From the Killer Corridor to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Concept: to develop a full range decorating and special event planning skill set
which showcases the artistic and cultural expression of youth through floral and
tree arrangement; and to demonstrate teamwork and peer mentoring surrounding
the concept of home beautification with the ultimate goal being able to
contribute to the Christmas decoration of the White House. During this
Season of Change, let us change the way the world views Oakland and the way
people everywhere view their urban or rural challenged communities.
Coordination: Led by Cora Sue Anthony, Principal of Anthony Staging
Her vision created the “Season of Change” ornament and concept which she
hopes to unveil in order to compliment the extraordinary exhibition of beautifully
decorated Christmas trees inside the White House. Assisted by Dr.Valerie Tribble,
tree design specialist and community activist and Regina Jackson, Executive
Director of the East Oakland Youth Development Center
Partners: the East Oakland Youth Development Center, a national model for youth
development serving thousands inside the killer corridor of East Oakland. Youth
Leaders ranging in age from 11-18 will join with current college students from the
Oakland community who attend school in Washington DC, in order to share what
they have learned from master decorators, staging consultants and interior design
specialists
Why: Youth from Oakland were treated to an inspiring and motivating
conversation of Leadership and Change by President Obama’s sister, Maya
Soetoro-Ng in July of 2008. In addition, Principal Stager, Cora Sue Anthony is
married to Lewis Anthony, a high school friend of President Obama’s Punahou
High. When Mrs. Anthony brainstormed her “season of change” decoration
concept, she knew that the young people from Oakland would enthusiastically
participate, learning the challenging curriculum required to decorate at the highest
level. At that moment, the concept of creating exposure and opportunity for young
people from the killer corridor to 1600 Pennsylvania was born.
Contact: CoraSue Anthony (510) 459-3706 Regina Jackson (510) 912-1377