In a powerful and inspiring event, Project Change, in collaboration with Professor Mustafa Popal, welcomed esteemed educator, director, and author Dr. Robert Alexander to Skyline College. A proud East Oakland native and longtime community college advocate, Dr. Alexander is widely recognized for his commitment to fostering inclusive, transformative learning environments for inner-city youth.
With decades of experience in education, Dr. Alexander has devoted his career to empowering urban and justice-impacted students to succeed academically and beyond. As the director of the critically acclaimed documentary Reclaiming Our Humanity, his visit sparked important conversations around incarceration, education, and social equity.
Reclaiming Our Humanity follows the lives of six formerly incarcerated Black men—including celebrated author and activist Shaka Senghor—as they navigate life after incarceration. The award-winning film offers an unflinching yet hopeful portrait of resilience, exploring the pivotal roles of education, mentorship, and community support in their reentry journeys.
Through compelling storytelling, the documentary challenges entrenched narratives about incarceration by highlighting the strength, intellect, and humanity of those affected by the justice system. It underscores the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers to education, employment, and inclusion for formerly incarcerated individuals.
During the event, attendees engaged in an important discussion on the significance of mental health support for justice-impacted individuals. Dr. Alexander and participants emphasized the importance of reducing stigma—not only for individuals returning from incarceration but also for their families and communities.
Programs like Project Change, Project Rebound, and Underground Scholars were highlighted as an essential foundation to the academic and personal success of justice-impacted students. Attendees also stressed the importance of increasing awareness among faculty and staff about the resources available to support these students. Special shoutout to Dr. Nate Nevado, Dr. Luis Escobar, Karmann Robbins, Jacquie Espino, Roger Perez-Vaughan, and Asra Ziauddin for supporting with the coordination of this event.
For those interested in learning more or getting involved with Project Change, please contact Mario Wash at washm@smccd.edu.
By spotlighting voices too often silenced, Dr. Alexander and Project Change continue to inspire change, bridge divides, and advocate for a more equitable future for all students.
Article by: Mario Wash
Photos by: Brianna Fuller and Jose Cartegena
