February News

Honoring Black Excellence: Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of those who have shaped our past, inspired our present, and continue to guide us toward a brighter future. With 84% of our students identifying as Black or African American, we have a deep responsibility to uplift and celebrate their stories, achievements, and potential during this important month.

Staff Highlight

Atlanta, known as the Black Mecca, has been profoundly influenced by Black culture and enterprise, both culturally and economically. It is essential for our students to understand that living in Atlanta means they carry with them the legacy of extraordinary Black historical figures who walked the same streets and attended the very schools they do. By connecting them to this powerful history, we help them feel seen and valued. 

At the heart of our mission is the desire to inspire our students to reach their fullest potential – both in school and in life. Our diverse and dedicated staff, many of whom are first-generation students themselves, serve as role models for our youth. They inspire the next generation to achieve greatness and continue the legacy of Black excellence. CIS of Atlanta knows education is key to intergenerational mobility, just as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been instrumental in Black socioeconomic mobility.

For over 150 years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have stood for inclusivity in education and for cultural preservation. HBCUs have been the largest incubators of Black intellectualism and cultural achievement, with the Atlanta University Center Consortium located in our backyard. The Atlanta University Center Consortium is the oldest and largest consortium of HBCUs in the country, consisting of Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. These institutions promote and uplift marginalized communities by championing equity, addressing systemic disparities within education and promoting Black achievement.  According to Knoxville College, HBCUs make up only 3% of all colleges and universities in the United States but are responsible for 20% of all Black graduates and 25% of Black graduates in STEM fields. Many HBCUs have been central to social justice movements, because these students are emboldened into leadership and equipped with one of the most powerful tools, an education.  

Another important factor in developing highly educated, empowered, and civic minded Black community has been the impact of Greek letter organizations.  

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) or as it is more commonly known – the Divine Nine – is comprised of historic Black Greek Fraternities and Sororities. Membership in these Black Greek letter organizations has enabled young Black students to cultivate brotherhood/sisterhood, advocacy, community service, and civic leadership. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and W. E. B. Du Bois were both Alpha Phi Alpha. Zora Neale Hurston was a Zeta Phi Beta and Kamala Harris was an Alpha Kappa Alpha. John Lewis was a Phi Beta Sigma.  

Many prominent Black leaders throughout history were a part of the Divine Nine and went to HBCUs, proving that these cultural institutions are powerful incubators for the generations to come.  

Celebrating Black Excellence through the Gift of Literacy: A Powerful Partnership with Carter's

We are thrilled to share that, in partnership with Carter’s, we were able to provide all 27 elementary schools within our network with literacy kits that celebrate Black excellence. These kits, packed with care by Carter's corporate staff, were delivered before Mid-Winter Break, ensuring each student received a special gift honoring Black History Month. 

Each kit included – a book featuring a well-known Black figure or story, a Black History Month activity workbook that highlighted Atlanta as a center for Black legacy, a Black History Month wristband, and a snack.  Carter’s staff assembled 400 literacy kits, empowering students with stories that showcase Black excellence, joy, and pride - inspiring them to see themselves as the main characters in their own lives. Featured books such as I Am Enough by Grace Byers, Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia, and Future Hero by Remi Blackwood, offer strong, inspiring Black protagonists to uplift our youth and celebrate their potential. 

Literacy is a gift that sets students up for lifelong success. Unfortunately, 56% of third-grade students in Georgia cannot read proficiently, and low literacy scores are closely linked to higher high school dropout rates. Through this partnership with Carter's, we can help break that cycle and promote early reading with books that reflect our students’ own experiences. 

We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Carter’s and look forward to continuing to uplift and empower the next generation. 

Finding His Voice: TJ's Empowering Journey with His CIS of Atlanta Site Coordinator

TJ is a 4th grade student at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy and in his second year as a Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta student.  

TJ struggled with language arts and felt deeply insecure about his reading abilities. Shaunya Reeves, TJ’s Site Coordinator, tutored him both one-on-one and in small group settings, helping improve his literacy skills, and the personalized attention worked!  

During a Black History Month assignment, TJ was required to read a speech about activist Huey P. Newton in front of an auditorium full of his peers. Initially, TJ was terrified. Ms. Reeves reassured him she would be there, with a mic in hand, ready to help if he needed her. Something changed in TJ that day. His confidence ignited as he triumphantly read in front of the crowd. His language arts and reading grades have improved drastically, and TJ now earns mostly B’s. Because of the support of his Site Coordinator, TJ takes pride in his education, showing Ms. Reeves, every good grade and all his classroom achievements.  

With CIS of Atlanta and Ms. Reeves by his side, TJ has a bright future.