Education

Toyota executive Chris Reynolds honored at Cass Tech

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE — Things have changed quite a bit since Christopher Reynolds attended Detroit Cass Technical High School 40 years ago.

Published

7 years ago

January 19, 2019

Oakland Post

By Branden Hunter

Things have changed quite a bit since Christopher Reynolds attended Detroit Cass Technical High School 40 years ago. The old nine-story building he attended classes in was torn down in 2011, his former teachers are all gone, and his old Cass Tech gear does not fit quite the same.

But one thing remains consistent; Cass Tech is a world-class educational facility, producing world-class students, prompting the current staff at the downtown Detroit high school to declare January 16 as “Chris Reynolds Day.”

Reynolds, 56, is the Chief Administrative Officer, Manufacturing and Corporate Resources for Toyota Motor North America, the highest ranking African-American auto executive in the world. He is responsible for the North American functions of manufacturing operations, accounting and finance, human resources, government affairs, corporate communications, corporate ztrategy, social innovation/diversity and inclusion, and legal, among others.

As a high-ranking auto executive, returning home to Detroit to attend the North American International Auto Show is something Reynolds does every year. He did not know that this particular trip to Detroit would see his former high school honoring him, but it was a proud moment.

“This probably means that I’m getting old,” Reynolds laughed, as he sat in the Sharon Allen band room inside Cass Tech’s new state-of-the art facility. “But what it really means is that I’m part of a continuum, seeing that Cass Tech didn’t stop after me. It thrived, you have all these great students who are doing wonderful things and are so full of potential, and that gives me the feeling that it’s a great legacy to pass on. It’s special to be a part of this Cass Tech legacy.

Reynolds entered high school in 1975 as a 12-year-old. He had skipped first and fifth-grade and was entering a diverse school, with well over 4,000 students. Reynolds admitted that he was not a popular jock in high school. Instead of playing football or basketball, he majored in science and arts and participated in the radio, tv, and speech club. Academics came first in his home, having an older brother that attended Cranbrook.

“Walking into Cass Tech this morning, I told one of the coaches that I didn’t play sports for two reasons,” Reynolds said. “For one, there was no sport that I could play at 12-years-old and my parents always made it clear that as opposed to me playing sports, they’d rather have me in the library reading books. You can always pick up the sports later.”

Reynolds had a full day visiting Cass Tech. He addressed an auditorium full of former and current Technicians, heard from the Cass Tech orchestra, took a tour of the six-story building, and a luncheon was held in the media center to honor one of Cass Tech’s most accomplished alums.

He attended Kalamazoo College after Cass Tech, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with honors in 1983.He received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1986. In 2007, Reynolds began working for Toyota as its lawyer nationally and before you know it, he was promoted as its global lawyer.

Prior to joining Toyota, Reynolds was a partner at the law firm of Morgan, Lewis and Bockius in New York City, where he also worked as manager of the New York office’s labor and employment law group. He served as a member of the firm’s advisory board and as chair of the firm’s diversity committee.

Earlier, Reynolds served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, and as a law clerk for Judge Damon J. Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit in Detroit. Reynolds said Judge Keith has been like another father to him.

Not bad for someone from Woodingham and Margareta streets in Detroit.

“Mr. Reynolds is being extremely humble in what he does and his accomplishments to date,” said Leon C. Richardson, president and CEO of Chemico Systems. “You all are in the presence of greatness and Chris is a leading example of what you all can do as well. He’s the highest ranking African-American automotive industry and that’s a huge statement. He came down the same path as you all and you, too, can do this.”

Reynolds’ ability to relate to the students at Cass Tech is what allowed him to garner their full attention. He grew up in the Bagley neighborhood on Detroit’s west side near Seven Mile and Livernois and was the youngest of eight children: four by his mother and four by his stepfather. His stepfather worked at the Ford River Rouge Plant and his mother was a registered nurse.

He currently lives in Dallas, but his roots are here in Detroit. His life accomplishments and love of Detroit and Cass Tech rubbed off on many of the students he encountered, from the junior in ROTC who plays tennis and Reynolds recommended that she attend Kalamazoo College, to the students in the marketing class he gave a short marketing lesson to on Toyota, and the student he made sit up in the auditorium to listen to his speech.

“This was an amazing experience to have a man with such wisdom and experience come back to your school to talk to you,” said Cass Tech senior Quinton Howard, who plans to attend Wayne State University to study accounting. “Similar to Mr. Reynolds, I have family that works in the automotive industry and it feels close to home to have him here. It’s my passion to serve and I want to return the favor to Cass Tech students in 40 years, just like he is doing today.”

Cass Tech is a proud community and family atmosphere. Its unofficial motto is, “Cass Tech Number One, Second To None.” The 112-year-old institution demands excellence from all of its students, which is why its alumni base includes the likes of Diana Ross, Big Sean, John DeLorean, David Alan Grier, Della Reese, Esther Gordy, Terry Foster, Kwame Kilpatrick, Jourdan Lewis, and so many others.

Even when he goes for a run, he wears his Cass Tech football shirt with his name on the back, and people all over the world are familiar with the green and white of Cass Tech.

“If you can graduate from Cass Tech, you can do anything,” said Reynolds.

This article originally appeared in the Michigan Chronicle.

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A Long Time Coming: School District Kicks Off Massive $97 Million Renovation of West Oakland’s McClymonds High School

The extensive project will involve the full modernization of the campus, including essential upgrades to building systems such as plumbing replacement (with lead abatement), seismic improvements, and modernization of heating, electrical, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Indoor spaces will be updated with new flooring, wall treatments, and upgrades to classrooms, labs, shops, and sports locker rooms.

Published

1 week ago

June 24, 2026

Oakland Post

Renderings of McClymond High School renovation. Courtesy image.

‘We gather on sacred ground,’ said OUSD Supt. Denise Saddler

By Post Staff

After being stalled for many years, the massive $97 million renovation of McClymonds High School is finally breaking ground under the leadership of the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Denise Saddler, and backed by the unrelenting efforts of the school’s parents, students, school board members, community, and alumni.

The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) held the groundbreaking ceremony on June 12 to kick off the three-year modernization project for McClymonds, a historic center of African American culture and educational opportunity in Oakland, located at 2607 Myrtle St. in West Oakland.

The overhaul will include seismic and environmental upgrades, a new turf field, and modernized campus facilities. The comprehensive transformation is financed by Measure Y, a $735 million general obligation bond approved by Oakland voters to renovate and upgrade aging school sites.

This renovation is considered a milestone for the West Oakland campus, which has operated in the same building since 1938 and has been in dire need of structural and plumbing safety remediation for years.

Speaking at the event, Supt. Denise Saddler said,

“We gather on sacred ground… that has shaped generations of Oakland leaders, scholars, artists, activists, entrepreneurs, educators like Mr. Herman Brown – one of our top math teachers. I also want to say it’s the historic home of the mighty Warriors (athletic teams). It’s a historic home of so many people.”

“This was, for Black people, our high school,” she continued “For more than a century, McClymonds has stood as a beacon of excellence in West Oakland and beyond. It’s not simply a school building; it’s a symbol of resilience, pride, community, and possibility.”

The superintendent said the legacy of McClymonds includes legendary alumni such as NBA player-coach Bill Russell, whose excellence transformed the game of basketball and whose courage helped transform the nation.

The school’s legacy also includes MLB players Frank ‘Judge’ Robinson and Curt Flood, basketball player Paul Silas and civic leaders including Lionel Wilson, a Superior Court judge and Oakland’s first African American mayor.

She emphasized that the groundbreaking was not only about honoring the past, but also about investing in the future.

“(It) represents Oakland’s commitment to the young people of West Oakland. It sends a powerful message that our students deserve facilities that match their brilliance, their talent and their dreams. “

The cafeteria also will be reconfigured, and outdoor areas will feature a new grandstand, track and field upgrades, accessible field bathrooms and concessions, and updates to the plaza, garden, and outdoor gathering areas.

Mayor Barbara Lee, who attended the event, thanked Oakland voters for passing the Measure Y bond that is paying for the school’s renovation.

Renderings of McClymond High School renovation. Courtesy image.

“It’s a good day – It’s a good news day,” she said. “The voters who (approved) Measure Y care about our young people. Today, we have the opportunity on this historic day to say, well done. Thank you to the voters for the facilities our community, our students, our teachers deserve.”

School Board member VanCedric Williams, whose district includes McClymonds, said that OUSD passed repeated school bond measures for decades, promising to renovate the school, but it did not happen.

“I just want to thank all the community (who) put pressure on the district to do right, to hold school board members accountable, and to really say, ‘We’re not going to take anything less than a renovation.’”

“When I first met Dr. Saddler, she said, ‘I have a commitment to McClymonds – I’m going to make it happen.’ And she has done something in one year that has not been done in 20 years. So, I have the belief that we’re going to get it done.”

Rising senior LaTanya Nolen, praised the school for the opportunities she has received and for the dedication of its staff.

“Every student here is treated like they matter and given opportunities to grow and build onto themselves,” she said. “We’ve gotten to do things like sports, field trips, college and career excursions, networking, and more. Our futures are taken seriously, and the people around us are always pushing us so that we are prepared for it.”

Parent Brejea Colthirst said, “Thank you to everyone who had a part in this, who helped make this possible. Together, we are building something special.”

Brian McGhee, popular McClymonds staff member and alumni, pledged to build on the strength of McClymonds’ traditions. “Mack is back. We’re going to up the enrollment with this new school. We’re going to continue to know every student’s name who comes through this school. My job as a community manager is going to continue to provide resources for our families and our students, and continue to communicate with our parents, which is huge.”

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UC Berkeley Named Top Public University in the U.S. and No. 7 in the World by ‘U.S. News’

Berkeley has been consistently awarded the distinction of the U.S.’s top public university since the Best Global Universities list was first published in 2014. “A strong position in the Best Global Universities rankings recognizes a school’s profound commitment to world-class research and cross-border academic excellence,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News.

Published

1 week ago

June 24, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Keegan Houser/UC Berkeley.

The 2026 Best Global Universities rankings evaluated 2,250 research institutions from more than 100 countries

By Lila Thulin

U.S. News & World Report has ranked UC Berkeley No. 7 in its 2026 list of the best global universities, which assesses more than 2,250 research institutions worldwide.

Berkeley also claimed the honor of top public university in the U.S.

Released on Monday, the list evaluates universities from more than 100 countries on 13 metrics such as global and research reputation (as reported by academics and peers) and number of highly cited scholarly papers.

Berkeley has been consistently awarded the distinction of the U.S.’s top public university since the Best Global Universities list was first published in 2014.

“A strong position in the Best Global Universities rankings recognizes a school’s profound commitment to world-class research and cross-border academic excellence,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News.

The rankings also assess a university’s strength in various subject areas; these assessments are separate from U.S. News’ 2026 Best Graduate Programs rankings released in April.

This year, Berkeley was named in the top three nationally in seven subject areas – environment/ecology, ecology, water resources, physics, computer science, chemistry, and engineering – and in the top five for a total of 17 subjects. Subject rankings are based heavily on scholarly publications and citations as well as reputation.

In September, U.S. News also released its 2026 Best Colleges list, in which Berkeley was also named the No. 1 public institution among American universities.

That honor joins other accolades judging campus to be the best public university in the country, such as those from Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education.

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IN MEMORIAM: Longtime OUSD Employee Debra King-Cooper, 73

Longtime OUSD Employee Debra King-Cooper, 73 Caption: Debra King-Cooper. Courtesy photo. Special to The Post Debra King-Cooper, a beloved mother, grandmother, queen, sister, church member, caregiver, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family and love i

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Debra King-Cooper. Courtesy photo.

Special to The Post

Debra King-Cooper, a beloved mother, grandmother, queen, sister, church member, caregiver, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family and love in the comfort of her home. To her children, she was royalty, grace, strength, and unconditional love embodied.

Debra Diane Edgar was born on May 28, 1952, in San Francisco, California, to Charles Edgar Sr. and Mamie Arthur Edgar. She was raised alongside her younger brother, Charles Edgar Jr., affectionately known as “Little Brother” or “Lil Bruh.” She also shared close bonds with her older siblings Carol Edgar-Lang, Maryann Edgar Calloway, and Lonnie Lewis Sr.

A proud product of San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District, Debra attended Andrew Jackson Elementary School, where she met her lifelong best friend and adopted sister, Lynn Green, in the fifth grade. She later attended Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School and Thomas Jefferson High School.

Debra’s mother transitioned when she was only 17 years old, and her father transitioned when she was 23. Despite these profound losses, Debra remained grounded through the love and support of extended family and lifelong family friends,

In 1971, she married Harold King. On Sept. 24, 1972, they welcomed their first son, Dajuan Artese King, affectionately called “Pop” or “Poppa.” On Aug. 5, 1976, they welcomed their second son, Dante Dupree King, affectionately called “Tay” or “Taboocoo the Baby.”

After her divorce in 1982, Debra assumed full responsibility for raising her sons.

She supported Dajuan’s passion for football by purchasing sports equipment and attending games faithfully. She supported Dante’s love of music by enrolling him in the San Francisco Boys Choir, Oakland Boys Choir, and the Castlemont Castleers.

Professionally, Debra built an exceptional career. She worked at Blue Shield of California from 1973 until 1994, earning multiple promotions.

She later joined the Oakland Unified School District, initially in a temporary role before being promoted into management within the Labor Relations Department. She retired from OUSD in 2015 after years of distinguished service. During her years at OUSD, she built meaningful friendships with her colleagues.

Faith was central to Debra’s life. During the 1980s, following personal hardship, she joined Love Center Church under the leadership of Bishop Walter Hawkins, where she brought her children regularly. She later became a member of Triumphant: A Church Without Walls Ministries under Pastor Dr. Larry Short, who became a beloved spiritual mentor.

After Triumphant closed in 1992, Debra joined Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Oakland under the leadership of Pastor Larry Ashley, where she remained for the rest of her life.

At Cosmopolitan, she worked in numerous ministries. She served on the usher board, sang in the choir, participated in the AIDS ministry during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, helped feed and support unhoused community members, and mentored and supported a group of young girls.

After retirement, she cared for older adults in her church community, driving them to appointments, cleaning their homes, managing finances, preparing meals, and helping families navigate funeral arrangements after loved ones transitioned.

Even while battling Stage 4 cancer herself, she continued caring for others.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edgar Sr. and Mamie Arthur Edgar; her brothers, Lonnie Lewis Sr. and Charles Edgar Jr.; her sisters, Maryann Edgar Calloway and Victoria Stephenson Knight; and her adopted mother, Clara Oliver.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sons, Dajuan King and Dante King; grandson, Tiyler Dajuan Artese King; sister, Carol Edgar-Lang; goddaughters Monique Belle and Ricketa Matthews Jones (Leonard); daughter-in-love Quiona Sullivan; son-in-love Marcel Walker; sister-in-law Delores Lewis; adopted sisters and lifelong friends Lynn Green, Barbara Stephenson Hill, and Sarah Fine; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, her church family and dear friends.