Despite the progress and promise of Brown v. Board, a subversive war on affirmative action, equity, and inclusion has taken shape with hostile laws in full swing in Texas and nine other states. Furthermore, inequities in education funding and racial disparities in educational outcomes have endured over the decades, undermining the promise of a high quality education for all students. 

Join Rooted Change to discuss these challenges, policy levers that can transform systems, and a community-focused response on how to collectively move forward as we near the 2024 election and beyond. 

Speakers:

• Armin Salek, Executive Director, Youth Justice Alliance (armin@youthjusticealliance.org)

• Dr. David C. Turner III, Senior Advisor, Alliance for Boys and Men of Color

• LaTisha Vaughn, Founding Partner and Chief Program Officer, E3  (latisha@thee3group.com)

• Staff Facilitator: Andrea

Register here, What Now Registration 

In honor of June being Black Music Month, we interviewed some of the many talented musicians on our island and asked them about their experiences and what music means to them! 

Our first spotlight goes to Ball High’s fantastic Choir Director, award winning, Grammy Music Educator, Larrian Menifee!  We asked Larrian a few questions to learn more about his musical journey:

Tell us about your artistry. How would you describe yourself as a musician?

I have recently been refocusing my role in music! For years I have focused solely on my career in Music Education, but I have just recently made it a point to focus on performing and writing for myself again! I love to grab my key board and strip down a wide range of music to just piano and vocals. I hope to get back into song writing and hopefully collaborating with other local musicians.

What do you love about music?

I love that music is a Universal language. Music is something we all have in common. Whether we make music, perform, or listen to music, it always finds a way to impact us. I couldn’t imagine a life without it!

How has music positively influenced your life?

Music has always played a key role in my successes. As an 8th grader, I decided that I would pursue music in High School and perform in the All-District Musical which lead to the discovery of my love for Music Education. This provided me with the drive to obtain a degree in Music and achieve my goal of being a Music Educator where I am able to teach life through Music.

Do you have any advice for future musicians?

My advice would be to push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable. Allow yourself to learn, grow, and make mistakes but also push yourself to do new things. Never let anyone speak for your talent and abilities and most importantly, trust yourself!

Thanks for all you do with students! We cannot wait to see what you do as a songwriter, pianist, and singer! Please show Larrian some love and wish him a Happy Black Music Month!

With school being just around the corner, you know what that means, it’s time for It Takes a Village 2024! 

Join The Future is US, our partners, and The Phyllis Ann Foundation for our 4th annual It Takes a Village back to school event hosted by Noche Berry’s Salon! Sunday, August 18th we will be back providing free haircuts and styling services and backpacks with school supplies at Noche Berry’s Salon and Club 68. 

This year we are doing things differently for our free hair services and instead of first come, first served, it will be by appointment only from 9am-3pm while school supplies will be available next door at Club 68 from 11a-3pm.

And like always, there will be free fun and food throughout the day for all!

Collectively Rooted, Lunch Hour- Internal and External Barriers to Black Men Exploring their Mental Health June 13 12-1pmET 

In this session, we are honored to welcome Kyle Carter, Dr. Jonathan Harold, and Father Paul Abernathy. Their discussion will confront the stigma surrounding Black men's mental health, acknowledging both internalized and external pressures that prevent open dialogue and seeking support. Panelists will dissect societal factors such as historical trauma, systemic racism, stereotypes, and cultural norms, which intersect to create unique barriers for Black men in accessing mental health care, culminating with proactive strategies and interventions to dismantle these barriers and foster a supportive environment for Black men's mental health. 

Central to the discussion is the imperative of nurturing the next generation of Black male leaders. By equipping youth with the tools to recognize and address mental health challenges early on, we can break the cycle of stigma and empower future leaders to prioritize their well-being. Panelists will explore innovative approaches and mentorship programs aimed at building resilience, fostering emotional intelligence, and promoting self-care practices among Black youth.

Prevention Institute and Texas Freedom Network are holding a workshop that  is open to any youth with an interest in developing their testimony to present to elected officials or sharing their story about their advocacy goals and dreams for their communities. Please feel free to share the flyer and this registration link with any youth to register by June 10th: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtc-GrqDgtEtfSYzOG2XxVZAc4xRUjbTfL 

From BBBS:

We offer a variety of mentor opportunities. Click below for additional information.

School-based mentorship: Click here for more information.

Community-based mentorship: Click here for more information.

Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. With a Big in their life, Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.

Did you know Barnes & Noble has a FREE summer reading program for students in 1st through 6th grade?

Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August. 

Learn more here, Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program 

If you were at our Black History Talent Show this year you were lucky to see Winner's Circle  amazing performance at the show! 

YOU can breakdance too! 

There are few historical figures whose life and work speak to the current moment more than Ida B. Wells, the 19th century investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and passionate suffragist. Wells was born on July 16, 1931. She was freed from slavery just six months after she was born. Ida B. Wells once described her childhood with her parents and siblings in Holly Springs, Mississippi as “happy.” But a tragedy would alter the course of Wells’ youth. As a young woman and teacher, she refused to give up her seat on a train car that she was told was reserved white women. That incident launched the young Wells into her first public fight for justice. Through writing, Ida B. Wells found her “real” self. As she put pen to paper, her words became an important tool to analyze, debate, and persuade readers on the issues of the day, particularly when it came to race and gender. But after the lynching of her close friend in Memphis, Wells found a new kind of power in her pen.