A College Fund for Earl's Children
Donation protected
My name is Gary Yee. In my 60 years as a public school educator, I have met many teachers; one of greatest was Earl Crawford jr. He died suddenly last month, at the age of 42. While our community has lost a great educator, leader, and human being, his own three children lost their father. Earl’s dream was always a college education for his kids, so that they would be able to make a difference for their community, like he did. Let’s help his dream become a reality.
For the last 20 years, Earl has served as an English teacher and Assistant Principal in the Oakland Unified School District, and most recently as the Director/Principal of the Alameda County Court and Community Schools. He served many of the County’s most vulnerable students, including justice-involved youth, pregnant and parenting minors, foster and homeless youth. They received personalized academics, social support, and life coaching. In each setting, Earl taught, mentored, and inspired his students, as well as his colleagues. This is what speakers said at his Celebration of Life service:
- “When he walked through the door, his energy, enthusiasm, and his smile made all of us feel like our little world just got a little bit brighter & better. If we could duplicate his spirit in every classroom everywhere, the world would be full of confident, thoughtful, & insightful young people.- A community leader
- "With his unique perspective as a Black man, Brother Earl brought a richness to our school that was unparalleled. He not only reflected the experiences of many students but also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring academic excellence for every scholar." -His first Principal
- "He followed the students who needed him most, who had stumbled in life, young people in crisis, to a school where he became their mentor, their coach and their inspiration- their teacher." -A Superintendent
- "Earl’s passing is a profound loss, depriving Oakland’s youth of a dedicated advocate and mentor. We mourn the loss of this exceptional educator and honor his legacy of service." -A School Board member
Earl leaves behind his own three very smart and amazing young children; he was their biggest cheerleader! Our team of friends and colleagues want to do everything we can to help Elias, Pearl, and Priscilla make it into and through college! They have a network for family support, but they will need help to realize their dreams. Their mom, Perresha, is a great support and role model, but she will need help too! When the campaign is completed, she will receive and hold all of the proceeds from this fund, for their expenses when they each start college or the post-secondary career education of their choice. We are not related to them in any way, but we have been Earl’s friends and colleagues. Thanks for joining us in this effort to honor his legacy of care and love for our neediest children.
Organizer
GARY YEE
Organizer
Oakland, CA