Bay Area

A Back-to-School Tradition Continues for Nystrom Elementary Students

Longtime community advocates Antwon Cloird and Rev. Andre Shumake, Sr. teamed up to distribute 75 backpacks to students at Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond on Saturday. The pair parked Cloird’s car at the back gate of the school at S. 12th Street and Maine Avenue, opened the trunk and back seat and then distributed backpacks.

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Andre Shumake, far right, and Antwon Cloird, far left, pose with recipients of the back-to-school supplies. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney

Longtime community advocates Antwon Cloird and Rev. Andre Shumake, Sr. teamed up to distribute 75 backpacks to students at Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond on Saturday.

The pair parked Cloird’s car at the back gate of the school at S. 12th Street and Maine Avenue, opened the trunk and back seat and then distributed backpacks.

Recipients of the backpacks attend Nystrom’s Mafanikio Academic Coaching Program, an after-school program that seeks to close to achievement gap for African American students. The program is operated by Rev. Shumake, who was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service for his leadership of it.

All the backpacks handed out Saturday were filled with school supplies that had been donated by the Bay Area Rescue Mission, 100 Years Enterprise, Independent Community Church, Holistic Healing and Albertson’s/Safeway, according to Cloird.

Nystrom parents drove up in their vehicles with their children to receive the backpacks. Children would select the color backpack they wanted for the school year.

“When Jerrold Hatchett was with Sims Metals, he adopted Nystrom and did incredible community service for the students and teachers at Nystrom,” said Cloird. “I decided to continue his legacy of serving underprivileged kids and families in need of support. So, [partnering] with local businesses here in Richmond that gives back to the community is my greatest joy.”

Rev. Shumake expressed gratitude to Cloird for adopting the Mafanikio program over the last few years.

“He has blessed our families who have dealt with food insecurities and transportation issues, as well as provided mental health support referrals,” the reverend said.

Sylvia Cummings, whose children attend the Mafanikio program, said the backpacks with school supplies make sure her kids are organized for school.

“It is important to have these things so they will be functional and prepared for the school year,” she said.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

5 days ago

July 27, 2026

Oakland Post

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant Plans Bay Area Farmers Market Initiative

Published

2 weeks ago

July 18, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant displays watermelons from her Sacramento farm at the Temescal Festival in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”