Boosting Africana Studies in Buffalo

For the last six years, I have been teaching at Charter School of Inquiry in the City of Buffalo. The mission of the school is “The Charter School of Inquiry promotes a safe and supportive community for children and families by infusing heritage and culture of people of African descent, embracing the concept of Ubuntu and promoting academic growth through challenging student-led investigations.”

Ubuntu means “I am because we are”. It means we are who we are through our experiences with others. We are all interconnected and are through our connections we can learn and grow. This allows us to build our community.

After infusing Ubuntu and Africana heritage and culture in my lessons, I have the opportunity to gain a micro credential in Teaching Black History at the University of Buffalo. This is a one-year program that culminates with a presentation at the annual “Teaching Black History” conference next summer.

The cost of this micro credential is $1500.00 due by September 6, 2024. I do not have enough paydays between now and September to pay my bills (including my student loans, I don’t want to take out any more) and save the money for this amazing opportunity.

Donating to this will benefit my students. I do not have the same life experiences as my students. This program will allow me to connect with my students better and allow me to infuse Africana culture and history into more of their lessons. This is Ubuntu, together we can touch the future.