet other students their own age. Both students and adults on theses trip were given the responsibility to document the trip and can be seen through these photos. We are heading out again, Spring 2019!