Oakland ~ Antoine Davis, Yahya Abdul-Mateem and Arthur Jackson want to break stereotypes about African-American young people from McClymonds High School.

Located in a tough West Oakland neighborhood, "Mack" has produced so many professional athletes and sports legends -- such as NBA hall of famer Bill Russell -- that it's called the "school of champions" with a well-stocked trophy display case in one hallway.

But Davis, Abdul-Mateem and Jackson also want McClymonds to be known as "school of scholars." All three were top students and are headed for the University of California, Berkeley in the fall.

For far too many black youths, professional sports or entertainment is seen as the way out of the 'hood. Some young blacks get teased by their peers for "acting white" if they speak proper English, study and make good grades.

This trio, however, is convinced academics can lead to rewarding lives. They've pledged to return to their communities during and after college to inspire others to achieve, while serving as role models giving back to the neighborhood where crime and violence is not uncommon.

Why does the small, mostly African-American high school get a bad rap?

"It's because of the demographics," said Abdul-Mateem, who wears dreadlocks.

"A lot of people who talk negatively about McClymonds have never been there," said Abdul-Mateem, who will enter the UC School of Environmental Design in the fall as he pursues a career as an architect, not an athlete, although he recently won the 400-meter hurdles final at the Oakland Athletic League Track and Field Championship.

A native of New Orleans, he has seen many students who were not as motivated, but he never tried to distance himself from them. In today's black youth parlance it's called "keepin' it real."

"Some of them say 'good luck' when they find out I'm going (to UC)," he said. "We have been through a lot coming up, so problems at Cal will seem minor."

Jackson, No. 3 in his graduating class, also was accepted at St. Mary's College. He wants to become a teacher or a lawyer.

"I tell people I'm going to Cal and they say, 'What sport do you play?'" said Jackson, who wears a corn row hairstyle. He gives caring teachers and Principal Lynn Dodd high marks for being supportive, and calls Mack "a good school, despite what you hear."

He and Davis grew up shooting hoops and staying out of trouble in Acorn, West Oakland's public housing development. He said the three young men became good friends as they studied hard.

Davis was student body president, a tutor, editor of the school newspaper, Warrior Times, and student representative on the Oakland Board of Education. When Princeton Professor Cornel West and State Treasurer Phil Angelides came to the school to discuss the impact of budget cuts on schools, Davis shared the stage.

"I started thinking about college in the 7th grade," said Davis. "My parents pushed me and said I had to make the right choices and decisions. At Cal, we are going to appreciate getting an education because we are not rich." He hopes to become a writer or a politician.

Marsha Rhynes, scholarship coordinator at McClymonds High School, said although the graduating class is small, 80 percent go on to college. Only six students applied to UC Berkeley and four were admitted. Ashleigh Chambers said she wants to major in journalism and one day start her own magazine.

Davis, Jackson and Abdul-Mateem said they could use more financial help. To help, contact Rhynes at 879-3030, extension 224.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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