Green Dot Celebrates Black History Month and Black Excellence
Every February, our nation has a moment to reflect, acknowledge, and observe the countless contributions African Americans have made to the history, culture, and productivity of this nation and throughout the world during Black History Month.
Across our network of 18 schools in Los Angeles, Green Dot Public Schools California learning communities proudly and diligently celebrate the cultural wealth of all students throughout every year.
For us, Black History Month is a reminder of our work to help close achievement gaps across the communities that we serve. More than five years ago, our network developed its African American Achievement and Equity Committee to help build spaces to reflect on how we can build better classrooms and practices to help students succeed. We made it a priority to challenge and dismantle systemic barriers that have historically interrupted Black students on their path to success in college, leadership, and life.
Through our African American Achievement and Equity Committee, our schools have doubled down on programs that prioritize the wellbeing of African American students, built more mentorship opportunities for our Black students, trained a team of lead African American Achievement and Equity educators, and programmed special events that are catered to Black families in their pursuit of education.
Black History Month is a moment of solidarity, reflection and action. Our network will continue to use this month to celebrate and recognize Black excellence across every corner of the education landscape. As we embark on this month, we’re sharing five impactful stories in our network that highlight our Black students, teachers, and communities.
Ánimo South LA Senior Ready for Leadership and New Beginnings at UC San Diego
Oluwakemi Deckon, Ánimo South Los Angeles class of 2022, attends the University of California, San Diego and major in psychology.
Read Oluwakemi’s story
Ánimo Jackie Robinson Alum Reflects on Freshman Year at HBCU
After graduating from Ánimo Jackie Robinson in 2021, Los Angeles native Shi’Ann Castle embarked on a journey to become the first person in her family to graduate from college.
Read Shi’Ann’s Story
5th Annual Legacy Conference Calls for Proposals on Anti-Blackness
This year’s Legacy Conference theme is “Disrupting Anti-Blackness: Creating Conditions for Learning in Which All Black Scholars Excel,” is inspired by conversations the network has had with students, teachers, and staff at its 18 school sites.
Learn about Our Legacy Conference
Ánimo South LA Alumni Tayshaun Kelly’s Commitment to Computer Science
Meet Tayshaun Kelly, Ánimo South L.A. Charter High School class of 2022 graduate, who has attends California State University Dominguez Hills and majors in computer science.
Read Tayshaun’s Story
Meet Chinomso Augustine: Scholar Athlete
Spectrum News featured Ánimo South LA Charter High School senior Chinomso Augustine as its scholar athlete of the week.
Watch Chinomso’s Story