Fall 2018 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director
Hi BBK Supporters:
As I prepared my son for second grade and a new school year, I found myself reflecting on how to create more time to do all the things that need to get done in a day and how to remain informed on all of the issues that impact me, my family and our community. I know that many of you are busy raising families, working one, two or three jobs, or just overwhelmed by the amount of information that comes out daily in social media, email, and tv.
The General Election, to be held November 6, 2018, I am sure is no exception to this stress. After all, adding another item to your evergrowing to-do list is an activity solemnly enjoyed by most. With such limited time, I will simply say that I hope you find a little time in the upcoming month to learn about issues important to you. The issues important to you will most likely find their way on the ballot as either propositions or in the positions of candidates who are seeking elected office.
For your ease, here are just a few things you can do to become better informed today! If you are an eligible voter, registered or not, you can start by attending candidate information meetings in your neighborhood and reading about propositions and voter information in these useful guides: Voting Tips Guide and Easy Voter Guide. If you cannot vote, don’t worry, you can still support efforts that are important to you by starting conversations with other members of your community and sharing resources about the topics of interest. Let’s start a conversation today!
At BBK, we will continue to advocate for an excellent and equitable education for all youth (especially those of color and low income) and quality health care for all, including initiatives for healthy living environments. What are your thoughts – what are the topics that are important to you this coming election?
I can be reached via email at slane@bbk-richmond.org.
All the best,
Sheryl Lane
Executive Director
News
Stay in Touch
Learn how you can join or participate in your child’s or community’s School Site Council (SSC) at our upcoming training sessions.
The School Site Council is a group of teachers, parents, school staff, and students at each of our schools that work with the principal to develop, review and evaluate school improvement programs and school budgets.
The next training session will be held:
Saturday, September 29th, 2018 from 11am-1:30pm.
This session is for parents who are already familiar or are currently serving on an SSC or have attended previous trainings. Light refreshments, childcare, and translation provided.Payal Patel joins BBK’s Steering CommitteeBBK is ecstatic to have welcomed Payal to our steering committee! Payal grew up in Richmond and continues to live in the city where she raises her own son.
She is currently the Director of Finance and Operations at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. Payal’s passion for social justice and her deep knowledge of nonprofit finance and operations is a welcome addition to the BBK family.
Learn more about BBK’s steering committee and opportunities to join.
BBK excited to partner with
Lincoln Elementary!
We are thrilled to collaborate on two exciting projects at Lincoln Elementary School — just three blocks from the BBK office in central Richmond.
Those two projects include enhancing family engagement and boosting a love for science and technology through a Digitech club.
We will launch a pilot family engagement program to ensure parents, school personnel and students are working in partnership to strengthen academic achievement and create a
positive school culture and climate in which
all children achieve their full potential.
We are also bringing our weekly after-school Coding and STEM program to Lincoln for students to explore science and computer concepts which can open the door for a love for science and support the next generation of Richmond innovators.
BBK 2018 Summer Rewind
BBK had a successful summer with youth and families. Here’s some of what we accomplished:
BBK engaged African American voters ahead of the June Primary election through conversations with nearly 300 people via phone and 231 people at their homes.
On each day of the Summer Health & Wellness at Chavez park more than 92 youth received a free lunch, 52 families received free produce and 166 families participated in playgroups.
28 youth completed our free six-week summer Minecraft computer camp.
BBK hosted educational activities for children at Monterey Pines Apartments to enhance their literacy skills and prevent summer learning loss.
We thank all of our partners who helped make summer 2018 a memorable time for youth and families!
