TFiU Newsletter, Vol. 3
Nov-Dec 2021
The Future is US exists to fight for Galveston youth through community voice so future generations can meet their full potential.
Black Mental Health (in crisis?)
Black youth and families are less likely to look for, or receive the mental health services they need, experts are finding, due to fear of abuse or discrimination, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the lack of specialized services. Research is also finding that Black youth and their families compared to their White youth and families are less likely to be referred or follow through with referrals to mental health services.
Galveston has multiple mental health resources and supports in the community, but are these same factors keeping our Black youth and families from seeking or receiving the mental health services they need in our community? January 13th 2022, we are going to have our first Soul Food Session to start this much needed conversation so we can come together and find solutions.
Check out Breaking the Cycle of Silence Around Black Mental Health to learn more.
Intellectual Emancipation Book Club
The Intellectual Emancipation Book Club has blasted off and has been a huge success with everyone that has participated. In our first meeting, we reviewed Chapter 9 of Derrick Bell's anthology, And We Are Not Saved. The chapter is titled "The Right to Decolonize Black Minds: The Chronicle of the Slave Scrolls".
At following meeting, we read and reviewed the article, “The Misperceptions of Racial Economic Inequality” by Dr. Jennifer Richeson of Yale University. You can find a very brief synopsis of the article here. And, there is much more to learn in the actual article found here!
The next Intellectual Emancipation Book Club will meet December 4th @ 11am via zoom! The group has chosen the first book that we will read and study as a group! HOW THE WORD IS PASSED by Clint Smith and everyone seems to be excited about this one...
Specifically, we will start our focus on a chapter that directly affects US, titled "'Our Independence Day': Galveston Island".
Here is a link to the reading.
Here is a link to the zoom.
Introducing: TFIU-SNCC!
Based on the legacy of the original Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), this team of specialized Youth and Parents, of all backgrounds, self-educates, self-activates, and self-advocates to free the community of the myth and manifestations that degrade racial progress.
TFIU-SNCC will focus on building a coalition of Youth and Adults, of all backgrounds, to truly understand the conditions of the Galveston community through volunteering, education, civic engagement and celebration. This as a contribution to organization, is necessary in order to make lasting, structural change.
More details and how YOU, and YOU, can be involved SOON!
Parent Interest Meeting, 11/30
The Future is Us Youth and Parent Advisory Council parents held an interest meeting in the McCullough Room at Rosenberg Library. Parents, community leaders and members, and youth were able to have an open and honest conversation about issues affecting our students and school discipline in GISD.
In addition to the serious discourse, fun, fellowship and food was had by everyone that attended.
Upcoming Events
The Season of Serving Celebration Parade
Galveston community leaders are preparing to bring joy to Galveston families for the upcoming holiday. On Saturday, December 11th, they will be conducting a gift parade and they need YOUR help! Volunteers are needed to assist with the event. Providing gifts is needed as well.
For more information on how you can get involved, or for more details about the event, please call 512-800-9271 or visit G3.com.
Galveston Heritage Chorale & Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy Highlighting TFIU's June Pulliam
Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy will have a series of 3 mini-concerts: Tuesday, December 14th @ 5:30 pm; Wednesday, December 15th @ 5:00 pm; & Thursday, December 16th @ 5:30 pm
Location: Fanfare LMA, 2415 Winnie, Galveston
Galveston Heritage Chorale
More Upcoming Dates!
Tuesday, December 7th: Education Task Force of City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 13th: Soul Food Sessions #1
Next Steps!
We are preparing for a BIG 2022!
Please stay informed and up to date by visiting the following links:
Black to the Future! (Black History Lessons)
The author of How the Word is Passed, Clint Smith, gives a history lesson on Maria W. Stewart. Stewart was a free-born African American who became a teacher, journalist, lecturer, abolitionist, and women's rights activist. She is the first known American woman to speak to a mixed audience of men and women, white and black. She was also the first African-American woman to make public lectures, as well as to lecture about women's rights and make a public anti-slavery speech.
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!
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.
Become a TFiU Member!
Visit TFiU's Youtube.
GISD School Board Connection
Upcoming Board Meetings:
(All scheduled times of meetings are subject to, and often do, change without notice.)
In Memoriam
Julenne Andrisee Faith Brown
October 25, 1985 - August 29, 2021
