Blue Star Families’ Post

📣 Observing Juneteenth at Charette High School 📚 Today, in observance of Juneteenth, our school community pauses to reflect on a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day, now a federal holiday, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the African American community. While our students and staff are not in school today, we encourage everyone to take this time to learn, reflect, and honor the significance of Juneteenth. Here are some ways we can all engage meaningfully: 📖 Learn: Explore the rich history of Juneteenth and its impact on American society. Numerous online resources, books, and documentaries provide deep insights into this important day. 💬 Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made towards equality and the work that still lies ahead. Consider how each of us can contribute to building a more just and inclusive society. 🤝 Support: Support African American businesses, artists, and organizations that work towards social justice and community empowerment. 🌟 Share: Share your thoughts and learning experiences with family, friends, and the community. Raising awareness helps keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive and promotes understanding and unity. At Charette High School we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and continuous learning. Let’s honor Juneteenth by coming together in the spirit of reflection, education, and community. #Juneteenth #CharetteHighSchool #ProvidenceEducation #ReflectAndLearn #InclusiveEducation #AfricanAmericanHistory #CommunityUnity

✨UNT Alumni Spotlight✨ As a political science student at UNT, Wayne Beare ('97) immersed himself in various international studies courses and participated in organizations like the Model Arab League and the Organization of Latin American Students. Today, he serves as director of global logistics for Mobility Worldwide, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mobility services to people with disabilities in developing countries. Read Wayne's story, published in the North Texan: https://bit.ly/3zO69dq

Why was it so awkward to send an email reminder to my colleague that the office is closed in celebration of Juneteenth? Well, to be honest, they don't care. It's just a day the office is closed for them. The end of slavery is such an ugly part of American history that some school districts don't even recognize it. In environments where awareness and understanding of historical significance like Juneteenth may be limited, it can sometimes feel challenging to convey its importance. I assure you, I'm not trying to be overly negative. I needed inspiration and found something worth sharing, even with those who might not fully acknowledge the significance of this history. Juneteenth is about freedom, resilience, history, and the ongoing fight against systemic racism. It represents hope and proof that, as a society, we can eventually get it right. Ultimately, the purpose of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is to foster collective understanding and promote unity among all Americans, regardless of their background, religion, or culture. It serves as a reminder of the significance of freedom and the ongoing journey towards justice and equality for all. I'll say it again: Juneteenth is important.

In Immigrant Justice Corps "Where are they now?” series, they introduce you to former IJC Fellows and share their stories — how they became a Fellow and how their Fellowship experience informs their work today. Learn more about Stephanie's experience here: https://lnkd.in/eDJwutzD

Today is World Braille Day. People who are blind celebrate this day to honor Louis Braille, the creator of the Braille system which we use to read and write. Braille is the only method that we have as people who are blind to truly learn literacy including spelling, proper punctuation, document formatting and sentence structure. While some of these skills can be learned by using talking computers, Braille users tend to be better communicators when we are able to proofread our work more carefully by examining our texts letter by letter without thinking instead of having to go through the tedious process of doing so while listening to speech.   Braille also allows us to engage with our audience when we are speaking, rather than having to listen to our notes to keep ourselves on track. With Braille, we can read our notes as needed while sending the message to our audience that they truly do matter while we are speaking. It is a powerful tool to show any members of society that we are paying attention to them in the interactions we have.   Speaking from personal experience, trying to learn advanced mathematics by having formulas read to me was almost impossible for me to follow. I did not have the same difficulties when I had access to the very same information in Braille.   At CNIB, we realize how important it is for our children to thrive in the education system. Education is one of the best predictors of future success.Braille is an essential tool for that to happen. I encourage all educators who are working with blind children in any capacity to not only promote Braille but to ensure that it is properly produced and provided to the student at the same time as other classmates receive their materials. Only offering students two or three Braille lessons each term is woefully inadequate. This happens in some Canadian locations. After all, I know you wouldn’t accept that level of support for your sighted children. I know that I don’t. Why should parents of children who are blind be put in that position?     Please join with me in promoting CNIB’s pillar entitled our Kids Will Thrive in our strategic plan found at https://lnkd.in/ghDfGGut.  Also, encourage all of your friends and family to sign our Charter of Rights of Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision Found at https://lnkd.in/g5n-2RkP. Let’s continue to show the world that Louis Braille’s contribution to society really does matter and remains an important tool for people who are blind, Deaf Blind or who have low vision.       CNIB CNIB Deafblind Community Services

Be sure to register for some of the great "Practicing Democracy" workshops through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)! I'm looking forward to presenting with some awesome colleagues on April 8 on the topic of "Organizing Community Dialogues." How can you build an inclusive culture on campus that values diverse opinions? Learn more about how to organize community deliberative dialogues that move conversation and build healthy relationships. https://lnkd.in/e4MiXhRA

Yes, we need to teach the essentials of #americanhistory in our schools. Yes, we shouldn’t shy away from teaching controversial or dark moments in history. And yes, #civiceducation is no substitute for history #education, particularly if that civics leans toward #activism only. I explain in my discussion with Larry Jacobs and American Consortium for Equity in Education. #civicengagement #historymatters #history #socialstudies #k12education #k12 https://lnkd.in/ewJKrCJp

Check out my latest article in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

Camino Research Institute (CRI) delivered its 2024 Western North Carolina (WNC) Latino Community Strengths & Needs Assessment Report, shared by CRI Manager Sarai Ordonez, who was the excellent project lead. The survey mostly captures the strengths, needs, gaps, and actual preferences and priorities of Hispanic and Latino/a/e people in WNC and in particular the undocumented population, whose voices are rarely heard, much less understood. 91% of survey respondents are immigrants from 16 different countries of origin, with 71% from Mexico. What do survey respondents value most about the Latino people and community? Latinos recognize and take pride in their work ethic and entrepreneurship, as well as volunteering, cultural diversity, dependability, and sense of family and unity. Latino concerns include the need for greater access to healthcare, including dental care, preventative healthcare, vision care, and mental healthcare; access to systems, including healthcare systems, with greater bilingual competency; and access to drivers licenses to increase system engagement and improve overall quality of life. I encourage everyone to read the report and learn more about our Latino/a/e community. I serve on Camino's WNC Community Advisory Board—the only non-Latino on a board of fabulous Latino leaders and difference makers. #Latino #Hispanic #inclusion #healthcare #wellbeing #diversity #community

The Dear Younger Me Message What would you say to your younger self in middle school if given the chance? 🤔 This past Friday, March 1, I lived that moment, thanks to Brandy Hobrough, Principal Cox, and everyone at the Leesville Road Middle School in Raleigh, North Carolina who made it possible. Decades ago, as a valedictorian in Liberia, my fear of being mocked for my stutter led me to skip my own middle school/junior high graduation speech. Yes, I simply didn't show up. Fast forward to this past Friday, I was there to encourage students celebrated for their contributions and cooperation with a powerful lesson: "Start with Who." I emphasized the importance of seeking allies, knowledge, and shared experiences in facing challenges. This was also a personal milestone, granting myself the acceptance to be present, stutters included, and to contribute to the community that mattered. 🌟 Choosing March 1 for this engagement—unintentionally matching the start of the Liberian school year back then—felt like destiny's way of crafting a full circle moment. 🔄 The emotions I had locked away since my own middle school days surfaced, reminding me of the growth and second chances life offers. What message would you share with your younger self in middle school today? Let's inspire each other with stories of courage and permission to be imperfectly ourselves. 💬 #leadership #courage #education #personalgrowth #couragehacking