Vol. 6
March 2022
The Future is US exists to fight for Galveston youth through community voice so future generations can meet their full potential.
Preparing Young Freedom Fighters: Advocacy 101 Civics Training
BY the Children's Defense Fund
On Tuesday, March 29th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. TFIU-SNCC, along with NIA Cultural Center will host a youth advocacy training by the Children's defense fund. It will be held as a hybrid event, with the in-person location will be at Boys & Girls Club of Galveston County.
There will be a lot of fun, education, and conversation. The Future is US will be providing dinner for the attendees, as well as some great door prizes. Stay tuned for more details on how to register.
From CDF: Your voice, your experiences, and your stories matter. You deserve to be heard by our leaders who make decisions that affect us and our communities for years to come. CDF-Texas is a nonprofit organization that empowers Texans to take action on key issues in our state through our Advocacy 101 training. This training will prepare you to recognize key policy and lawmakers, understand the policymaking process, and most of all, take collective action in order to create the changes our communities deserve.
Soul Food Sessions #2
TFIU partner, Nia Cultural Center hosted African American Read-In for the whole month of February! The Read-In was a series of live virtual readings and Q&As spotlighting Black authors of Galveston county and promoting literacy in our community.
As part of our Soul Food Sessions series, The Future is US co-hosted, and welcomed author and adolescent psychiatrist Napoleon Higgins, MD for a reading and discussion about "Mind Matters: A Resource Guide to Psychiatry for Black Communities." Dr. Higgins and his team, Global Health Pyschiatry, LLC composed of 10 Black psychiatrists, wrote the book to decrease stigma and discuss common mental health disorders with a specialized focus on African Americans in everyday language for ALL to use and understand . Clement Aozie from University of Texas Medical Branch facilitated this wonderful and informative session.
Dr. Higgins' publications include "Bree's Journey to Joy: A Story About Childhood Grief and Depression", "How Amari Learned to Love School Again: A Story About ADHD (Mind Matters Kids)", and "Mind Matters: A Resource Guide to Psychiatry for Black Communities".
Stay tuned for Soul Food Session #3!
TFIU-SNCC is Now LIVE!
TFIU-SNCC is now LIVE! https://forms.gle/9efYagAc9KaFah7z6
Based on the legacy of the original SNCC, TFIU–SNCC, is our team of specialized Youth and Adults, of all backgrounds, that will self-educate, self-activate, and self-advocate, so that, together, we can free our community of the myths and their manifestations that degrade racial progress.
We will accomplish this through the TFIU-SNCC pledge. By agreeing to the pledge, you agree to read 25 min a night, 4 times per week. Also, by agreeing to the TFIU-SNCC pledge, you agree to volunteering at least 6 hours over a 6 week period. As well as other volunteering/activism projects we will build out.
Why We Need to Teach True Histories in Our Schools
Intellectual Emancipation Book Club
IEBC resumes March 5th @11 am
The IEBC completed How The Word Is Passed by Clint Smith. It was a well written and interesting read.
As we forge ahead, we will put forth some choices as the next book the IEBC will read. Put in your feedback so we can pick a title we ALL would like to explore!
For the next IEBC, on March 5th @ 11AM via ZOOM, we will read, review and discuss the article "Racial Bias Around the World" by Alexander Coutts.
You can download the article here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-rHL0Y1QUrafFtbCf7XFk5ZFmBtsYR2w/view?usp=sharing
And, here is the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6905756568
SMART Party at the Spot
Join SMART Family Literacy March 29th 5:30-6:30 at the Spot for food, fun, and reading!
Every last Tuesday of the month, SMART Family Literacy hosts a SMART Party at the Spot where young learners and their families try a new science experiment, read along with other young readers, enjoy healthy snacks, and receive free books to help them begin building or add to, their home library with free books!
Co-Coordinator Shanice reading with young readers at the February SMART party last month! We painted masks, counted rose petals, read "Let's Celebrate! Special Days Around the World!" and won great prizes!
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.
TFIU New Members Meet Up!
On March 11th, the TFIU YPAC is inviting all new TFIU members to gather for food and fellowship at Moody Mansion from 6PM – 8PM. Bring your family, learn about TFIU and how you can become more involved, and help us achieve educational justice on Galveston Island!
Don't worry. it's never too late for your friends, family and colleagues to sign-up and join our cause…
TFIU New Member Contest Winners!
In order to increase awareness regarding the school-to-prison pipeline, and to effect change in the Galveston community, TFIU hosted a New Member Contest!
During February all new TFIU members who signed up were entered into a drawing where 5 (FIVE) new members won of a $20 Amazon.com gift card.
Congratulations to the winners: Donnavan, Jaden, MiKaela, Nakia and Valerie.
We look forward to working with ALL of our future TFIU members!
TFIU Spring Break Cookout!
On March 16th, the TFIU YPAC is hosting a Spring Break Cookout! From 1PM to 4PM at Crockett Park, there will be food and fun for the whole family.
Come out and learn about TFIU while enjoying music, winning giveaways, and playing games!
We hope to see you all there!
Share your voice with Hogg Foundation for Mental Health
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is seeking talented and aspiring writers, ages 21 and up, for its New Voices Showcase. The New Voices Showcase will publish personal essay submissions written in response to the prompt, “Share a story that describes how your mental health has been impacted during this time of heightened injustice, race-related trauma, and the pandemic. What can others learn from your experience?” In answering this question, writers may rely upon personal reflection, critique of society, humor, advice, or any of the above in crafting their piece.
The most meaningful submissions will receive a cash award, while every writer with a submission, will be added to the foundation's new Contributors Circle for consideration for future paid freelance writing opportunities!
Submission deadline is March 32, 2022. More information and details can be found here, New Voices Showcase, Call for Entries
Check out the TFIU Toolkit!
More Upcoming Dates!
Next Steps!
Please stay informed and up to date by visiting the following links:
Black to the Future! (Black History Lessons)
Since TIFU-SNCC is now up and running, it is important to understand the origins of the movements in which we participate. The original SNCC was started by Ella Baker. The following documentary trailer is a brief look into the legendary leader's life.
You're on your phone anyway...
Follow these accounts for continued education and exposure!
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.
Visit TFiU's Website
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
