The Journey of Self-Discovery Has Begun Again…
Black To Our Roots 2011-2012

Orientation September 2011 @HABESHA Gardens Complex

About the Program

Black To Our Roots is a year-long youth leadership and rites of passage program that promotes cultural education, media production, community service, and fundraising.  This program was specifically designed to reduce the negative impacts of poor education and community apathy that exists in so many urban environments.  This year-long program provides youth with the tools to become active participants in the unity and development of in their local communities and the global African community.  The program culminates in a 4-week travel study to Africa during the summer in which students apply their learning to community service projects, while exchanging ideas with African youth.  Annually, for the past 8 years, HABESHA has facilitated the Black To Our Roots program, and has assisted over 60 youth in making this journey of self-discovery.

The Youth Participants...

The Adult Participants...

Black To Our Roots program targets High School youth from underserved urban communities and assists them to:

• Raise money for their travel to Africa through creative business exercises that teach entrepreneurship and organization
• Create compelling video programs and artistic performances that explore important issues within the African Diasporan community
• Travel to various places within the US of historical and cultural significance in the exploration of the African American experience.
• Connect with the earth through gardening and camping, which teaches basic survival skills and sustainable living practices.
• Establish bonds with other youth in the African Diaspora that are long-lasting and meaningful
• Study the achievements and history of African communities around the world, fostering cultural awareness.

Hiking @Hard Labor Creek State Park

Planting collard greens @HABESHA Gardens

SUPPORT BLACK TO OUR ROOTS

Our youth need your help to achieve their praiseworthy goal.  We currently have a total of 35 youth from both Atlanta and Baltimore who have begun the journey of self-discovery with plans of traveling in July.  The cost of each child’s travel to Ethiopia and Ghana is $4,000.  In addition, they have expenses associated with the program including their curriculum and U.S. field trips, as well as many youth need assistance with personal travel expenses, including passports and health supplies. We are looking for tax-deductible cash and in-kind donations, such as office equipment and supplies, space for events and auctionable items, in general.  Our organizational goal is to raise $75,000 over the next 6 months to add to the individual fundraising effort that each youth must do to travel!  Only students that have demonstrated sustained commitment to the program are eligible to travel, and we want to show them that there is abundant support for their life dreams.  We appreciate your assistance in rewarding their efforts.