February 2024 Newsletter
Visit the Cultural Celebration Page for upcoming events, professional development panels, academic resources, and more!
February Events & Happenings
Black History Month
Today is the first day of Black History Month! Black History Month was created in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Initially called Negro History Week, the celebration expanded to a full month in 1976, in order to focus even greater attention on the contributions of African Americans in the United States and throughout the diaspora. Today, Black History Month continues to amplify and deepen the exploration and elevation of African Americans and their contributions to society through film screenings, museum exhibits, and by encouraging the study of the accomplishments of African Americans year-round.
Events and Happenings this Month
Equity in Practice: Philly Truce
Join us on February 21, 2024 at 12:00 pm for our next Equity in Practice session. In this session, we will be collaborating with Philly Truce, a community based organization focused on supporting marginalized communities in Philadelphia. In this session, Philly Truce will outline their connection to equity, their services, and share insights on how to equitably support marginalized students, specifically African-American/Black men.
Philly Truce`s mission is to equip African-American males and the communities where they live with tools that increase their chances to achieve sustainable manhood. Their vision is a society where African American males are afforded every opportunity to achieve sustainable manhood. Services include community-led visible deterrence, social emotional learning and mentorship.
February Events
Unapologetically Black Education: Strategies for Dismantling Systems of Domination.
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Unapologetically Black Education: Strategies for Dismantling Systems of Domination.” Gain transformative insights from a diverse panel, including scholar Dr. Christopher Rogers, high school educator Hannah Gann, elementary educator Tia James, and parent activist Maritza Guridy, as they collectively share strategies to challenge and dismantle systems of domination within the education system. Acquire unique perspectives on promoting an unapologetically Black educational experience that empowers and liberates, contributing to a vision of equity and justice in education. Event Details:
Date: February 6, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Dan Rodden Theater, La Salle University Union Building (1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141)
Parking: Available on 20th Street or enter campus from Lindley Avenue for visitor parking.
2nd Annual Rosa Parks Birthday Celebration
Join us at the School District of Philadelphia’s Second Annual Rosa Parks Celebration. This significant event will take place in the Skyline room at the Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library Branch on February 9, 2024. As we gather to honor the legacy of Rosa Parks, a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights, it is an opportunity for us to come together as a community committed to fostering inclusivity and understanding. The celebration will feature insightful discussions, impactful presentations, and a shared reflection on the lessons we can draw from Rosa Parks’ courageous stand.
The Deep Details of the 1838 Disenfranchisement and a workshop on using 1838 Digital Tools
On 02/12/2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, the School District of Philadelphia is planning a profound Black History Month learning experience in collaboration with the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust as we delve into the rich tapestry of unknown local Black Philadelphia History. This event, in conjunction with the 1838 Black Metropolis, is a testament to the commitment of the School District of Philadelphia to explore, reclaim, and celebrate suppressed or forgotten Black histories.
Building upon the Power of Student Voices and Ideas
Hosted by the School District of Philadelphia and Jubilee Voices Publishing House in collaboration with GSE, the event will feature a presentation and vibrant discussion led by Jubilee School’s esteemed sixth and seventh-grade alumni. These accomplished individuals played a pivotal role in the creation of Jubilee Voices Publishing House and authored three of the six books being presented. These literary works were written and illustrated by talented Jubilee students in fourth through sixth grades.
The event is free and open to all! To secure your spot, please register at bit.ly/VoicesIdeas or scan the QR code on the flyer. Let us come together to celebrate Black History Month and contribute to the ongoing journey of unraveling the true narrative of our history.
Adultification Bias of Black and Brown Children
Please join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on the Adultification Bias of Black and Brown Children. Black and Brown children in schools are often robbed of their innocence as a result of structural racism and often experience harsher treatment and higher standards in comparison to white students. This session explores the concept of “adultification” and how negative stereotypes of historically marginalized people are mapped onto children of color, perceiving them as dangerous or a threat. Attendees will learn about the root causes for adultification bias, reflect on how it shows up in schools and beyond, and explore how to manage biases to grow a more equitable school community.
This event is open to the School District of Philadelphia staff and the full community. To secure your spot, please register at bit.ly/AdultBias
Community Events
Black and Queer in Philadelphia: From the 1930s to Today
Explore the private events, social groups, activists, and local hangouts for Black Queer men in Philadelphia with our presenter, Gary Hines. Drawing from press clippings and various materials, Gary, who has served in different capacities, including on the Mayor’s Commission on African American Males, will provide insights into the vibrant scene.
When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Where: This event will be presented both in-person in the Heim Center Room 131/132 and online. The Heim Center is located at 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 in the Parkway Central Library.
Cost: Free!
You can find more information on the event here. You can also register for the Zoom session here.
In Case You Missed It!
In Case You Missed it: Equity in Practice: One Day At A Time: ODAAT
On January 24, 2023, The office of DEI collaborated with One Day At A Time (ODAAT) for our monthly Equity in Practice sessions. ODAAT serves Philadelphia via many program services which can include; but are not limited to; case management, classes and workshops, HIV rapid testing, HIV Education and Prevention Services, Food Bank, outreach, special events and youth services.
In this session, ODAAT outlined their connection to equity through its Youth Recovery Mode (YRM) program, which provides a safe space for young people in North Philadelphia to develop their interpersonal skills and focus on their development, beyond the confines of their environments which have been plagued by violence and drugs.
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