For Immediate Release: February 11, 2008

Reception and Gathering for Educate to Liberate: the Schools of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton Exhibitions
Commemorating the 35 th Anniversary of the founding of the Oakland Community School

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WHAT : The Oakland History Room, the West Oakland Branch Library, and It’s About Time Committee combine efforts to bring together former members of the Black Panther Party, ex-students of its “liberation” and “community” schools, and members of the public to honor the legacy of the Oakland Community School and the memory of Huey P. Newton with a reception and gathering for Educate to Liberate: the Schools of the Black Panther Party, an exhibition in the Oakland History Room, and “A Huey P. Newton Celebration,” held in conjunction with an exhibition of photographs at the West Oakland Branch Library.

WHO: Elbert “Big Man” Howard, one of the original Black Panthers, will host this event, along with special guest Ericka Huggins, former director of the Oakland Community School. Ms. Huggins will speak about the goals and contributions of the school and its impact on current educational practice for inner-city youth. Speakers will also include former students who attended the Black Panther schools.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

WHERE : West Oakland Branch Library
1801 Adeline Street , Oakland , (510) 238-7352