An Enduring Legacy
Mama Aaliyah Barclift
Little Sun People Executive Director
Greetings LSP Community,
I am honored to serve as the new board chair for Little Sun People’s board of directors. A little about me and what inspired me to serve on the board.
I am Odiya Oyo, the proud parent of two young adults, currently 26 and 28 years of age. Similar to the youngest members of LSP community, my babies attended a daycare that embodied the same principals, dedication and love cultivated here at Little Sun People. It was a place where little brown children were inundated with limitless opportunities to develop confidence in who they were, what they contributed to the community and the value they brought to the world. A spark was ignited that has carried them through their entire educational careers and life in general.
Little Sun People, for the past 40 years has supported families in setting a strong foundation of identity, pride and love of education in our children. I am honored to be in support of the amazing work that has brought LSP to its current status of success and accomplishments.
Little Sun People, under the leadership of Mama Fela, has accomplished phenomenal achievements. Little Sun People has a brand new home, has transitioned to Mama Aaliyah as Executive Director and is poised for expansion of new services and programs.
My goal as the new board chair is to be in service to the LSP community in a manner that builds on and honors all of the hard work, sacrifices and dedication that has gone into the building of this most valuable and sacred institution. As we all forge ahead in this climate of change that surrounds our LSP family, may we grow stronger, journey further and elevate our children to new heights of success.
May our efforts live on for many lifetimes.
Odiya Oyo
Board Chair
Honoring Mama Fela
In June of this year, Little Sun People’s Board of Directors hosted a retirement reception honoring the work and life of Mama Fela. The event celebrated her years of dedication to early learning and African-centered education, as well as her love and commitment to her family and families everywhere. The private gathering was attended by family, staff, as well as close and longstanding supporters of her vision. Some attendees shared reflections and heartfelt stories of the profound impact Mama Fela has had on their lives and the community. It was a memorable and touching "thank you" to a remarkable leader.
Save The Date for Mama Fela's Farewell Fête!
On February 8, 2025 LSP will honor our Founder Mama Fela and her 40+ years of visionary imagination and action with Mama Fela's Farewell Fête, a special evening of celebration!
Please save the date in your calendar to gather and lift up the fearless leader behind four decades of well educated and cherished Black and brown children -- and their families -- here in Bed-Stuy!
More details to come!
LSP’s Annual Fund | In Honor of Mama Fela and Celebrating Legacy
As Little Sun People embarks on the next 40+ years of providing culturally-relevant early childhood education with a focus on cultures of the African diaspora, LEGACY is this year's Annual Fund theme! As our beloved Founder - Mama Fela - has retired from her role as Executive Director of LSP, LSP's first student - Mama Aaliyah - has taken the helm. Join us in celebrating this legacy by giving to LSP's Annual Fund.
The work of undoing racism is slow and urgent, big picture and minutiae. At the core, it requires LOVE
- Mama Fela Barclift
Tuition does not cover the full cost to provide an LSP education. We rely on unrestricted funds from donors like you to bolster our work with little learners. The Annual Fund will help subsidize the tuition of families relying on childcare vouchers, as well as the revitalization of our afterschool space for elementary students, professional development for teachers, enrichment programs for students and more.
More than filling an essential budgetary necessity, The Annual Fund will truly bridge the gap between adequacy and excellence. It’s a necessary first step in ensuring Little Sun People thrives now and in the future! We hope you will join us honoring Mama Fela's legacy and her vision by giving what you can to The Annual Fund.
Little Sun People Welcomes You To The Opening Of Our First Kindergarten Classroom
It has been a long time coming, 44 years in fact, since Little Sun People first opened its doors, but it's finally here! For many years the community of Black African heritage parents have asked,
“When will Little Sun People offer an elementary school program for our children?”
Little Sun People has listened. We are happy to welcome you to the grand opening of our first kindergarten classroom opening on Monday, September 9, 2024! We offer a small class size, where each child’s learning plan is individually arrived at through consultations between the parent, child, and teacher. Our credentialed kindergarten teacher Mama Shawna Dunkley, graduate of Brooklyn College teacher training program is here, ready to welcome your wonderful little kindergartener to the best Black child-centered educational environment in Brooklyn. Little Sun People's first kindergarten class which next year will become our first, 1st grade class.
Little Sun People Welcomes You To The Opening Of Our New Afterschool Center
Are You Looking For An Afterschool Center That Is Like No Other?
Little Sun People Afterschool Opens On Monday, September 9, 2024.
There's only one Little Sun People and we are it, with our long history of offering a thoughtful, practical, well-designed African centered curriculum that helps our children know and understand the importance of their own great history and out of that knowing, helping them to develop a strong, grounded, positive, self-identity and overall confidence. This is a place where they learn to believe in themselves and their people while at the same time getting a grasp on methods for navigating a system that has historically been unjust to them. At the same time, Little Sun People carefully understands and follows the guidelines of the New York State Education Department in regard to the cognitive domains that support our children's foundational skills for academic success.
In addition to our afterschool homework support system, we also offer the warmth, the love, the respect, and the understanding that only we know how to give to each other.
African Liberation Day School Talent Show
The Little Sun People community gathered in May for our annual Liberation Day Talent Show, an event that has become a beautiful tradition. This year's show was a celebration of our children's incredible talents and the rich African heritage that we proudly honor.
Our young stars took to the stage showcasing what they have learned throughout the year in enrichment classes. As usual they showcased powerful African drumming and dance, violin melodies, martial arts, and chess play. The highlight of the event, as always, was our signature fashion show, where each child had their moment to shine and express their unique style and confidence.
This event is more than just a talent show - it’s a celebration of identity, culture, and community. Through their performances, our children both demonstrate their creativity and reinforce the connection to their roots. We look forward to continuing this tradition and watching our little sun people shine even brighter in the years to come.
Students Stepping Up Ceremonies and Fourior’s Graduation
This year we proudly celebrated our Students Stepping Up Ceremonies and Fourior’s Graduation - marking significant milestones in the journey of our Little Sun People.
Our littlest scholars have already begun their path of discovery, embracing the legacies of those who came before them. Their growth reflects the resilience and independence of proud African communities, setting a strong foundation for their futures. And our Zulu Fouriour’s graduation marked the culmination of their early years at Little Sun People, preparing them to step confidently into the next phase of their education.
These ceremonies are not just about moving up a grade or graduating, they are also about recognizing the deep cultural connections that our children carry with them. As we celebrated each group, we were reminded of the history that shapes our identity and the bright future that lies ahead for every Little Sun Person.
Mabel’s Labels to Personalize Student Stuff
We’re excited to announce a simple way to support Little Sun People through Mabel’s Labels! Mabel’s Labels creates durable, personalized labels for all the items your children bring to school—backpacks, lunch boxes, clothing, and more. By selecting Little Sun People as your chosen fundraiser, 20% of your purchase will go directly to our school. It’s a great way to stay organized while giving back to the community that nurtures our children every day.
To participate, just visit Mabel’s Labels, select “Fundraising,” click on “Support a Fundraiser,” and type “Little Sun People” to select us when it pops up. Mabel’s Labels will send us a check whenever we reach at least $50. Share this easy way to help our littles with friends, family, and neighbors.
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.