Pizza & Principles: How Madison Park Defined "Family Love"
- Kevin Akins
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
December in Review: Tradition & Fellowship
December at Madison Park Academy was defined by a return to our roots. As the fall semester wrapped up, we focused on two things: strengthening our relationships through shared meals and reinforcing the rituals that define our culture. Whether it was connecting with regional staff over pizza or reciting the Brotherhood Creed with passion, our Brothers ended the year grounded in the values that make IYT unique.
End of Semester Lunch: Fellowship & Food
As the fall semester came to a close, our IYT Brothers gathered for a fun and relaxed lunchtime celebration! PM Marquez created the perfect opportunity for students to connect with IYT staff—Ulises Oseguera and Briana Lee—over a shared meal. Brothers stopped by the IYT room to grab some pizza, hang out, and strengthen their sense of community before the break.
Program Rituals: Rooted in Tradition
With the fall semester coming to a close, Program Manager Cristian Marquez led students through one of the final programming sessions before Winter Break.
To ensure the semester ended on the right note, PM Marquez kicked off the session by revisiting the foundations:
The Brotherhood Clap
Family Love
The Brotherhood Creed
Brotherhood Standards
These aren't just routines; they are the foundational elements that reinforce IYT’s core values and our mission to elevate the educational outcomes of young men of color. It was a powerful reminder of who we are and what we stand for.
MLK Day Service
IYT Bay Area had the pleasure of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service. We partnered with California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, and the City of Richmond, California to restore Parchester Park in Richmond, CA. The IYT team did painting, gardening and filled the playground with fresh mulch to give the Parchester community a welcoming and safe space. It is with gratitude and pride that I am encouraged to say, "We are always stronger and better when we work together and serve."
Upcoming Events
Name | Date & Time | Description |
HOPE Collaborative x Third Eye Meal Distribution | 1st, 3rd, & sometimes 2nd Sundays 2:30 - 5:00pm | Free meal distribution. Location: Sparc It Place (3427 San Pablo Ave, Oakland) |
CURY J | Tuesdays 11:00 - 1:00pm | Free meals for the community. Location: 1600 7th St, Oakland |
West Oakland Punks with Lunch | Sundays 3:00 - 5:30pm | Free food and mutual aid. Location: 35th St and Peralta St, Oakland |
The Grocery Program (from Peoples Programs) | Bi-monthly grocery delivery service | Free grocery deliveries. Email to sign up: info@peoplesprograms.com |
Community Kitchens Meal Programs | Sunday - Thursday 11:00 - 2:00pm | Free meals for the community. Location: 2300 Valdez St, Oakland |
Free Dining Room from St. Vincent de Paul (North Oakland) | Tuesdays & Saturdays 10:45 - 11:40am & 12:00 -12:45pm | Free lunch is served at the front gate. Location: 2272 San Pablo Ave, Oakland |
Chinatown Grocery Program (from Community Liberation Programs) | Ongoing grocery delivery | Serving elders in the Chinatown community through grocery delivery. Email: communityliberationprograms@protonmail.com |
Mercy Brown Bag Program | 2nd & 4th Thursdays 9:00 - 10:00am | Free groceries for seniors whose income is under the poverty line. Location: 5714 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland |
Program Directory & Schedules
Program Manager: Cristian Marquez
Phone: 925-238-6159
Madison Park Academy
Programming Schedule: Middle School: Mondays (3:45 - 5:15pm), Wednesdays (1:45 - 3:15pm) High School: Mondays (11:20 - 12:10pm)
Study Hall: Middle School: Monday & Wednesday High School: Monday
Mentor & Parent Engagement (last month)
Number of Parent Engagement Sessions: | 38 |
Number of Mentor Sessions: | 38 |