“I work in the school garden…. It is so fulfilling because we grow food, putting love and energy into it, and then give it to somebody else. We deserve food that’s healthy and accessible, just like anybody.”

Angela Drake

CASTLEMONT HIGH SCHOOL | COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY ACADEMY

There is a connection between public health and activism. We deserve food that’s healthy and accessible, just like anybody.

When I started the Urban Ecology class at Castlemont High School, that’s when I started a garden with my family. It’s a good way to maintain your health and learn healthy life decisions.

There is a connection between public health and activism. I work in the school garden and we ship food out to the community and work with the elementary schools to give food away. It is so fulfilling because we grow food, putting love and energy into it, and then give it to somebody else.

I was born and raised in East Oakland in the house of my great-grandmother. We are blessed we can stay and own our home. We have liquor stores on the corner. If you go to Piedmont, you’ll see more healthy and accessible food and you know it’s based on their income. There is a difference.

My family and our church are both very political. I am inspired by my auntie, a powerful community activist. I’m part of a leadership program called the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center and work there now—and it continues to keep me focused.

The program teaches us to be self-dependent. If the store is closed, I can pick spinach from my garden and make a salad. I like the quote, “You can fish for a man, but if you don’t show him how to fish he won’t learn how to eat for himself.”

Giving back, being civically involved and teaching other people “how to fish” is what I want to do.