Oakland

OUSD Honor Band Explains “Why We Kneel”

Published

8 years ago

October 11, 2017

By Elizabeth G. & Nathan N., members of OUSD Honor Band

On September 25, 2017, most members of the Oakland Unified School District Honor Band knelt in protest to play the National Anthem before an Oakland A’s game. It was the second time they did it. This is the explanation of their protest in the words of two student-musicians:

Beginning with the San Francisco 49ers former quarterback, Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest during the National Anthem last year, the Anthem has become highly politicized. Kaepernick’s silent protest evolved into a national movement drawing attention to marginalized people that have been cast aside by federal policies and fighting for people of color who have no voice, particularly those disproportionately killed by law enforcement. The movement has also become a conversation about freedom of speech.

Already this year, many players, coaches, and others in the National Football League and at least one player in Major League Baseball have joined the protest. On September 25th, most students in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Honor Band took a knee while playing the National Anthem at an Oakland A’s game.

The band kneeled to protest police brutality and the ending of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program or DACA, and to fight to exercise our right to free speech. This is the second time we in the OUSD Honor Band have expressed our frustration with the federal government. Last year, the majority of the band kneeled while playing the National Anthem before another A’s game.

After President Trump’s hostile and profane comments directed at NFL players who kneeled during the playing of the National Anthem, many other players have joined the protest. In defense of the movement, Eric Reid, one of Colin Kaepernick’s former teammates said, “What baffles me is that our protest is still being misconstrued as disrespectful to the country, flag and military personnel. We chose it because it’s exactly the opposite.”

We agree. We kneel not to disrespect our country, the flag or the armed forces. We are grateful and feel blessed to live in this amazing country. But no country is perfect. We kneel because America is supposed to be a place where all people can speak their minds, point out flaws, and create positive change. Those of us who are lucky enough to have a voice must use it to better the lives of everyone.

As students in public schools, we know how important education is. Five days a week all over Oakland, California more than 49,000 students of different races, religions, sexual orientations, genders, political viewpoints, and socioeconomic backgrounds come together with a common goal of learning. We can all agree the right to public education should not be taken away from anyone, and is part of what makes this country great.

That is why when the Trump administration decided to end DACA in six months and deny almost 800,000 people an education or chance to work, we could not stand by and do nothing.

People protected by DACA plan to be or are already part of our education system, our military, small and large businesses and many other institutions that benefit America. To deny them these opportunities is wrong.

They are just as American as we are, and benefit our nation just as much as we do. Deporting them will not improve our economy or lower the unemployment rate. It only splits up families and denies many an opportunity that should be available to everyone.

These people, who were all brought to this country as children without choice, work everyday through the struggle of being non-citizens in a unwelcoming American society. Many know America as their only home and English as their only language.

This is not about Republicans and Democrats. This is not about Obama or Trump. This is not about fake news or politics. This is not even about the laws of the United States of America.

This is simply a matter of human decency. To have access to an education or opportunity to work in the only country they know as home should be a human right.

This is why we kneel.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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March 22, 2026

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Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC