TFiU Newsletter, Vol. 2
Oct-Nov 2021
Embedded Files
The Future is US exists to fight for Galveston youth through community voice so future generations can meet their full potential.
It's Been a Busy Month!
It's Been a Busy Month!
The Future is US has had a month of presentations and engagement! From speaking at Councilperson Sharon Lewis' District 1 Town Hall October 17th, at Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Prevention Institute's Young Minds Matter Conference: Healing, Justice, and Connection for Mental Wellbeing, and the American Public Health Association 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo, The Future is US has been busy spreading awareness about the school-to-prison pipeline and how to engage in community action to combat it!
The Policy Task Force was also invited and submitted a full-length article, "Community Engagement in Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline" for consideration to be published in Health Promotion Practice's special issue, What is Anti-Racism in Health Promotion Practice? In the article we discuss how we have engaged with the community in advocating for the reduction of Black students being removed from the classroom and how racism is a root cause of inequities in the education system.
Young Minds Matter Conference: Healing, Justice, and Connection for Mental Wellbeing
Young Minds Matter Conference: Healing, Justice, and Connection for Mental Wellbeing
Check out The Future is US presentations for the 2021 YMM Virtual Conference!
Juneteenth Legacy Project: Art in Action
Our Juneteenth Legacy Art and Action presentation shared the history and significance of Juneteenth, the role it plays in Galveston's identity and culture, and how this story is living on through our community in art, action, education, and advocacy. Sam Collins and Sue Johnson gave the history and origins of the Juneteenth Legacy Project, while Torrina Harris coordinated the event.
The team recommends you read
Kindergarten Readiness and Black Youth in Galveston Island
The success of students in the education system is highly influenced by early childhood factors. The most prominent factor that plays a role in the success of students in the first few years of their life is kindergarten readiness. Kindergarten readiness refers to the knowledge that a child obtains both in the home and in early child hood centers that prepares them for success in kindergarten and furthermore in the education system. In 2019, only 13% of black students were determined to be kindergarten ready at GISD.
Check out our presentation to:
1. Identify the social determinants of health that contribute to low pre-k and kindergarten readiness rates in Black students
2. Evaluate the relationship between kindergarten readiness and student removal from the classroom
3. Discuss how kindergarten readiness is evaluated in GISD and what multi-faceted approaches can be utilized to improving kindergarten readiness rates in Black students
Relational Advocacy: Using Relationships to Dismantle the School to Prison Pipeline
"There can be no real change without deep, authentic relationships." How do you tear down oppressive systems, raise communities out of poverty, and solidify real, lifelong change? It starts with relationships. Sounds easy right? The reality is that relationships are complex, heartbreaking, messy, beautiful and most of all key to creating long lasting change. Come and hear from the students and coordinators on The Future Is Us Team on how we use relationships to empower students to build up their community and dismantle the school to prison pipeline. You'll hear real life stories from student leaders, learn practical skills on building lasting relationships, learn about the school to prison pipeline, and be encouraged and inspired in the fight for justice.
American Public Health Association 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo
American Public Health Association 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo
Policy Task Force Lead, Bianca Obinyan and Co-Coordinator Shanice Blair, CMHC, presented, "Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline in Galveston Independent School District" at APHA's conference October 25th for the Youth Roundtable: Youth-Driven and Youth-Centered Community-Based Participatory Research.
Check out the presentation here!
TFIU APHA 2021 Presentation.mp4TFiU Students Meet a School Board of Trustees Candidate
On October 3rd, Dr. Terri Burchfield conducted a 'Meet and Greet' at Chef Mary Bass' La Cocina.
During the event, Dr. Burchfield to the time to sit with TFiU students and fielded questions about the best ways with which to increase the quality of education for all students on Galveston Island. She was open and honest and candid with the youth.
Dr. Burchfield is running for the District 1A open school board seat. Also running is Elizabeth Beeton and Kelly Hejtmancik. The election will take place on November 2nd, 2021.
TFiU Youth Halloween Bash
Shout Outs
Shout Outs
TFiU Member Highlights
Sue Johnson
Sue Johnson
TFiU Design Team member, Executive Director and founder of Nia Cultural Center was voted as one of the Women of The Year at Galveston's 14th Annual Women's Conference!
June Pulliam
June Pulliam
TFiU Design Team member, Executive Director of Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy, was appointed chairperson of the City of Galveston's Family, Children, and Youth Board!
Next Steps!
TFiU and NIA Present Movie Night in the Park!
On OCTOBER 30th, 6:30 p.m. at Jack Johnson Park, 2627 Ave M, The Future Is Us Youth and Parent Advisory Committee, along with Nia Cultural Center, Inc is hosting a movie night in the park! There will be great dialogue and streaming of the film “Safety”.
There will be HOT DOGS, movie POPCORN, PICKLES, and CANDY.
We are excited to fellowship with the community and to build strong connections so we can create change!
You can print out your movie ticket below!
TFiU Launches BOOK CLUB!
Starting Saturday, November 6, from 11am-12pm, TFiU in partnership with Nia Cultural Center, Inc is launching the Intellectual Emancipation Book Club!
Open to learners of all ages, the book club will explore Black history, Black theory, Black philosophy, Black thought, and the Black literary arts.
Studying Black life will break your heart, and at the same time make you extremely proud. African descendants in America are a people of unknown strength, resilience and ingenuity. However, becoming familiar with TRUE history is necessary to achieve intellectual emancipation and ultimately, self-determination.
TFiU looks forward to starting this journey with all of you!
The link to the first reading: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vwsfpToNWJd56kZF9smocpczGxYD630G/view?usp=sharing
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6905756568
School Supply Mutual Aid
You're on your phone anyway...
Follow these accounts for continued education and exposure!
Culturally Competent Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
There are lots of ways you can make a difference in the community!
Donate school supplies at Galveston's Own Farmer's Market the last Sunday of the month!
Take our Survey (QR Code below) and let us know what you think will make change in the school district?
Join the TFiU/NIA Book Club.
Attend Movie Nights and other awareness events!
Intellectual Emancipation
Learn about the Farmville, VA student strike, where the local Black students, led by Barbara Johns, stood up for their right to a quality education!
GISD School Board Connection
Upcoming Board Meetings:
(All scheduled times of meetings are subject to, and often do, change without notice.)
Upcoming Dates!
School Board Elections are fast approaching!
In Memoriam
Julenne Andrisee Faith Brown
October 25, 1985 - August 29, 2021
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