Past projects 8
Just Mercy, Part II
Funded Oct 31, 2020The State of the United States in 2020 has created a ton of turmoil in the hearts of young people. Any opportunity they can get to be in a safe space, use their voices, and to connect with their peers is a positive thing. BSU creates that space for young people evey week. Though we are fully remote, we have gotten creative in our activities. Having books, such as Just Mercy, is just one way we are able to engage young people in discussions about topics that matter to them even while we are all apart. We appreciate everyone who donated this second rounds of books to ensure that ever student in the group could have a copy. Just like the book takes us on the long journey to justice, 2021 serves as a hope bearer reminding us that change does come and in time we can all heal. We thank you for continually supporting our group and allowing the students to have meanigful experiences.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
This classroom project was brought to life by Equal Justice Initiative and 5 other donors.Just Mercy
Funded Oct 15, 2020The State of the United States in 2020 has created a ton of turmoil in the hearts of young people. Any opportunity they can get to be in a safe space, use their voices, and to connect with their peers is a positive thing. BSU creates that space for young people evey week. Though we are fully remote, we have gotten creative in our activities. Having books, such as Just Mercy, is just one way we are able to engage young people in discussions about topics that matter to them even while we are all apart. We thank you for continually supporting our group and allowing the students to have meanigful experiences.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
This classroom project was brought to life by Equal Justice Initiative and 4 other donors.Black History Tour 2020: Looking Back to Have Forward Vision
Funded Jan 24, 2020I'm at a loss of words of how to describe the impact of something that was so indescribable. The students were totally invested prior to the trip, actively fundraising and researching the places where we were to visit. While there, they were able to visit Black owned restaurants, visit Historically Black Colleges, and explore the historical cities of Birmingham, Selma, Tuskegee, and Montgomery. Being in Selma during the 55th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday," and speaking to people who survived the era was priceless. It wasn't planned, but it was ordained and the students were able to hear from the one and only Reverend James Lawson. He explained the non-violence movement, how he worked with Dr. King to make changes, his role in SNCC, and answered the students questions about how they can overcome fear and becoming advocates as well. My heart was totally moved and humbled for the students to get a first hand account from a foot soldier in the freedom movement. Often times it is simply about creating a space, and then allowing the magic to work. What you did was to help us create a space and the rest was truly magical. We thank you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 48 other donors.Buttons for a Purpose
Funded Mar 2, 2019Thank you for your contribution. Our button maker is being used to help create messages of unity. This year the BSU created workshops around "Courageous Conversation about Race" for our school's annual Peace and Diversity Day Celebration. For every class that engaged in the conversation, the BSU designed a button to celebrate them. Going forward BSU will continue to create buttons that motivate the school community and thank you for helping them accomplish this goal. We are always humbled by the love and support in the world.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 3 other donors.Brooklyn to NOLA: The Ultimate Black History Experience
Funded Dec 11, 2018I think it is simply amazing to set extraordinary goals and have outrageous results. My students had a chance to see their idea to visit New Orleans manifest into reality. From getting to the airport at the break of dawn shortly after a government shutdown to participating fully in our packed agenda, the students moved with such grace and humility as they learned about the history and presence of this great city.
We started our tour by visiting Historically Black Colleges & Universities. The staff from Southern University at New Orleans were more than hospitable. They recommended a beautiful black owned lunch spot, introduced the students to the owners, took the students on a tour of the lower 9th ward (an historically black district devastated by Hurricane Katrina), all before mentioning their school once. They really wanted to help the students to understand the beauty community and pride that makes NOLA - NOLA.
Students visited other HBCUs such as Dillard and Xavier and ate at black owned restaurants and learned about the owners journeys. The students were also able to do a walking tour of the city, tour a plantation, and visit museum such as the Presbytere, Studio B. and Mardi Gras World. From learning about the celebration curated solely from the contributions of a community, to the devastation and rebuilding of a community by a community, to the pure love, light, and positive energy, my students were moved.
"The most impactful part of the trip was going to the plantation and Studio Be. The plantation was a reminder of the harsh reality that Blacks experienced and going was emotional because of the lives lost and stolen. The Studio Be tour gave me a lot of hope for the future and it gave me encouragement to keep going." -KA
"Brandon's (owner of Studio Be) success story and ideals really resonated with me and gave me inspiration not to give up on your DREAMS." -KI
"I loved Dillard and being able to talk to the head person of the Pre-Law Department, who was very nice and informative."-BP
"...an eye opener because they were in a situation where everything was taken away from them, except for their spirits." - KH
My students do not stop there. Upon return they helped curate our annual Black Solidarity day full of information to share with their community. This year they had a room dedicated to New Orleans. I have no doubt our students will continue to learn and be life long advocates in their communities.
Thank you for supporting this opportunity and helping to feed into the lives of 20 young people and the lives that they will eventually touch.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
Book Club: The Hate U Give
Funded Nov 1, 2018Everyday are children our bombarded with images and news about who they are. In even the most supportive homes, it is impossible to shield our children from the realities of injustice in our society. So it is important that we arm them with knowledge and tools like advocacy so that they can tackle anything that doesn't align with love and create the world they want to live in. You might question, "What does a book have to do with such a large charge?" The book is simply a vehicle to help students have courageous conversations amongst their peers but also their teachers, family members, and larger community. These books help to raise awareness and help young people know that their voice matters.
The students are reading and discussing the book and getting ready to see the movie in theaters. They are looking at the book through the lens of how do these fictional events tie into real life events that have happened in their life time and what lessons they can take from the characters.
The students also are beginning to plan black solidarity week at school and the topic of advocacy will be a part of this year's theme. So, we thank you for providing this tool! The love we give matters!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 2 other donors.BSU Trip to ATL: Black Culture, History, & Education
Funded Dec 29, 2017It is with extreme gratitude that I write this letter. Since becoming the facilitator of Black Student Union, I have strove to help the students create life long memories that they can tap into whenever they need a little reassurance and motivation. I also strive to help them be leaders in our society and fight for justice for all. I tell them to dream big and then create the impossible.
So, when my students dream big and pick these excursions half way across the country, the challenge to create it can be daunting. It's a real life example of the benefits of hard work and perseverance. Oftentimes, when we discuss the amount of money we have to raise to make it affordable for all, the students' faces are in shock. I love that it is the a different shock, a genuine amazement, every time we reach our goal. It proves that what we sometimes think is impossible is possible. Thank you for making this true for them.
Atlanta was simply amazing and an awesome follow up to NAAHC. The students were able to explore black excellence in education by visiting Morehouse, Spellman, and Clark Atlanta. Some of our seniors applied to these campuses, so this was there opportunity to visit the campus in person. The stories around the statue of Gandhi and his wife stood out to my gentleman while they toured Morehouse. On Spelman's campus, the ladies saw the chapel where Dr. Martin Luther Kings funeral was held. So in addition to education, the students were learning about the importance of advocacy and fighting for human rights. Everything was so rich in history.
We also visited Oakland cemetery which was a modern day snapshot of segregation. It was a stark moment in my memory as I was sharing with the students that all the black people were buried in a small area of the cemetery and many were in the unmarked grass of Potter's field. One student proudly stated, "Take us to them." As we walked under the huge monument to the confederate soldiers to the African American burial grounds, it was clear that black history must be one that is important and shared as a part of American history. It was clear that we must never forget the systems that were created to push us into back unnamed corners. And that these young people was living evidence of greatness and what happens when we fight for justice!
Another moving experience was the lunch counter simulation at the The Center for Civil and Human Rights. The students were able to engage in experiential learning and discuss the obstacles that their ancestors overcame for them to be free, educated, successful members of society. It was shockingly real and emotionally provoking. Students expressed feeling like they wanted to get up and hearing such mean things was hard. It helped the students understand the truth about non-violent protest in the face of violence and threat of death...it took great strength.
The students also loved visiting MLK's home and learning about his childhood. It humanized him and helped the students see that they too had power. Also they learned that sometimes those traits that can be seen as faults, could be the making of a legend.
So, the learning never stops. Back in NYC, the students continue to meet weekly creating a safe space in school to talk about their concerns and highlight the beauty of their culture. They will work to present at school town halls and Peace and Diversity Day...then they begin to dream big for next year.
Again, thank you! Every little bit helped to make this a memorable experience for 21 amazing young people.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley
Trip To NAAMCH! (National African American Museum)
Funded Dec 10, 2016I can't even begin to put to words the amazing experience this weekend was for my students as well as all the chaperons. Our students were constantly engaged in deep discussion analyzing their self identities, bonding with one another, remembering the past, and knowing that they are valuable aspects of our future. There were many tears shed at the atrocities that are facts of US history, but moreover there was joy at the tenacity of a people to overcome such abuse. The pride, the beauty, the essence of black people was on display, and my students could see themselves clearly.
For me the highlight was to see a diversity of students from the African Diaspora come together in unity to learn about their history. The ultimate love and caring I saw all weekend was moving. From helping one another with homework, to sharing shoes when a peer's feet was hurt, to making vegan cookies so a peer could eat them, to having deep powerful discussions.... all made me as an adult stop in awe of my amazing young people.
Some words from my students,
"The museum covers everything in black excellence from sports, entertainment, and history. " - Kiaira
"I've always been very interested in black history and the black lives matter movement. I think it's crucial for me to learn more about the history so I can have a greater impact on the future." - Tess
"Needless to say, this trip wasn't only exposure to DC and Black History, but was a chance for me to do some self exploration and renew my sense of pride in my blackness." - Michael
"And, we are our ancestors hopes and dreams and I've just lived by that my entire life. And we all should.." - Michelle-Lane
"We have to look at our ancestors and we have to fight as hard and as diligently as they did for our future generations." - Ariel
Coming back to school, this trip re-energized my group to continue to educate their peers. They also advocated for their school curriculum to be more inclusive and culturally sensitive. They are planning a Peace and Diversity workshop around micro-aggression and stereotypes and the importance of being loving.
I thank you with the fullness of my spirit. I could not have imagined the impact this trip would have had on my students. The reality is that the meaningfulness of this trip far surpassed anything I planned . My students and staff send their gratitude as well, and want you to know that this experience could not have been possible without you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gurley