SAISD Foundation’s Post

If given the chance, would you advocate and nominate someone for an award? Positive feedback and affirmation not only inspire individuals to excel but also validate and highlight the amazing work being done around us. Authentic recognition is good for individuals, teams, companies, and communities. The Spark Awards is a celebration of the remarkable contributions of young people (aged 40 & under) in our region who have the "spark" to make our community better. Don't miss the chance to nominate deserving individuals for this year's awards! The deadline for submissions is May 15th, 2024. Nominate those in any category you believe should receive recognition. 1) Education 2) Community Advocacy 3) Civil Service 4) Creativity 5) Entrepreneurship 6) Athleticism 7) Justice For consideration in any category, include the nominee's name, contact information (phone and/or email), and a 250-word description of their work in that category, explaining why they should be this year's recipient. Shoutout to Aksel W. for posting this info. I'm excited to celebrate the folks who are doing such amazing work. https://lnkd.in/edpcVseQ

🎒 NEW CASE STUDY: The Black Mothers Forum (BMF), established in 2016 to combat institutional racism in Phoenix-area schools, responded to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic by creating a network of microschools. With Black leadership and a focus on racial justice, BMF fills a unique niche in a region where Black families are often underrepresented. In 2022, CRPE documented BMF's efforts to launch these microschools.  Our newest case study from Travis Pillow and Eupha Jeanne Daramola revisits Black Mothers Forum, with an eye toward the pedagogical tensions and questions of sustainability. From a single location, the BMF’s network has grown to five microschools across two locations, with plans to start more microschools in the 2023-24 school year. Arizona’s school funding laws provide support for these microschools to operate, but are they sustainable? Learn more:

The Justice Is The Foundation report reveals a crucial truth: while movements for racial justice in education are expanding, investment is tapering off. Explore how the Schott Foundation is working to address this gap. #BlackPhilanthropyMonth Thank you, Black Philanthropy Month, for the insightful panel discussion last year, which featured Schott CEO Dr. John H. Jackson, Bakari Sellers, Christina Lewis from Giving Gap, Nneka Eze from VestedWorld, and BHEKINKOSI MOYO.

The news of Spelman College receiving a gift of $100 million dollars is significant for a number of reasons: - Spelman College is the embodiment of what it means to educate for liberation and for freedom. I share it often, but I would not be who I am had I not attended an institution that has been intentionally designed to hold space in the critical and intricate ways that are needed for Black women to thrive in a world that continues to try and destroy us  - You know us by our fruit. Spelman College is consistently ranked above institutions and maintains its status as the number 1 HBCU for a reason. Spelman Alumnae represent the greatness that exists when we truly love on Black women through effective and excellent educational practices. And, when we are the center of our universe. Other institutions cannot, do not, and will not do this.  - Many HBCUs suffer or are suffering because they lack the funding and support they are due. This is not separate from the attacks on Black life and wellness that is as old as this nation. In many ways, it is deliberate. Because education and literacy have always been tools of oppression for Black folx and folx of the global majority. So before we rush to critique or to fail to adequately support HBCUs, let us be reminded of the power that comes from investing into our uniquely beautiful institutions. A gift like this means SO much and signals to the world that investment into education is not only meaningful, it is necessary. https://lnkd.in/emZ8tavp

Newman's Own Foundation with a grant opportunity for organizations focused on food justice for kids. Paul M. Angell Family Foundation with a grant opportunity for certain Latino arts organizations. From their websites: > Newman's. "Is your organization working towards food justice for kids in the United States? If so, this is your chance to receive up to $100,000 in grant funding over the next 2 years and deepen your impact! Apply by June 11, 2024." > Paul M Angell. "Mini grants are available for small Latino arts organizations which have budgets of under $200,000.00. Awards are $5,000.00 for grounds with budgets up to $100,000.00 and $7,500.00 for groups with budgets from $100,000.00 up to $200,000.00." Applications due June 7.

Last year, 65.6% of all Indiana 3rd grade Black students passed IREAD. Our Gary school was behind the state average at 60.8%. But this year, 71.1% of our 3rd graders passed the reading test while the state average is 68.6%. We improved by 10.25 pts, more than 3X the state’s improvement rate of 3, and 5X the local district’s improvement rate of 2 points. What did we do to improve? We worked with Marian University Indianapolis Center for Vibrant Schools for “science of reading” training for the past two years. We tested our second graders, too. And, we made a concerted effort to hire stronger (and licensed) teachers. Great leadership. Great teachers. Great partners. Great results. And, we will do better this year. Before signing off, I think it is important to note our Gary school also beat Indianapolis Public Schools in both performance and improvement on IRead. IPS came in at 59.8% pass rate which is down .7 points from last year. Why do I bring this up? Because Gary does not receive the same philanthropic and education-improvement supports Indy schools receive. Imagine what scores would look like if Gary schools received similar attention. Katie Jenner Bob Behning Betsy Wiley Charter School Growth Fund

Wake Up Everybody “I am utterly disgusted by University of Florida decision and the precedent that it sets. Without the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs. We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case. Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UFlorida has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time, To the MANY, minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about the decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight. And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the side lines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.” -Emmit Smith, former NFL player Pro Football Hall of Fame In 2023, the Florida football program made $93,206,919 in total revenue and paid out $60,894,176 in expenses. The program raked in a net profit of $32,312,743 for the university. 32 million dollars. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the ONLY reasons Florida athletics is able to compete in the Southeastern Conference. The ONLY reason. In a related (fantastic) story, what if all 67 Black players on the 2024 Florida football roster decided to leverage the transfer portal for playing opportunities at Florida A&M, Alabama A&M, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Howard, Southern and Grambling Universities. ‘Day of Absence’ wants to be reality.

Empowering Black Excellence: The Intersection of Education and Philanthropy Deondra Rose, Ph.D.'s new book, The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy (Oxford University Press, 2024), and @mikebloomberg's transformative $600 million gift to HBCU medical schools spotlight the profound impact of investing in Black excellence. Dr. Rose, a distinguished scholar at #DukeUniversity, explores how HBCUs have served as vital incubators for Black Americans to acquire the knowledge, skills, and sense of community necessary to build successful careers and drive societal change. Her book is a call to action and a celebration of the incredible achievements of HBCUs and their students. Rep. Alma Adams, U.S. Representative, notes that this work "underscores the incredible history of HBCUs and the urgent need for a historic reinvestment to ensure their continued success." Bloomberg’s historic donation is a tangible commitment to this vision. By providing scholarships, enhancing facilities, and supporting faculty development, his gift addresses the financial and systemic challenges faced by HBCU medical schools. It’s an investment not only in Black medical students but also in the future of healthcare, aiming to increase the number of Black doctors and improve health outcomes for Black communities. As James E. Clyburn, U.S. House of Representatives, emphasizes, “understanding the pivotal role of HBCUs is essential to appreciating how these institutions prepare the next generation of leaders.” Dr. Rose’s scholarship and Bloomberg’s philanthropy underscore the critical intersection of education and equity. They remind us that supporting HBCUs is essential to building a more just and inclusive society that celebrates Black excellence. Theda Skocpol of #HarvardUniversity observes, “The Power of Black Excellence offers compelling insights for policymakers and citizens into how education can propel the public good.” The future depends on our commitment to building on this momentum and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. To read more about and/or purchase Dr. Rose's book: https://lnkd.in/eTjKdZhH #DeondraRose #BlackExcellence #MichaelBloomberg #HBCU #HigherEducation #Philanthropy #BloombergPhilanthropies

The Foundation - Why Education Matters Dear Community Members, Imagine a world where every child, regardless of race, has the same quality of education. A world where the zip code a child is born into doesn’t dictate their future success. This isn’t just a dream but a possibility that begins with our commitment to fighting for quality public education for Black children. Why Education Matters Education is the cornerstone of equitable opportunities. It's a powerful tool that can level the playing field, offering every child the chance to succeed. But for too many Black children, access to quality education remains out of reach, a barrier we must dismantle together. The Ripple Effect Quality education doesn’t just benefit the individual; it uplifts entire communities. It leads to better health outcomes, economic prosperity, and a stronger, more just society. When we invest in education, we're investing in a brighter future for us all. Our History, Our Fight The fight for quality education for Black children is not new. It's woven into the fabric of our history, a testament to our resilience and determination. But the battle is far from over. By understanding our past, we can chart a path forward, ensuring no child is left behind. The Power of Education Malcolm X once said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." This truth underscores the transformative power of education. It's not just about learning; it's about creating a future where every Black child can thrive. Let’s Reflect If education is the key to success, who holds the power to unlock the potential of Black children? How can we dismantle the barriers to quality education for Black children and ensure a brighter future for all? As we embark on this journey together, let us be guided by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education." Together, we can make this vision a reality. With hope and determination, Savant Moore, HISD Trustee District 2

How to Reach Hillman® is very layered. On top: if you instantly think about A Different World, that's right. This entire concept was born from meeting the cast as they were on their first HBCU Tour back in 2016. I had this thought that actual high school students need to know HOW to REACH (their) Hillman... and here we now are. In the middle: if you're somebody (an adult) who has ever been told that an HBCU is not for you, you didn't have anyone to support your aspirations to attend an HBCU, or you don't live in an HBCU state...but you now see that How to Reach Hillman® is a real thing for today's student, it's because I've had countless adults express those reasons to me. It doesn't have to be that way for today's student. Especially not on my watch. Somewhere else in the middle: is my desire to highlight the inequities that exist in college access and HBCU access (in particular) and how it directly impacts Black students and their ability to pursue higher education, especially at institutions where *they* are centered and the norm, i.e. HBCUs. At the bottom: is my belief that students are exceedingly capable of designing their own futures, but they need people, resources, and tools that are intentional and empower them to consider all viable possibilities. So, I created How to Reach Hillman® to be all that and more. Here's what that looks like for the next two weeks: I am promoting the first How to Reach Hillman® LIVE workshop (since 2020). The LIVE workshop is on Monday, July 8, 2024 and it's exclusively for rising high school seniors and their parents as they are preparing to apply to HBCUs this coming Fall. My LIVE workshops do have a capacity because quality and individualized support matter greatly to me.