Purpose

The family and friends of Akiyu Hatano have established a memorial fund to continue the educational work that Akiyu began.

The name of the fund, “Blossoming Leaves” is taken from one of Akiyu’s favorite expressions.  An educator and advocate for social justice, Akiyu took great joy in seeing all living things grow and thrive.  She had a special love for plants and flowers, and was always on the lookout for the moment when a new leaf opened.  At the first graduation of the West Oakland Community School, the charter school that she co-founded and to which she devoted almost ten years of her life, “Mama Akiyu” addressed these words to the graduates:

“Whether you may know it or not, each of you is now a blossoming leaf, who understands empathy, carries hope and compassion, and has a vision for a peaceful life.”

Beneficiaries

Blossoming Leaves will provide educational grants for Bay Area schools and community organizations engaged in social justice, community service, and youth leadership activities.  During its early years, Blossoming Leaves will focus on two schools and two community organizations that were especially near and dear to Akiyu's heart – McClymonds High School and the East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) in Oakland, and June Jordan School for Equity (JJSE) and Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) in San Francisco.

Distribution of Grants

Blossoming Leaves will be administered by the East Bay Community Foundation.  Grants will be distributed on an annual basis, beginning in the spring of 2008.  Details regarding the application process will be posted on this website in the winter of 2007.