Reclaiming the Village: A Critical Summit for Black Families Happening This Saturday
Reclaiming the Village: A Black Family & Community Summit is back this Saturday, January 10 at Garfield High School, marking the follow up to the inaugural summit last August. An essential conversation and community-building event, Reclaiming the Village is designed to center Black families, students, and the crucial community-based organizations that support them, all with the goal of strengthening the partnership between the school and the families it serves.
Created by the organization 100 Black Parents, this summit is not just a meeting, but an intentional space for connection and transparent communication. It follows up on a commitment made by Dr. Hart, the school’s principal, to better engage Garfield’s Black families and create a dedicated space for them to share their experiences and for the school to communicate its support efforts.
The Power of Presence: Community is the Greatest Asset
At August’s event, founder and executive director of 100 Black Parents Chukundi Salisbury Sr. explained Reclaiming the Village’s importance to Black families. A Garfield High alum and a long-time advocate for Black student success, Salisbury shared a crucial message: parent and community engagement is the single greatest asset for student success.
“We need the people to get involved,” he said. "When Black children and families do well, everyone benefits.”
Last year’s inaugural Reclaiming the Village Summit brought together Garfield High School’s Black families for honest conversations, mental health support, and making progress.
What To Expect
The summit is designed as a dynamic listening session that will provide vital, actionable information. Attendees can expect:
A space for families to share their experiences and for the school to listen and identify priorities and challenges.
Crucial information on navigating high school, including graduation requirements and accessing essential academic and mentoring services.
Resources and information on utilizing mental health support services.
Reclaiming the Village is the beginning of a process to strengthen the Black community's presence and impact in the school. The message is clear: Black parents and community are not only welcome at the school but vital to its success.
When? Saturday, January 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where? Garfield High School Commons, 400 23rd Avenue Seattle, WA 98122
RSVP on Eventbrite.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the solution.
