African Centered Teaching and Learning
Professional Development for Our Educators
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at Little Sun People, we want to spotlight our ongoing dedication to investing in professional development for our staff. We deeply value the contributions of our Mamas and Babas and we are committed to supporting their growth year-round with the generous support of our donors.
We are excited about professional development that supports and celebrates culturally relevant teaching and learning. We prioritize African-centered education that focuses on history, culture, and tradition. We empower students by instilling in them a sense of pride and identity in their heritage. It’s critical to teach students about African people around the world. This includes exploring history, culture, as well as contributions to science, art, literature, and other fields. By fostering cultural pride, promoting critical thinking, and investing in our educators' professional growth, we are able to provide a quality education for our students.
Our Work with Professor Allimadi to Grow Our Knowledge of African History
One of our Board Members attended a course with Professor Allimadi called "We Love African History", and suggested that if we wanted to deepen our staff understanding and perspective on African history outside of the typical Western mass-media lens, that he might be a good resource. We met with and vetted the Professor and found his course to be very enlightening. Our staff agreed to spend 2 hours with him once a week for twelve weeks.
It has been an amazing experience to work together with Professor Allimadi to grow our knowledge of African history so that we can better organize, develop, and implement the African-centered curriculum that we take such pride in.
Milton Allimadi is a Ugandan-American author, journalist, professor, and a co-founder of Black Star News. He is known for his critique of racist writing by white authors about Africa and Africans, in his 2003 book The Hearts of Darkness and his 2021 Manufacturing Hate.
Our Work with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
In our continuing effort to grow and develop as an African centered organization, we realized that we must continuously work on the internalized oppression patterns that we all have installed within us. One of our important efforts to work on this was centering our entire staff retreat in August 2022 around working with The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB). Our workshop was brilliantly led by one of the PISAB Founders, Dr. Ronald Chisom. What a great retreat it was and the impact of it resounded throughout our organization during the school year, particularly in our relationships with each other, as well as with the children and their families.
Since l980, the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond has trained over 2 million people through its 2 1/2 day workshop all over the United States and in other parts of the world. Today there are more than 100 trainer-organizers facilitating a process of social change wherever they are organized and invited to do so. Building a movement for social change is a guiding principle of the work of PISAB.
Our Black History Month Celebration
Last month we came together to celebrate Black History Month. Our children showcased their talents in a colorful display of songs, dance, and skits that filled their parents and the school community with pride and joy. It was a vivid affirmation that our students are indeed young, gifted, and black.
Mama Fela opened the event with an inspiring introduction that set the tone for the show. Her words emphasized the importance of embracing and celebrating our heritage, reminding us all of our roots and the rich tapestry of cultures we originate from. Each child was eager to show off their talents and share their interpretations of black history. There were songs that echoed the resilience and strength of black communities and dances that paid homage to our traditions.
Parents and educators watched with pride and admiration as our little ones exhibited their creativity, intelligence, and joy. The performance was a wonderful reminder that every child at Little Sun People is a treasure who brings something special to the world. This collective effort and unity is what makes Little Sun People not just an educational institution but a community that thrives on mutual respect, love, and shared aspirations.
Awakening The Natural Genius Of Black Children
The Little Sun People community gathered for an enlightening Parents Association Meeting on January 25th, featuring a lecture titled "Awakening The Natural Genius Of Black Children" by Baba Amos Wilson. The presentation, facilitated by Baba Afam of Strategic Black Empowerment Training (SBET), highlighted the inherent psychomotor skills of Black children, debunked social myths that inhibit learning, discussed the relationship between IQ tests and Black children, and emphasized the role of Afrikan culture and community in fostering our children's potential.
Baba Afam also addressed the effects of social trauma on the family and outlined strategies for creating a supportive environment for our children to thrive. The insights shared reinforced our collective commitment to nurturing our children’s inherent genius and further underscored the importance of our partnership with parents in fulfilling this mission. The meeting was a powerful testament to our shared dedication to academic excellence and empowering young learners.
Upcoming Events
view the full events calendar here
School Spirit Week
May 22-26, 2023
Little Sun People is excited to announce its annual School Spirit Week from May 22nd to May 26th, 2023. The event is an opportunity for students to come together and celebrate their school pride, while also honoring their African heritage. This week is a time for students to connect with their cultural roots, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories.
Our Annual Talent Show and Recital also takes place this week. Our little LSP stars will show off their skill at: African Dance and Drumming, Violin, Martial Arts, Chess, Swahili, and of course our special fashion show where all our children get to strut their stuff on the runway!
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.