Vol. 5
February 2022
The Future is US exists to fight for Galveston youth through community voice so future generations can meet their full potential.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY
Learn about the "Father of Black History Month", and author of the seminal work, "The Mis-Education of the Negro", Carter G. Woodson.
By special request of TFIU YPAC Youth Lead, Toniesha Martinez, here is a documentary about Civil Rights giant, Fannie Lou Hamer!
Soul Food Sessions #1
Soul Food Session #1 was a great success! On January 13th, we had our first Soul Food Session, discussing Black mental health with local community members, mental health professionals, parents, and youth. Participants and panelists discussed barriers to accessing mental health services in Galveston, the influence misdiagnosis has, substance use, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stigma in the Black community. Not only were we able to have meaningful conversations, but fun as well, as through donations from our partners, several viewers won fantastic prizes!
Due to the positive feedback and engagement during our 1st session, and asks in our Soul Food Sessions questionnaire for more conversations about Black mental health in our community, planning for Soul Food Session #2 is underway! Stay tuned!
TFIU and Galveston's Point-In-Time Count
In order to make your community better, you must be active in understanding the conditions of your fellow community members.
The Point-in-Time count occurs one day each year, nationally, to count the minimum number of people in a community who are experiencing houselessness. This information is gathered to bring awareness; better understand the trends in homelessness in our community over time; advocate for funding to support programs and services; and engage with the community in building stronger relationships.
Co-Coordinators Shanice Blair and Jonathan Warren started their day volunteering for the 2022 Point in Time Count with the Gulf Coast Homeless Coalition last Thursday (1/27/22).
Stay tuned to this space for more opportunities to volunteer through TFIU-SNCC!
Check Out the New & Improved THEFUTUREISUS.CO!
Intellectual Emancipation Book Club
IEBC resumes February 5th @11 am
The IEBC will continue with "How the Word is Passed" by Clint Smith. The next chapter we will discuss is entitled "'I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I like it': Blandford Cemetery"
Reading link:
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q7acfcaBQMSeYPYfdOK87YMcuh6RVP-4/view?usp=sharing)
Zoom Link:
SMART Party 2/22/22
Join SMART Family Literacy for free family fun at The Spot!
Learn a new science experiment, read along with other young readers, add to your home library with free books from SMART Family Literacy, and enjoy healthy snacks from The Spot!
Co-Coordinator Shanice reading with young readers at the SMART party last month! Last month we painted with celery, experimented with simple circuits, and read "Pete the Cat"
1000 Books Before Kindergarten!
Did you know that by reading and sharing stories with babies and young children not only helps their brain development, but strengthens your relationship with them? Research has found that reading and story telling:
Helps in developing children's brain development in concentration, focus, social skills and communication
Expands children's vocabulary! A 2019 study found that children that were regularly read to the 5years leading up to Kindergarten were exposed to 1.4 million more words.
A 2008 study found that children feel secure when read to and can support a solid parent-child relationship.
Sign up today for Rosenberg Library's Reading Challenge!
Baby Day 2022 2/6/22-2/12/22
Join First3Years and Texas' littlest, parents, and caregivers for free, live, and on-demand baby and toddler events centered around ways to support the healthy development of Texas' youngest in emotional, social, and cognitive skills.
During this weeklong event you will learn how to engage and support development with bonding and on-demand activities and resources for caregiver and young children in:
music
art
yoga
reading
dance
and more!
Register here, Baby Day Event Registration
Youth With Purpose Art Contest WINNERS
In partnership with NIA Cultural Center, we are proud to present the Youth With Purpose Art Contest Winners!
Keturah White and Toniesha Martinez
Celebrate African American Composers
Join the Galveston Heritage Chorale as they present their 30th Anniversary concert of music by African American Composers and Arrangers!
Speaking of music...
Music is a way we can express, calm, and pump ourselves up. Did you know that music too is good for the brain? Studies have found that music can
- Enhance brain function in children
- Strengthen the bond between child and caregiver
- Play a key role in language development
- Be correlated with higher academic outcomes and achievement
- Social skills
- Help with controlling emotions
- Help one feel more positive and optimistic
There are so many benefits to learning and playing music, for people of ALL ages! Thankfully, Galveston has Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy that provides high quality, and low-cost music, art, and dance classes for everyone!
TABSE Youth & Parent Symposium
The Future is Us' Youth and Parent Advisory Council and Nia Cultural Center, Inc have arranged for Galveston County parents to have an exclusive invitation to participate virtually in the Texas Alliance for Black School Educator’s 37th Annual State Conference’s Parent Symposium!
This live event will be streamed as part of a pilot and will only be available to Galveston County Friday, February 11 from 8:30 AM - 11 AM.
Please register at https://bit.ly/TABSEParent2022 for this exclusive and informative session on how we can keep our children safe on-line.
Black Men's Health and Wellness
Calling all fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, uncles...and the people who love them: this panel is for YOU! We know that Black men are among the least likely to go to the doctor, be it for routine check-ups or specialized care. So, The Gregory School is bringing the doctors to you! Hear from experts in the field of internal medicine, cardiology, urology and more about the challenges Black men face, as well as some practical tools to meet those challenges head on.
This event was made possible by the generous support of Texas Southern University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Bring your questions and come ready to learn!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-mens-health-and-wellness-tickets-250834000247
Safety Planning Intervention
Safety planning interventions provide coping strategies and resources to those experiencing a crisis.
Join the Gulf Coast Center February 17th 1-4pm for their Safety Planning Intervention training on when and how to complete a safety plan for those that are at-risk for suicide.
The training is free and will be held virtually. To register and for the meeting link, contact Diane Manley at DianeM@gulfcoastcenter.org or 409-944-4436
Check out the TFIU Toolkit!
How US schools punish Black Kids
More Upcoming Dates!
Next Steps!
Please stay informed and up to date by visiting the following links:
TFIU New Member Contest!
In order to increase awareness regarding the school-to-prison pipeline, and to effect change in the Galveston community, TFIU is hosting a New Member Contest!
Starting February 1st through February 24th, all new TFIU members who sign up during this period will be entered into a drawing. Then, on Friday, February 25th, we will announce 5 (FIVE) lucky winners of a $20 Amazon.com gift card. All you have to do to be eligible is sign up to become a new TFIU member!
(Link: https://forms.gle/3d8C5KHCHDRXhSdM6)
It requires no commitment on your part. As a member, you will receive our monthly newsletter, be informed of events and trainings, and you will receive a TFIU t-shirt, a TFIU reusable swag bag, and a USB with digital books.
We look forward to working with ALL of our future TFIU members. Good luck!
Black to the Future! (Black History Lessons)
Video 1: Learn about the origins and legacy of "Freedom Schools". A major part of the community here in Galveston, it is of import to know and understand the origins of the institutions that help Africans in America strive for self-determination.
Video 2: In 1959, Prince Edward County, Virginia, closed its public schools rather than integrate them. White children went to publicly aided private schools while black students went to free schools staffed by volunteers. In 1964, the Supreme Court ordered the schools opened to all, but 90 percent of the whites stayed in private schools. The film shows a whites-only prom off-campus in a private club.
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
