2025 - 2026 Workshops Enrolling Now

Community Development

Roofs, Roots & Readers Ventures

“Where Homes, Education & Community Grow Together”

Parent & Community Leadership Academy

To cultivate community advocates and parent leaders who can effectively engage with schools, policy systems, and local organizations to improve outcomes for Black children and families.

Core Components

Parent Leadership Training:
8–10 week cohort model teaching communication, advocacy, data literacy, and education rights.
Community Voice Labs:
Small group sessions where parents identify community education challenges and co-design solutions (e.g., improving after-school access, addressing bias).
Civic Engagement Workshops:
How to speak at school board meetings, understand district policies, and navigate local government.
Capstone “Village Project”:
Each cohort implements a mini community improvement initiative (e.g., library revamp, literacy night, uniform exchange drive).

Outcomes

Empowered parent leaders who serve as advocates in schools and communities.
Strengthened collaboration between families and institutions.
Increased accountability for equity and representation in education.

Community Literacy & Storytelling Hubs

To turn local gathering spaces — barbershops, salons, churches, corner stores, and community centers — into mini literacy hubs that celebrate Black stories and promote reading culture.

Core Components

Mini-Library Installation:
Curated shelves of books by Black authors and illustrators placed in trusted community spaces.
Family Literacy Nights:
Pop-up reading circles, storytelling with elders, and children’s book giveaways.
“My Story Matters” Series:
Recording and publishing community oral histories from elders, turning them into short books or podcasts.
Youth Literacy Ambassadors:
Train local teens to serve as reading mentors and event hosts.

Outcomes

Boost community-wide literacy and reading engagement.
Preserve intergenerational stories and cultural pride.
Strengthen family bonds through storytelling and shared learning.

Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship Program

To nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and career readiness among Black youth through culturally grounded mentorship and skill-building.

Core Components

Leadership Workshops:
Public speaking, goal-setting, financial literacy, and community organizing.
Entrepreneurship Labs:
Students design micro-businesses that solve local problems (e.g., literacy tutoring service, clothing brand with positive messages).
Mentorship Network:
Pair youth with local Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and alumni.
Pitch Showcase:
End-of-program event where youth present projects to investors, community leaders, and families.

Outcomes

Youth develop entrepreneurial mindsets and practical skills.
Increases representation of Black business owners and innovators.
Encourages economic empowerment and community investment.

Community Classrooms Training

Neighborhood Partnership Initiative

To bridge schools and neighborhoods through shared programming that integrates learning, health, and family engagement.

Core Components

After-School Enrichment Pods:
Literacy tutoring, homework help, and cultural arts taught by local educators and volunteers.
Health & Wellness Integration:
Nutrition, mental health, and mindfulness workshops embedded in after-school programs.
Community Educator Network:
Recruit and train local residents to serve as literacy coaches, mentors, or classroom aides.
Quarterly Family Festivals:
Celebrate learning with performances, resource fairs, and student showcases.

Outcomes

Schools become trusted community anchors.
Improved student attendance, reading levels, and engagement.
Strengthened community trust in educational institutions.

Wellness, Art & Restoration Project

To address intergenerational trauma, promote healing, and celebrate cultural resilience through creative expression and mental health supports.

Core Components

Community Healing Circles:
Facilitated spaces for youth, parents, and elders to process experiences of racism, loss, and resilience.
Art Therapy & Creative Workshops:
Storytelling, visual art, dance, and music rooted in African diasporic traditions.
Wellness Fairs:
Collaboration with local therapists, doulas, and holistic healers to provide free community resources.
Legacy Mural Project:
Youth-led mural or public art installation highlighting messages of hope and heritage.

Outcomes

Promotes community healing and mental well-being.
Builds cross-generational unity and cultural pride.
Elevates Black art, voice, and narrative in public spaces.

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