At a moment when opportunities for student expression, arts education, and inclusive curricula are increasingly at risk, the 2025 Black History Oratorical Fest offered something deeply important: a joyful, community-rooted affirmation of Black history, artistry, and identity.
This year’s theme, “A Reclamation of Narrative: The Cultural Revolution of the Harlem Renaissance,” invited Berkeley students to explore a pivotal era of cultural expression, creativity, and empowerment—and to channel that legacy through their own experiences and spoken word. What unfolded on stage was powerful. But what happened behind the scenes was just as transformative.
This year’s Fest was the result of months of thoughtful collaboration across BUSD. Led by Kamar O’Guinn, Manager of the African American Success Project,
“The event came to life through the energy of educators, site leaders, and support staff who showed up—not because they had to, but because they believe in what this work represents.”
Together, they created a space where students felt seen, supported, and ready to shine.
Educators across the district worked with students to help them shape their pieces, often meeting after school or weaving it into classroom moments. At Washington Elementary, staff like OFEE Specialist Erica Hawkins, carved out extra time to coach students, helping younger performers tap into the history and rhythm behind their words. At King Middle School, literacy coaches helped guide content development with intention, ensuring students weren’t just performing—they were understanding, connecting, and embodying the theme. And at Berkeley Independent Study, staff made sure that students learning outside traditional school structures still had a place on that stage.
This wasn’t just about a single evening. It was about community. And that community extended far beyond the classroom. Families showed up in full force—not just in numbers, but in spirit. They clapped, cheered, and created the kind of energy that gives young people the courage to put themselves out there. 
“That overwhelming support reminded us that these moments of expression and celebration are only possible when youth feel held—by the
people around them and by the systems they move through.”
The BHOF 2025 Guidebook, written by Kamar with design support from Community Symbol was one of the key tools that brought this event to life.
Part resource, part roadmap, it grounded the theme in historical context and supported educators in bringing Harlem Renaissance teachings into classrooms district-wide. That’s how equity shows up—in the care, in the preparation, and in the collective effort to make sure every student has a chance to participate in meaningful, identity-affirming learning.
“Events like this don’t happen magically. They happen with intention,” said Kamar.
“And they matter—because our students deserve more than a moment. They deserve to see themselves in what they learn.”
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The Berkeley Public Schools Fund is proud—many years running—to support the Black History Oratorical Fest through our Equity Grantmaking Program. But the truth is: the real power lies in how we continue to choose to move forward—together.
Opportunities like this—for students to shine, for educators to go the extra mile, and for Black history to be celebrated meaningfully—require real investment. And in a time when public education continues to face cuts, that support matters more than ever.
If this moved you—if you believe in creating more moments like this—we’d love for you to be part of it. Your support truly helps make events and programs like this possible.
To learn more or make a gift today, visit us at www.BerkeleyPublicSchoolsFund.org/donate.
And to stay up to date on more initiatives like this, find us on social media @berkeleypublicschoolsfund.