“We need the broadest—and the kindest, most generous–definition of what it is to be an American. One that encompasses and embraces all of us. One that we can share and take pride in, and one that is positive and not negative.” –Michael Nisperos

Attorney and civil rights leader Michael Nisperos joined our youth leaders and staff for an online leadership seminar. He generously shared his experiences overcoming challenges and adversity to champion justice and civic engagement through personal transformation and public service.

Raised in Oakland, Nisperos has worked as an Alameda County prosecutor, an Air Force JAG officer, a criminal defense attorney and has focused on police misconduct cases. He was a public safety analyst who wrote the Oakland Mayor’s 2001 Public Safety Plan, which called for a transition toward community policing tactics. He was instrumental in revamping Oakland’s Citizens Police Review Board after the city council expanded its jurisdiction and authority.

The Freedom Center continues to turn on a dime, increasing our online classes and sessions during the shelter-in-place order. We are bringing experts from around the world with feet-on-the-ground experience in organizing, civic engagement and public service together with our youth and staff.

This is an excellent time to study the relevance and importance of transforming ourselves to make change in the world.