Black SonRISE

http://blacksonrise.org/

Our group of Evanston dads of Black children in D65 schools is extremely concerned about the educational challenges facing Black boys in the district and have taken action. We have identified three issues: 1. The literacy gap between Black students and their counterparts, 2. A sense of belonging 3. Visibility of Black male role models. This led us to establish Black SonRISE, a weekly program that targets 3rd-8th grade Black male students. We lead a fun-filled, two-hour program, featuring group reading, discussion, as well as STEM and sports activities. We recently added a financial literacy component to our programming. The entire program is free of charge and is designed with the following measures of success in mind: 1. Nurture an enjoyment of reading. 2. Raising awareness of a connection to the inspirational African diaspora. 3. Interest in the pursuit of meaningful life opportunities and careers.