A Look Back and A Look Ahead
A Legacy of Leadership
Dear LSP Family & Friends -
Forty-three years after founding Little Sun People in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Mama Fela is embarking on a new chapter, and that means her last day as Executive Director will be June 30, 2024. Under Mama Fela’s courageous direction, LSP has experienced tremendous growth and elevation. The institution has survived economic recession and a global public health pandemic, while deftly navigating the hostile conditions often thrown at Black-founded and Black-led non-profit institutions that are rooted in Black liberation. Her strength is that she refuses to back down in the name of educating and protecting our children.
In kind, Little Sun People is poised for an exciting phase of growth and change, emerging stronger from the pandemic at a new physical location that can accommodate the future. Over the next several months, the Board of Directors will select Mama Fela’s successor, a candidate who will support the sustainability and expansion of this highly respected and vitally important organization as it meets the ever-increasing demand for its services.
After her departure from her role as Executive Director in June, Mama Fela will continue operating in an advisory role with her successor during the 2024-25 school year to ensure an effective transition. Please join us as we express our immense gratitude to Mama Fela and prepare to embrace LSP’s new leadership and the future of our collective journey.
Brooklyn Bronzes Sculpture Series by Kholisile Dhliwayo Honors Mama Fela
Brooklyn Bronzes is a permanent sculpture series by artist/architect Kholisile Dhliwayo, curated by Amy Andrieux, that celebrates Brooklyn’s living legends –the Black pillars of our community who have contributed greatly to arts, education, and advocacy through their work. Each sculpture is accompanied by audio spoken in the voice of each honoree documenting their legacy, their joy, and resilience. The first 20 unveiled as part of the ongoing series, which will continue to roll out with new sculptures over the months and years to come.
The David Prize Features Mama Fela
The David Prize celebrates visionary individuals shaping a more vibrant and improved New York City. The award recognizes those who possess both the determination and audacious ideas needed to elevate the city for present and future generations.
Mama Fela received the David Prize in 2021 along with four other prominent New Yorkers, and more recently she appeared in their newsletters “Get To Know Previous Winners” feature. (See Slideshow)
We are immensely proud that Mama Fela's impactful work as the Founder and Executive Director of Little Sun People has been acknowledged in such a meaningful way. The core values that The David Prize represents – vision, determination, community engagement, and the pursuit of lasting impact – perfectly align with Mama Fela's own principles. Her journey in advancing early childhood education, supporting her beloved Brooklyn community, and working towards meaningful change mirrors the The David Prize's mission.
We are grateful for the spotlight that The David Prize has cast on her remarkable journey and the mission of Little Sun People.
Learn more at thedavidprize.org/winners
A Summer of Adventure and Discovery Comes to an End at Little Sun People's Culture Explorers Program!
As the sun sets on another wonderful summer, we reflect on the incredible journey of exploration, growth, and joy that unfolded during Little Sun People's Culture Explorers Summer Program. Over the past 7 weeks, our young explorers delved into the richness of the African Diaspora, embarking on an unforgettable voyage that spanned continents, cultures, and creative horizons.
Through field trips, hands-on activities, and meaningful interactions, our students not only deepened their understanding of the world around them but also celebrated their African heritage with pride.
As we bid farewell to this year's Culture Explorers Summer Program, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated educators, staff, and families who joined us in this adventure. The summer may have ended, but the lessons learned and memories created will forever remain in the hearts of our young explorers. With a deepened sense of identity and an expanded worldview, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of growth and learning as we continue to nurture the potential within each child that graces our Little Sun People community.
First Day of School
At Little Sun People, we believe in the transformative power of education and the endless possibilities that a new school year brings. On September 7, 2023, we are excited to open our doors and warmly welcome our students to the first day of the new school year.
Family Gathering
All parents and their children will be together in class with peers and teachers until 1pm, after which all returning students leave for the day and all new students meet in individual family meetings with their child and their teacher. We are arranging for a delicious breakfast catered by one of our community small businesses and we think this will be a very special first day of the new school year.
Educational Experience
We are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that cultivates a love for learning, celebrates diversity, and empowers our students to become tomorrow's leaders. Together, let us create a nurturing and inspiring environment where each child can shine, grow, and make a positive impact in the world. Welcome to the new school year 2023-24 at Little Sun People!
Your donation to Little Sun People supports our ability to provide high-quality, culturally responsive education to our children. Your support makes a difference in the lives of young learners, who are our community's future leaders.