In the warm summer of 1997, my father Jamal took me to the train station because I was moving to Marin County, California. He said it was for you to get a fresh start, away from the grit and grime, crime and violence of the urban environment we call home. He need to change from a bad environment to one that looks like you step in a movie scene. And so, on aboard the train engineer shouted. I hug the family goodbye and off to the west coast.
My family was always focused on one thing: our education. More so, the aspect of the school system was more like here we go again. The first stop was in Arizona then to the Los Angeles train station and from there I’ll be boarding a greyhound bus that would take me to Northern California Marin County.
As I arrive in Marin County Greyhound bus station. My aunt and uncle were there to pick me up. It’s a long ride to Corte’ Madera where my aunt and uncle reside so talked about what I planning on doing while I’m out here and my aunt handed me a sheet of paper she had already outlined activities for me to do. On this outline she had me going to Marin City community center every Wednesday. I asked her why do have me going to Marin City Community Center every Wednesday. Her response was you’ll see when you get there.
Every Wednesday evening, right after work, his auntie would drop him off at Marin City Community Center to attend class to keep him busy and his mind fresh. I would ask my auntie what was the class about she told me you will see when you get there.
Walking down the corridor to where the class was being held. It was like stepping into a parallel world of education, love, understanding, and enlightenment. Pictures of revolutionaries, men and women of significant prominence within the African American community lined the walls. A larger-than-life mural of a Black Panther watched over us like a benevolent guardian. The heart of the Community Center was this classroom - the Black Panther Association. My aunt had an unwavering faith in the depths of the Black Panther Party, a group that fueled African American culture during its most tumultuous period.
Hence, when I moved, the one constant thing that will always followed me was the devotion towards our black heritage. It made its way into our home through the things we ate, the clothes we wore, and most importantly, through the class I was enrolled in - the Marin City Community Center.
We studied various subjects like any other school, but it was through a different lens, a different perspective - not a Black Perspective either but an all race perspective. I was not just taught history, but the history of my ancestors. I wasn’t merely taught about science, but also the significant contributions that African Americans had made to science. Our education didn’t stop at teaching us facts; it delved into the importance of building strong character and personal values rooted in our African American heritage and society.
At first, the change seemed overwhelming, the classes far from regular and quite different from my previous schools. But it was the openness of my peers, the fervor of our educators, and my aunt constant assurance that eased me into this vibrant world.
Each time I looked at my auntie dropping me off at Marin City Community Center, I could see her eyes welling up with pride. She had not only transported me geographically but also exposed me to an era of passionate African American activism that ran in our blood. My Auntie was indeed opening my eyes, shaping my world view, one Wednesday at a time.
At first I did not understand the gravity of the education I was receiving at the Black Panther Classroom at the time, nor did I understand my aunt dedication to this cause. Today, over two decades later, I stand indebted to the men and women at the Marin City Community Center that went beyond textbook teachings, presenting the essence of who we are as a people, emphasizing the importance of being rooted in our past as we navigate our future.
In my heart, every day is a Wednesday, filled with vivid memories of the old Lincoln Continental, narrow mountains roads, the classroom, and the feeling of unity that brings all races together as a community.
That was my first experience with members of the Black Panthers and they were not what the news portrayed them to be at all. What I experienced from start to the end that they were not racist they were helpers and protectors of the community and their help didn’t see a skin color. I met quite a few top no Black Panthers that taught me a little about American history, Black History, Stocks, ETFs and Dividends not that racist stuff the news outlets labeled them as. But I would like to tipped my hat to men and women at Marin City Community Center for the knowledge they instilled in me I’m forever grateful. Thanks. Rest In Peace to all the ones that passed away.