Author: jill

Regina Mason speaks to high school students

Descendant of First Slave to Write a Narrative Speaks to High School Students

This article was featured in the Alameda Unified School District, Community Group for Newsletter

Students in AP African-American Studies at Alameda High School and Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School were visited last week by Regina Mason, the great-great-great granddaughter of William Grimes, an African-American barber who wrote the first narrative of a formerly enslaved American.

Ms. Mason has spent the last 20 years researching Grimes, whose book, Life of William Grimes,

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Windemere Foundation donation

Thank You Windermere Foundation!

AEF is very grateful to be a part of a group of Alameda non-profits who received a generous donation from Windemere Foundation.

Shannon Reese from Windemere wrote: “Windermere Bay Area Properties is grateful to be connected with such dedicated leaders in the Alameda community. It’s a privilege to work alongside each of you to make a positive impact here.”

Thank you Windemere for your support of Alameda students and teachers!

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Descendants Film Award

‘Descendants’ Wins Film Award

‘Descendants: The Story of Us‘ was the Lunda Award recipient at the 22nd Annual Oakland International Film Festival in October 2024. This short film, created and produced by Shanti Lair–Croom and directed by Shaun Daniels, best exemplified the theme of the Lunda Award through its depiction of the journey and obstacles faced by several families right here in the East Bay in their pursuit of the American dream.

The Lunda people were known to have of the largest expansions in Central Africa.

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Vicki Sedlack, Executive Director AEF

AEF Executive Director Vicki Sedlack Retiring

Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know that I will be retiring by the end of this school year.

I have been with AEF for 15 years and working here has been my passion. I love supporting education and I love the huge impact we make on Alameda students every single day. I have been so lucky to have my passion and my job be the same thing.

AEF has an incredible board and staff,

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