Author

Debora Gordon

Debora Gordon is a writer, artist, educator and non-violence activist. She has been living in Oakland since 1991, moving here to become a teacher in the Oakland Unified School District. In all of these roles, Debora is interested in developing a life of the mind. “As a mere human living in these simultaneously thrilling and troubled times,” Debora says, “I try to tread lightly, live thoughtfully, teach peace, and not take myself too seriously.”

Debora's Latest Articles

a group of diverse UC Berkeley students stand in front of a big library
How Has COVID and the Pandemic Impacted Your Life?

Oakland Voices writers reflect on four years since the beginning of the pandemic.

A white man wearing blue collared shirt smiles for camera
Checking in With Sam Davis: OUSD’s New School Board President

Oakland Voices interview new Oakland school board president Sam Davis, a former teacher, about the challenges facing the district, and some of the positive things to look forward to this year.

A group of mostly Black students and a few adults stand in front of peach colored school building with sign that says "stop the war on public education"
OUSD Terminates Veteran Teacher, Allegedly for Protesting and Union Organizing, Amid Teacher Shortage
a collage of seven diverse Oakland firefighters
Fighting Fires With People: Seven Oakland Firefighters Talk About the Work They Do (Part 1)
Fighting Fires With People: Seven Oakland Firefighters Talk About the Work They Do (Part 2)
A woman wearing a purple mask, pink hat, and glasses takes a selfie in front of Lake Merritt.
COVID Zooming, Blooming, and Mostly Not Dooming

"In some ways, phone, email, text and Zoom have increased my contact with friends."

an image of an African American girl smiling while holding a poster drawing that she created
Oakland Youth Artist Daria Belle Shares Her Artistic Process
A Black woman wearing a beanie is holding back a smile.
One Oakland Woman’s Journey From the Streets to Being an Advocate for the Unsheltered
A lake with a sign in it that says "don't give up hope."
Violence in Oakland: ‘We Can Fix This’
A collage image of three Oakland teachers in their classrooms or outside
Back to School in Oakland: Perspectives from a Kindergarten, 3rd Grade Teacher, and Librarian