The BMEA Newsletter
December 2024
Welcome from The CEO
Dear BMEA Community,
As we approach the end of the year, I’m filled with reverence and gratitude for the incredible strides we’ve made together and the transformative work that continues to shape our students, families, and educators. This December has been a testament to the power of community and collaboration. From the overwhelming response to our Teacher Fellowship applications to the heartfelt connections made at our Community Holiday Dinner, we are reminded that our mission resonates deeply with those we serve.
We are also thrilled to announce exciting opportunities to join our growing team! With open positions for Fund Development Director and Site Coordinators, we’re seeking passionate individuals to contribute to our impactful programs. Together, we can expand our reach and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth and educators.
As we celebrate the season, we are also reminded of the principles of Kwanzaa—a time to reflect on unity, purpose, and the collective strength of our community. These values are at the heart of BMEA’s work, guiding us as we step into a new year of opportunity and impact. Thank you for your unwavering support, and we look forward to an even brighter 2025!
In solidarity,
Curtis L. Lewis, Ph.D.
CEO & Founder, Black Male Educators Alliance
We're Hiring
🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨
BMEA is seeking passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to our transformational work!
We have exciting opportunities available:
🌟 Position: Fund Development Director
BMEA seeks a proactive and passionate Fund Development Director to join the staff and drive our fundraising efforts! This hybrid role, based in Metro-Detroit, is perfect for someone who excels at building relationships, growing and engaging with a wide donor base, managing grants, and executing impactful fundraising events.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead fundraising efforts to meet revenue target
• Grow individual giving and secure major gifts
• Plan and execute fundraising events
• Oversee grants and donor management systems
Learn more and apply at www.BlackMaleEducatorsAlliance.org/FDDirect
✨ Position: Site Coordinator (multiple positions available in Metro Detroit and Washtenaw County)
The BMEA Site Coordinator plays a key role in the Youth Leadership Development Program by supporting High School Mentors who guide Elementary Mentees, ensuring program effectiveness and fostering positive outcomes. This position requires collaboration, professionalism, and excellence to create an environment where students thrive as future leaders and changemakers.
Key Responsibilities:
Embody BMEA's mission, vision, and goals while implementing restorative practices.
Develop High School Mentors’ leadership and communication skills to support elementary students socially, emotionally, and academically.
Manage program sessions, ensuring efficient processes, safe spaces, and strong family engagement.
Collect, monitor, and analyze data on program outcomes (attendance, teacher feedback, report cards, test scores, etc.).
Engage with families and participate in community events to strengthen connections and support student progress.
📍 For full details and to apply, click the link below:
YLDP Site Coordinators - Apply Here
Join us in making a difference in the lives of students and educators—apply today! ✨
Teacher Wellness Fellowship 2025
We’ve had an overwhelming response to the Teacher Wellness Fellowship Application Process, and we’re truly grateful to witness the community’s recognition of this program as a vital and appreciated resource for our frontline heroes—our teachers!
This fellowship is designed to empower educators by providing them with opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and personal growth and wellness. Through specialized training, mentorship, and access to innovative teaching and wellness resources, our fellows are better equipped to inspire their students and make a lasting impact in their classrooms and communities.
Our vision is to see the ripple effects of this program extend far beyond the individual participants. By fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, we aim to amplify its impact, not only in our schools but across the broader educational landscape. Together, we hope to ignite a movement where empowered teachers become catalysts for transformative change in education everywhere.
Liberating Learners School Partnerships Series
BMEA Community Holiday Dinner
On December 14, 2024, BMEA welcomed you—our cherished community—to a special Holiday Dinner, an evening filled with celebration, fellowship, and gratitude. Together, we reflected on the successes of the past year and the meaningful impact of our collective work.
The evening was dedicated to honoring those at the heart of our mission: the students, families, and educators who make our community so vibrant and inspiring!
Thank you for joining us and for being an essential part of this celebration. Your presence truly made the evening unforgettable.
Youth Leadership Development Program Updates
Our elementary mentees have been fully immersed in learning and living BMEA’s core values: Love & Care, Integrity, Commitment, and Execution. These foundational principles shape their character while participating in engaging, interactive math practice sessions designed to sharpen their skills and build confidence.
At the same time, our high school mentors recently attended the BMEA Youth Leadership Development Program Retreat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. This transformative experience provided opportunities for cross-community bonding with peers from various schools, fostering meaningful connections and strengthening leadership abilities.
Additionally, mentors participated in a literacy workshop facilitated by a certified veteran curriculum coach who equipped them with valuable tools and strategies to enhance the academic success of their elementary mentees.
The retreat was an unforgettable growth journey. It inspired our mentors to embrace leadership and exemplified BMEA’s unwavering commitment to excellence!
Family Engagement Network Updates
Over the past month, the Family Engagement Network has had the pleasure of connecting with so many incredible young men and engaging in meaningful community-building activities at our partner schools.
We were also honored to support families at DEPSA, Marygrove Elementary, and Bradford Academy by facilitating Restorative Practices activities that foster stronger relationships and deeper understanding. Our Family Engagement Facilitator, Nathan Caldwell, had an amazing time during his walkthroughs at Bradford Academy, where he connected with students and staff while witnessing the outstanding work happening within the school community.
And this is just the beginning! We have even more exciting engagement opportunities on the horizon, so stay tuned for updates—we can’t wait to share what’s next!
📢 Community Resources: Inspire, Learn, and Reflect!
EdTrust Midwest Impact : https://edtrustmidwestimpact.com/
The Education Trust-Midwest is a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for all Michigan students, with a focus on closing opportunity and achievement gaps for underserved populations. Through data-driven research, policy advocacy, and coalition-building, they aim to advance educational equity and excellence across the state.
Developing Positive Self-Images in Black Children
He addresses challenges such as negative societal perceptions and systemic barriers, offering insights to empower children through positive reinforcement and supportive learning environments.
Emotional Fluency: The Language Black Boys Aren't Taught
Kwanzaa Celebration & Observance is Thu, Dec 26, 2024 – Wed, Jan 1, 2025
Unity (Umoja),
Self-determination (Kujichagulia)
Collective work and responsibility (Ujima)
Cooperative economics (Ujamaa)
Purpose (Nia)
Creativity (Kuumba)
Faith (Imani)
These principles promote cultural pride, community building, and the collective upliftment of individuals and families. Explore the following link to dive deeper into Kwanzaa!
SAVE THE DATE!
BMEA Workshop - January 25, 2025
The next BMEA Workshop is happening next month on January 25, 2025! Stayed tuned for more information!
Follow Us on Social Media!
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