HELP BEPAA PRESERVE THE JOHN HENRIK CLARKE HOUSE

Board for the Education of People of African Ancestry is organizing this fundraiser:

Peace and Much Love! Thank you in advance for your generous support of the Dr. John Henrik Clarke House. The “Clarke House” Is an educational and cultural institution located in Harlem New York. The “Clarke House” has been a staple in the New York Community, offering many educational, cultural, and artistic programs to children and adults from the Tri-State area for many years.

When the pandemic hit we like many institutions had to close our doors. In September when we were scheduled to reopen our doors, we discovered that during the pandemic the one-hundred-year old plumbing had given out. In order for the “Clarke House” to reopen we need to repair the plumbing.

We realized we would need community support, so we created this Go Fund Me. With your support we will be able to repair the plumbing, reopen our doors, and keep this organization rising.

Akan Proverb ,“A rising tide raises all ships.”

A MESSAGE FROM DR. ADELAIDE SANFORD, FOUNDER

In ancient African society, there was always a special ‘meeting place’ where the Griots and Elders could gather with The Village to teach and to openly discuss the important issues of the day. Even during slavery times, our Ancestors, enslaved and free, found special places where they could meet, greet and collectively plan strategy. This tradition of a place for the free exchange of ideas was continued into the 20th century by the leaders, thinkers, writers, artists and activists of the Harlem Renaissance, making Harlem the Intellectual, political and cultural Capitol of Black America. This is the spirit of Clarke House. It is a special place where you are welcomed.

The Doors welcome you...

The Walls welcome you...

The Floors welcome you...

We welcome you to the Clarke House!

We are Elder led, Youth centered and Culture focused

The Dr. John Henrik Clarke House

OUR MISSION

The pursuit of quality education requires that American educational reform reflect learning environments that support the aspirations and developments of children of African Ancestry. The founders of this board are highly qualified advocates who recognized the need to convene as an institution to effectively service the needs of under-served African school children and their parents. The Board of Directors is comprised of individuals with proven records of community service and leadership.

BEPAA is complemented by a dedicated support group, The Friends of Clarke House, who assist with activities and initiatives as required. BEPAA’s mission is to impact the formation of educational systems through research, position papers, interaction with school superintendents, principals, teachers parents and para-professionals to help ensure that the educational needs of children of African Ancestry are met.

OUR HISTORY

The Board for the Education of People of African Ancestry is an institution housed at the John Henrik Clarke House dedicated to advancing the culture, principles and education of people of African Ancestry. It was founded by a number of educators, historians, clergy and activists in 1992.

BEPAA was formed to define, monitor, formulate and implement policies and practices affecting the education of students of African Ancestry in both public and private educational systems. Its site of operation, the Dr. John Henrik Clarke House 286 Convent Avenue is named in honor of the late foremost scholar, historian and lecturer.

It is our job to preserve and continue the work of our ancestors.