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    Black History Month 2023

     
    Teachers and staff:
    As you begin your Black History Month celebrations, tributes, and recognitions this week, please use the attached compendium of curriculum resources and lessons that will support your efforts in elevating the narrations and contributions of Black people to American history, society,  and culture. Please find the lesson aligned to your grade level for engaging your scholars in critical analysis of these historical understandings, and uplifting contributions.

     

    All Stakeholders:

     

    African American Read-In 2023:

    February 2, 2023, 10:00am

     

    informational flyer

    Please join the Office of CLRI for the 2023 African American Read-In.The African American Read-In is a national initiative sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English each year in honor of Black History Month.

    Buffalo Public Schools will be featuring the book Hey Black Child, written by Useni Eugene Perkins and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree and six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier.

    The inspirational poem titled Hey Black Child celebrates Black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.

    All grade K Buffalo Public Schools students will receive a copy of this book.

     

     

    My Brother’s Keeper Male Academy Mentorship Luncheon:

     

    February 4, 2023 at 10:30am at City Honors School

    informational flyer

     

    On February 4th, 2023, The Office of CLRI is hosting community leader mentors for a luncheon with the My Brother's Keeper scholars. The event is an opportunity for our young men to meet and interact with prominent community leaders who will enlighten and spread wisdom to the next generation of men in our community.

    As our scholars set out on their journey to becoming leaders, some of the mentors have committed to giving whole group presentations, some will mentor one or two students, and others will mentor a small group of students over the next year. The luncheon is our mentorship launch.

       

    Lorna C. Hill Speaking Contest 2023:

    February 8, 2023, 10:30am

    informational flyer

     

    The Office of CLRI presents The 2nd Annual Lorna C. Hill Speaking Contest, in partnership with Ujima Theater Company, is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their speaking and performance talents by performing text excerpts, poems, or monologues.

    Students will use a wide selection of Black and African American authors from the Canon of Black Literature to perform on stage. Students have been preparing since November with teacher leaders at each High School. Scholars who placed in the school-based preliminary contests compete in the Lorna C. Hill Speaking Contest Finals at the Ujima Theatre.

    Prizes will be awarded to final contest winners and include a trip to New York City to attend a Broadway play.

       

    Urban Forum 2023: A Black Cultural Explosion

    February 16, 2023, 8:15am at East Community High School

     

     

     

    Please join the Office of CLRI for Urban forum 2023: A Black Cultural Explosion. The intended purpose of the Urban Forum: A Black Cultural Explosion, is to open a shared dialogue with all stakeholders. This year’s sessions will focus on Black heritage and genius prior to enslavement, the beginning of academia which dates back to ancient African civilizations, and the celebration of the rich cultural contributions of the African Diaspora to the United States and the world. Our Keynote speaker is Bakari Sellers, NY Times bestselling author, CNN News analyst, and civil rights activist. Attendance is required for the following stakeholders: Building Principal, Guardian of Equity, Literacy and/or Instructional Coach, School Psychologist, Scholars for

    Social Justice (high schools), and a Parent Representative. Each school should bring a team of five—high schools will have a team of seven to include the Scholars for Social Justice.