Black To Our Roots is a youth leadership and rites of passage program that promotes cultural education, media production, community service, and fundraising. This year-long program provides youth with the tools to effect positive social change in their local communities, while contributing to the unity and development of 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 and exchange ideas with African youth.
Canoeing @Lake Rutledge
Intensive Study @Workshop Session
The Black To Our Roots program invites youth ages 13-17 from underserved urban environments to participate in this travel experience. Selected students work 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 cultural 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
Preparing fruit salad while camping
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 goal is to raise $75,000 over the next 6 months to support the efforts of the Black To Our Roots Programs in Atlanta and Baltimore! We also welcome opportunities to speak to captive audiences. 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.
BLACK TO OUR ROOTS RECRUITMENT 2012-2013
Our recruitment is year-round, so if you are interested in participating in Black To Our Roots 2012-2013, as either a youth or adult, you can fill out the application below.
