We are deeply grateful to our SJLI family for their generous donations and to the Los Angeles Philharmonic for opening their doors, allowing us to collect 15 pallets of essential goods from iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Beckmen YOLA Center.

Just 11 days after the devastating January wildfires that tore through Black and Brown communities in Altadena and Pasadena, we joined forces with incredible individuals and organizations—including the Flintridge Center, NAACP Pasadena Chapter President Brandon Lamar, Neighborhood Survants, Bold Black LA, Support + Feed, EveryTable, Sweetgreen, LeadersUp, and more—to host a vital distribution event at the Flintridge Center in Pasadena.

Our collective efforts continued to make an impact in the days that followed. Through the Dena Relief Drive, we successfully distributed over 400,000 pounds of essential supplies, $45,000 in gift cards, 15,000+ hot meals, and critical resources such as short-term housing and educational materials for students. In collaboration with over 1,500 volunteers and 75 businesses and organizations, we reached more than 5,000 families in the Altadena/Pasadena community.

This incredible achievement was driven by rapid response and collective action—but our work is far from over. The Social Justice Learning Institute remains committed to helping families rebuild and reimagine their futures. We are on the ground, working alongside our partners to ensure impacted families continue to receive the support they need, from essential goods and wellness care to financial aid and relief guidance.

At the core of our mission lies a profound belief in the transformative power of education. We understand that education is not merely a pathway to knowledge; it is a powerful tool that can change lives and uplift entire communities. By exposing young men and women to the world of higher education, we aim to unlock their potential and empower them to create the positive futures they envision for themselves, their families, and their communities.

We recently had the incredible opportunity to take over 30 students from our Urban Scholars and Young Women’s Program to the Black College Expo at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Hosted by the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) in partnership with Honda Battle of the Bands, the expo provided our students with a unique chance to explore over 200 Black colleges and universities, opening doors to new possibilities for their futures.

During the four-hour expo, students connected with representatives from various institutions, gaining valuable insights into admissions, academic programs, and career pathways. They also attended seminars and even had the opportunity to receive on-the-spot admissions and scholarships, bringing them one step closer to their college dreams.

Capping off the day, our students enjoyed the Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase, featuring electrifying performances by HBCU bands and hip hop artist Glorilla. This celebration of culture and talent not only entertained but also inspired our students, highlighting the rich legacy and community that education fosters.

Forty-three of our fellows from The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) recently participated in the JPMorgan Chase Stock Market Simulation competition. This immersive experience, which spanned three-and-a-half months, was designed to introduce our students to the fundamentals of the stock market and investing principles.

Divided into eight groups, the students were entrusted with a simulated portfolio of $10 million, allowing them to buy up to 10 stocks. Over the course of the competition, they made strategic investments, monitored market fluctuations, and actively adjusted their portfolios by selling or trading stocks in response to these shifts.

On February 8th, the groups presented their findings, insights, and key takeaways from the simulation. We are thrilled to announce that King Incorporated secured first place, achieving an impressive profit of approximately $1.5 million.

The simulation was expertly run by JPMorgan Chase staff, who are integral to The Fellowship Initiative—a youth development program developed by JPMorgan and facilitated by SJLI to expand economic opportunities and broaden talent pipelines for students of color.

We congratulate all our fellows for their remarkable accomplishments and thank JPMorgan Chase for their support in making this enriching experience possible.

On March 8th, we held a successful food distribution event at 

Augustus Hawkins High School, a valued partner for over three years. Together, we are dedicated to building a strong community that supports students, their families, and residents.

During the recent event, we distributed 400 fresh produce boxes, thanks to the generous support of Dosner Organic Farms. We were also proud to partner with Mother’s Nutritional Center, which provided valuable resources to the families in attendance.

This initiative underscores our commitment to health equity, recognizing that access to nutritious food is essential for community well-being. We remain dedicated to tackling food insecurity and ensuring that families have the resources they need to thrive.

Thanks to our amazing partners and volunteers, we provided fresh fruits and vegetables to our community—an important step toward a more food-secure future.



As we continue working to uplift and empower, we look forward to sharing more of our initiatives and achievements in next month’s newsletter.