Local Graduate Inspires Youth
Alameda Sun
Thursday, June 30, 2005
By Valerie Creque
Aries are said to be independent, pioneers and natural leaders. For one 23-year-old College of Alameda (COA) graduate, these characteristics ring true. Through adversity, this young man became a voice for the voiceless.
Reggie James leads by example and reaches out to the community through his activism. May 27 James received Associate of Arts degrees in sociology and psychology — two of six A.A.s he plans to earn.
James was born in Oakland, grew up in Alameda and attended Encinal High School. Along with his single mother, Deborah, James briefly stayed in a shelter on Constitution Way before moving to the Buena Vistas, now known as the Harbor Island apartment complex. In November 2004, James, his mother and more than 1,000 other residents received eviction notices. James and his mother moved out right away. Some residents felt the
evictions were unjust. James spoke out.
“I tried to represent the voice of the young people,” he said. “That was a voice that wasn’t being heard.”
James had to attend classes while he and his mother looked for another place in Alameda. He took action and joined the Harbor Island Tenants Association (HITA). James went to meetings and reported back to other residents.
“It was kind of natural that I was involved,” James said.
He found himself in protests and speaking before the city council.
James felt he was not only representing youth, but also the disabled, immigrants and refugees.
Through his Harbor Island activism, James met Mosetta Rose London. Though not a tenant of the complex, London spoke on behalf of those evicted from Harbor Island.
“I really respect the young man,” London said. “In spite of all the stress, Reggie kept going — he didn’t just give up.”
James is also member of Renewed Hope, a nonprofit that aims to find affordable housing on the Island. James said people shouldn’t have to be part of the elite to live in Alameda.
While at COA, James became vice president of the Black Student Union, an organization that serves as a support network for black students.
True to the word’s meaning, James said, “Commencement for me is just the beginning.”
Even though he graduated, James is still attending COA. He plans to continue his education and earn A.A.s in business, English, African-American studies and social sciences.
Until then, James will continue his job as activities director of the West Alameda Team
Club. There, James mentors adolescents and helps them create resumes.
Eventually, James hopes to transfer to San Francisco State and study psychology.
“I love working directly with youth,” he said. “What I definitely see myself doing with my life is community building.”
After the ceremony, James headed to work — in full cap and gown — so the kids could visualize his insight. Then, he walked past his old, now boarded up Harbor Island apartment. And instead of partying, James headed home for a nap.
Alameda Sun
Thursday, June 30, 2005
By Valerie Creque
Aries are said to be independent, pioneers and natural leaders. For one 23-year-old College of Alameda (COA) graduate, these characteristics ring true. Through adversity, this young man became a voice for the voiceless.
Reggie James leads by example and reaches out to the community through his activism. May 27 James received Associate of Arts degrees in sociology and psychology — two of six A.A.s he plans to earn.
James was born in Oakland, grew up in Alameda and attended Encinal High School. Along with his single mother, Deborah, James briefly stayed in a shelter on Constitution Way before moving to the Buena Vistas, now known as the Harbor Island apartment complex. In November 2004, James, his mother and more than 1,000 other residents received eviction notices. James and his mother moved out right away. Some residents felt the
evictions were unjust. James spoke out.
“I tried to represent the voice of the young people,” he said. “That was a voice that wasn’t being heard.”
James had to attend classes while he and his mother looked for another place in Alameda. He took action and joined the Harbor Island Tenants Association (HITA). James went to meetings and reported back to other residents.
“It was kind of natural that I was involved,” James said.
He found himself in protests and speaking before the city council.
James felt he was not only representing youth, but also the disabled, immigrants and refugees.
Through his Harbor Island activism, James met Mosetta Rose London. Though not a tenant of the complex, London spoke on behalf of those evicted from Harbor Island.
“I really respect the young man,” London said. “In spite of all the stress, Reggie kept going — he didn’t just give up.”
James is also member of Renewed Hope, a nonprofit that aims to find affordable housing on the Island. James said people shouldn’t have to be part of the elite to live in Alameda.
While at COA, James became vice president of the Black Student Union, an organization that serves as a support network for black students.
True to the word’s meaning, James said, “Commencement for me is just the beginning.”
Even though he graduated, James is still attending COA. He plans to continue his education and earn A.A.s in business, English, African-American studies and social sciences.
Until then, James will continue his job as activities director of the West Alameda Team
Club. There, James mentors adolescents and helps them create resumes.
Eventually, James hopes to transfer to San Francisco State and study psychology.
“I love working directly with youth,” he said. “What I definitely see myself doing with my life is community building.”
After the ceremony, James headed to work — in full cap and gown — so the kids could visualize his insight. Then, he walked past his old, now boarded up Harbor Island apartment. And instead of partying, James headed home for a nap.
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