April 2006 Action Alert, Assata Shakur Speaks

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APRIL 2006 ACTION ALERT

Title: Support Afrikan-Centered Education, Support Bakari Institute

Time Frame: 1 Month

Plan of Action: Contribute supplies, volunteer hours and financial support towards Barkari's goal of providing educational services for children, youth and adults that facilitate an a clear Afrikan identity and commitment to serve the Afrikan community first.

Purpose of Action: Support Afrikan (Black) owned community and educational centers and the idea of educational experiences that meet our needs and our cultural context.

The Bakari Institute is an Afrikan-centered, family ran, non-profit cultural arts organization that uses art as a medium to promote positive activity among economically-disadvantaged youth and their families. Bakari also offers youth access to homework and mentors.

The Institute recently began rehabbing a new facility. The facility will feature a hair salon, music studio, dance studio, Afrikan clothing store, technology center, rehearsal room for musicians, art room, outdoor educational area, a sewing room, garden and a full kitchen.

Youth will not only be trained to HELP with the rehabbing of this historic building, but they will trained to EARN A LIVING in the cultural arts that will be taught at the new Bakari Institute. Many youth are already performing locally and regionally with Bakari's dance troupe and drum ensemble.

The Bakari Institute is one the last genuine Afrikan-centered organizations in St. Louis. They serve youth in communities where no one else seems to be interested in supporting and uplifting our youth.

Photo of Kids Performing

Participate

What You Should Do Now:

1.	Volunteer offline office support, equipment repair, mentoring youth on-site)

2.	Make an equipment donation: Copy Machine (used is okay), Desktop PCs (2yrs old or newer), Computer Monitors (2yrs old or newer), Office and School Supplies (paper, pens, ink cartridges, paints, notebooks, crayons, staples, etc.) Educational Software (CDROM Only), Musical Instruments, Books (music instruction, educational, cultural and entrepreneurial in nature), Bolts of Afrikan Fabric, Networking/DSL / Cable Service.

3.	Make a financial donation. You can mail a money order or cashier's check to the address below. (No amount is too small or large.)

4.	Write or Call: The Bakari Institute 3959 North 11th Street St. Louis, MO 63107-2921 (314) 414-0202 Let them know how important you believe independently ran, Africentric educational institutions are to the revitalization and growth of our communities.


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Goals & Outcomes

Goals
Increase Public Awareness about Independent Afrikan (Black) Centers and Schools
Support Independent Afrikan (Black) Centers and Schools
Groom volunteers, students or financial supporters of Africentric education.
Encourage and inspire Africentric educators.

Outcomes
Afrikan schools will have necessary social and economic support.
Parents will be aware of educational alternatives that suit OUR children.
"It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" becomes a reality.
Africentric educators will receive greater support.

Feedback

Please take a few moments and provide us with important feedback about this Action Alert. Your opinions are important!

Assata Speaks Action Alert Poll

Have you or a relative ever attended an Africentric Center or School?

Yes, and it's very important to support these institutions..
Yes, but I/we didn't have a great experience.
Yes. I have been aware of them since the 60s/70s.
No. I didn't know such a thing existed.
No. Have heard of it, but was concerned about quality and schools' certifications.
No. I would never support such a concept.

Which actions did you take part in this month?

I contacted Bakari Institute about volunteering offline and/or online.
I contacted Bakari Institute about equipment donations.
I sent Bakari Institute a financial donation.
I wrote/called Bakari Institute and let them know that I support Africentric institutions.

Do we need more Education-related action alerts?

Yes. Please also consider supporting inner-city public schools in some way.
Yes. Please continue to focus and encourage our people to try to use our own centers & schools.
No. We have bigger fish to fry. Our schools & centers can wait for now.
No. Action Alerts should be purely political in nature.

Should Assata Speaks focus on children, youth and young adults more?

Yes! We need our own online conference.
Yes! We need to discuss community outreach.
I think the attention thus far has been balanced. Good job.
No. Its a parent's job to do that.

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