in 2012 akiba and a teacher named jason hofmann started 51oakland. akiba remembers that music made her feel better when her life was hard. she wants students in oakland, california, to learn about music also. she wants students to know they can work hard at something they enjoy and have success. 51oakland brings musicians to school to talk to students about surviving hard lives. the organization also offers music lessons and organizes student performances at yoshi's. artists like stevie wonder help support the organization. the organization is now called "elevate oakland." shiela e. and lynn mabry are also leaders of elevate oakland.