January was a full and powerful start to the new year!
We hosted our first Middle School Workshop, Passport to Success, welcoming more than 75 Black and African American middle school students to the Kroc Center. Students participated in workshops focused on developing a growth mindset, building strong study habits, creating personal workout plans, and designing vision boards. Special thanks to YouLead for sponsoring lunch, our partners at the Salem-Keizer School District for coordinating student participation, and the Salvation Army Kroc Center for hosting us. To our workshop presenters—your expertise and connection with our youth remind them that they, too, can lead. Thank you for pouring into them so generously!
We were deeply honored to accept a proclamation recognizing Black History Month from Mayor Hoy and the Salem City Council.
We closed the month by diving into strategic planning with Dickinson Consultants, exploring our three core pillars: Business Development, Youth & Education, and Community Networking. The conversations were energizing and affirming, and I am optimistic about the future of our organization and the partnerships ahead.
As you consider ways to engage this Black History Month, remember that showing up is the most important step—and however you show up, come with a heart open to listening and understanding. A few upcoming events are listed below that have been brought to our attention, but we know there are many more. If you know of others, please share them with us or tag us on social media so we can continue to uplift and support the incredible cultural opportunities happening throughout our community.
Greggery Peterson
Executive Director
