KABOOM!

Last week we took?time out?to come together as a full staff (that we call Boomers!)?for Play Academy! This?annual?retreat is three days?of looking internally and externally to learn together about how we can ensure we are working towards our mission. While learning together, we are building bonds?and of course a lot of fun. Play Academy is one of the highlights of our year and this year was no exception. Thank you to our dynamic and engaging speakers (Lynn Ross, Ladan Manteghi, Marissa Trambley, Charles Cooper, Catherine Oakar & Adam Taylor) and to all of the Boomers who are working every day to end playspace inequity.?

Today is the last day of Black History Month so in celebration we wanted to bring it a little closer to home. In the piece, The Importance of Black Nonprofit Leadership, Black leaders at KABOOM! discuss prioritizing racial equity in their work and the need for diversity within the philanthropic sector to address playspace inequities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/43i7s0L #BlackHistoryMonth

This summer we had the opportunity to become part of the vibrant Sycamore and Oak Community, bringing a nature-inspired playspace to the community. This amazing venue is home to more than 20 hyper-local Black- owned businesses and is a cultural hub for the predominantly Black Congressional heights neighborhood. Learn more about the power of community at Sycamore and Oak: https://lnkd.in/edrTG57r #BlackHistoryMonth

Our CEO Lysa Ratliff was profiled in the Center for Effective Philanthropy final report last week that highlighted leaders and organizations that received a transformational gift from MacKenzie Scott as a part of the three-year study on The Transformative Effect of MacKenzie Scott’s Big Gifts. The game-changing gift made it possible to take some big bets to expand the work to end playspace inequity for good. We’ve been able to: - Launch our 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity to accelerate our efforts to achieve our mission alongside systems partners across the country. - Expand our Playspace Inequity Prioritization Index to identify exactly which communities have the greatest need - Build innovative playgrounds and expand access to nature - Shape policy changes to create healthier spaces and expand outdoor recreation for kids ...and so much more. Read the report and USA Today feature about how MacKenzie Scott is changing the philanthropic landscape and making it easier to address the needs of communities by investing in those closest to the problem. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gf2BBvJW ?? See KABOOM! in USA TODAY https://lnkd.in/e6kWHBiy

In partnership with the STRAWBERRY MANSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INC the Jon Coltrane House is getting its own jazz revival. The recently opened Yard keeps that jazz spirit alive in this historical community by reimagining the community space. The vibrant space brings learning to life with musical instruments, a reading nook, and a stage for performances. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor spaces like The Yard that celebrate Black excellence and heritage.

We are grateful for an amazing day at the 17th NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service! More than 300 volunteers joined us, NBA Cares, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, Stephen Curry , and Ayesha Curry to revitalize East Oakland Pride Elementary School. From vibrant murals to nature exploration areas, we created a space where kids can grow, learn, and thrive. This is a part of our broader commitment to kids in Oakland with Oakland Unified School District as a partner in our 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity. Together, we are transforming outdoor schoolyards for kids to reach their full potential. Read More: https://lnkd.in/eq6Jk-7V ??: Mike Rasay/Getty Images and Zach Harper for Eat. Learn. Play.

We are thrilled to?welcome?Sharhonda Bossier, CEO of Education Leaders of Color, James Hardy, MPH, Senior Program Officer at RWJF, and Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director at Results for America, to our Board of Directors!?Their wealth of experience,?leadership, and?passion?for our mission will be invaluable in continuing the work of the board to drive strategies that increase partnerships with municipal and school district partners, prioritize access to nature with innovative green playspaces, enhance our policy and research initiatives and more. ? Together, we will continue?taking bold steps to protect and create safe spaces for every kid to play, grow, and thrive. ? Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ee-GbMKS

Mary McLeod Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, empowering Black communities and creating opportunities for children to experience the joy of play and recreation. Her commitment to children and communities started a legacy of leadership that still exists today through many of the original 28 organizations she brought together. Discover her impact: https://bit.ly/3X9bq86 #BlackHistoryMonth

This Black History Month, we celebrate Black leaders who championed racial justice in access to parks and playgrounds, recognizing their essential role in child development and community well-being. Learn more about some of these amazing leaders: https://bit.ly/4gAQUnK #BlackHistoryMonth

Aspen Institute Sports & Society’s?“State of Play Oakland”?shared a report?that has helped Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, KABOOM! (Oakland Unified School District, Oakland Genesis and others to make great strides together over the last two years in giving thousands of Oakland kids equitable access to great new schoolyards and opportunities for?outdoor?play and youth sports. https://lnkd.in/eiDqh999