BLACK program celebrates Black students

In the auxiliary gym, the rhythm of music pulses through the air as Black students move in unison, following the lead of event coordinators in a shared celebration of culture and connection. This is the BLACK Student Program—a dynamic initiative held every first Thursday of the month to inspire community, empowerment, and education.

Led by Tyson Amir, a Bay Area educator and social advocate, the program reaches beyond CVHS to include students at Canyon Middle School and Castro Valley Elementary. Through engaging lessons and meaningful dialogue, it offers a deeper understanding of cultural and historical narratives often missing from traditional curricula. 

The program’s name, BLACK, stands for Building Leaders & Activists with Collective Knowledge—a mission that encapsulates its goal of creating a supportive environment for Black students. By fostering a sense of community and providing students with a space to learn and express themselves, BLACK aims to make school a more inclusive and affirming place.

For Amir, the creation of the BLACK program was deeply personal.

“When I created the BLACK program, I did it because I had similar experiences when I was younger,” Amir explained. “For multiple generations, there have been efforts within the Black community to ensure that young people have access to history, culture, tradition, and identity. But here in the Bay Area, that has become increasingly difficult as the Black community has been under attack. Schools don’t always feel like safe spaces, so I wanted to create an opportunity for students to gather together, feel supported, and learn in a safe space.”

The program is designed not just as an educational initiative, but as a place where students can laugh, eat, connect, and be themselves. The goal is to nurture a sense of belonging, ensuring that Black students feel seen, heard, and valued in their school environment.

Currently, Castro Valley is the only district where Amir is able to work with students from elementary through high school, creating a continuous support system from first grade to twelfth. This, he notes, is a unique opportunity.

“We’ve even developed a program for first, second, and third graders aligned with what we do in the BLACK program,” Amir shared. “In this district alone, we’re able to work with students across all grade levels, and that’s dope. The more we can prove the effectiveness of this program, the more doors will open in other districts.”

This year alone, the BLACK program has reached over 2,000 students—its highest number yet. Amir hopes to expand further, reaching additional schools and districts in the near future.

While the program at CVHS started later than anticipated this school year, Amir remains optimistic about the future. Ideally, the BLACK program kicks off at the beginning of the school year, allowing for maximum impact and engagement.

“The success of this program isn’t because of me or our team—it’s because of the students,” Amir emphasized. “They respond to the space they want to be here. Students are looking for opportunities like this—to learn, to be in community with each other. Anything positive that comes from this program is truly a tribute to them.”

As the program continues to grow, its impact is clear: it is not just about education, but about building a lasting sense of identity, empowerment, and community for Black students in Castro Valley.