Dear ACLP Community,
COVID-19 continues to challenge our lives and that of our loved ones. Yet, African Community Learning Program (ACLP)’s team has continued in its work of empowering the African diaspora through education! The enduring passion and commitment of ACLP’s team inspire me everyday. I thank our team for their hard work, especially during these difficult times.
Women’s History Month
This March 2021, ACLP celebrates African diaspora women as the organization has done over the years with its curriculum through Women’s History Month. We are highlighting 20 women who embody the ACLP 2020-2021 school year theme of “Preparing the Future through Education, Excellence, and Justice.” These women have contributed to academia, journalism, global economics, politics, science, music, art, social justice, literature, culinary, and farming with their reach spanning Philadelphia, the United States, the African continent, and the world. Learn more about these women on our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Policy Work
We sent our ACLP Fall 2020 policy documents to the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs and Mayor Kenney to consider recommendations for the School District of Philadelphia, suggesting culturally responsive teaching for students. We thank the Office of Immigrant Affairs for supporting our efforts.
We are continuing to work on a policy document for K-12 immigrants and English learners in Philadelphia public schools and plan to send it to Philadelphia public officials. We want students to have access to the quality education that they deserve, elevating their cultures and who they are as individuals. Origin, language barrier, zip code, and financial status should not stand in the way of students’ education, access to opportunities, and their ability to become productive members of society.
We wish you and yours well. Thank you for your continued support of ACLP!
Aminata Sy
Founder & President
African Community Learning Program
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March is a month to celebrate mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends alike as we look back at women’s history. Learning from the past trials and triumphs of women in the United States and beyond is essential to moving forward with purposeful direction towards a better tomorrow. In search of that goal, here are some resources for learning more about Women’s history. Women’s History 2021 events ranging from book talks to reenactment, reading list for Black women’s history, online exhibits. Also, check out the many women featured in our #500EmpoweringAfricanStories collection!
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Our very own Founder & President Aminata Sy was featured on KYW News Radio Flashpoint as their ChangeMaker of the week. Click the image below to listen to the whole show or pick up the conversation with Aminata around 36:14!
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The sun is finally peeking through the clouds and staying for more each day. If you’re anything like me, the idea of springing forward for daylight savings time is filled with both excitement and annoyance. So while we are seeing more sun for longer amounts of time, I’m also losing one hour of my coveted sleep. Well, spring has not completely sprung, but we are on our way to green grass and blooming flowers. You're also halfway through your school year. This is a wonderful place to take a moment to check in on how you're doing.
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Dear Freshman,
You’ve made it! After a grueling year of standardized testing, researching schools, applying for various scholarships/programs, and pressing “submit” on your Common Application, you’ve finally arrived at the school of your choice. As I write this letter, the coronavirus may have impacted your ability to be on-campus for a semester or an entire year, but a global pandemic can not diminish the magnitude of your most recent accomplishment 一 becoming a college student! Needless to say, with one milestone achieved, it’s time to get ready for the next one, that being graduating in the next four years. Although graduating from college may seem like a lifetime away, from my own experience, that date will come faster than you think.
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Amy Xiang
ACLP Writer
Amy Xiang is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania with interests in English and international relations. She was born in Hamilton, New Zealand; grew up in Austin, Texas; and currently calls Sioux Falls, South Dakota her home. On campus, she spends much of her time reporting for The Daily Pennsylvanian, writing for 34th Street Magazine, and stacking books at Van Pelt Library. In her free time, she enjoys reading, discovering new music, and baking vegan treats -- especially in quarantine!. She is very passionate about social justice and community engagement, as well as creating mutually beneficial relationships in the West Philadelphia community. Amy is excited and grateful to be a part of the ACLP Leadership Team as a writer, where she will help share the inspiring stories of students and staff!
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