According to tradition, on February 2, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the hibernating - and fairly adorable - groundhog, Phil, pokes his head out after a nice long nap to see his shadow. Will it be there, meaning six more weeks of winter? Or is spring just around the corner? Believe it or not, you can follow the action live on Punxsutawney Phil's YouTube page! The unveiling should happen at 6:30am ET, so you'll either need to be a night owl or a very early riser.
Welcome Note
Artwork by Mia Jefferson, University of Missouri
If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you are
empowered, your job is to empower somebody else.

~Toni Morrison
Dear Literacy Source Community,

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the second black American to receive a PhD in history from Harvard (just a few years behind W.E.B. Dubois), created Negro History Week to "use history to prove to white America that blacks had played important roles in the creation of America and thereby deserve to be treated equally as citizens". Nearly one hundred years later, Black History Month continues to bring to the forefront themes that are important to the Black community. This year's theme is "Black Resistance", which highlights the many ways that Black Americans struggled against an oppressive system to "establish safe spaces where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected" (according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History - also founded by Carter Woodson). In light of the recent events that resulted in the tragic death of Tyre Nichols, this theme is as relevant as ever.

Education is an important realm in which Black resistance has thrived for centuries, and it is in this arena that our work helps level the playing field. One of our core values at Literacy Source is equity: we strive to create equal access to education because systemic injustices and oppression lead to unequal opportunities and barriers to participation. Inside the classroom our instructors and tutors partner with students to make sure they have the basic skills they need to create better futures for themselves. Outside the classroom we structure our programs to reduce barriers: from providing free classes with a small student-teacher ratio, to ensuring we meet students where they are, whether that's out in the community, at our Lake City center, in correctional facilities, or online.

At Literacy Source, we believe in education and its ability to empower those who have been traditionally disenfranchised. We have a vision similar to that of Dr. Woodson: one of resistance, celebration, and hope for an inclusive and equitable society providing education and opportunities for all adults.

In community,
 Cat Howell
 Co-ED, Educational Director
Shira Rosen 
Co-ED, Managing Director   
Citizenship Spotlight
"Since I’ve got my citizenship, it’s been awesome. I’ve been here since I was fourteen, but I never felt more included, like part of the team. That feels really great."

~Halfia Kedir , Literacy Source Employment Case Manager and new US citizen
Literacy Source's citizenship program is such an important way that students partner with us to create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and the community. One of our newest staff members, Halfia Kedir, recently achieved her goal of becoming a US citizen - congrats, Halfia! She was working with Cory Ihrig Goldhaber, our Citizenship Program Manager, who had this to say about Halfia: "Halfia came to me and it has been a delight to work with from start to finish. She was an incredibly good self-advocate. I loved working with her so much that I wanted her to work with us [at Literacy Source]!"
 
Read on to learn more about all of Halfia’s exciting future plans, and why she can’t imagine leaving Washington State!

Can you describe your path to citizenship and how Literacy Source was a part of that path?

I first heard about LS from my cousin; Cory helped her get citizenship. I thought: “Oh, okay, what about me? Maybe I’m going to do it this time.” I reached out to Cory and it really went good because Cory is somebody who she doesn’t only just help you, she makes you feel really comfortable. She’s really welcoming.

Why is gaining citizenship important in your life?

Since I’ve got citizenship, it’s been awesome. I’ve been here since I was 14, but I never felt more included, like part of the team. That feels really great. 

Also, one of the nice things about becoming a citizen is I can also vote, I can get government jobs. They turned me down before in the past because I didn’t have citizenship. The biggest one for me also is traveling. I was scared to go visit back home before because just in case something goes wrong, I don't want to be separated from my family, that’s my worst fear. Having that choice now is really good. If you don’t have your citizenship, when you go back to your country to visit, the government can do anything. They can keep you there, they can throw you in jail if they feel like you are not supporting their government. So this is a huge difference.

Once I become a citizen, a lot of things that I worry about, it’s relief now. I feel like now this is my home, now. Very settled.

What was the most difficult challenge in gaining US citizenship?

The first challenge was just letting go of my country. I love my country, and I took their oath to my heart, so it was hard for me to become a citizen because I was hoping that someday our family can go back to be a family together. But once my siblings [who also live in the US] started having kids, I figured that’s not going to work. My siblings and I, we’re very close, so we wouldn’t even want to be in a different state, so that was the first challenge for me.

When I took the oath [to become a US citizen], that felt like a real promise. That’s why it was hard for me to become a citizen before, because I felt like I was going to betray my country. I think if everyone takes that oath serious, they will do good for the country.

What are your plans or goals for the future now that you have accomplished this goal?

I want to write a book someday. I think I have a lot to share. That’s one of my goals. The second one is: Since I’m the second oldest I’m kind of like a leader in my family I want us to come together and make a plan to buy a house, for the future kids. My siblings, their kids. That’s my second plan. 

Will it be in Washington State?

Oh, I’m not moving from WA state! I grew up back home until the age of 14, but now I have a little memory from back home. This is where I have a lot of memories. I think the Washingtonian attitude, their character is more close to what I’m comfortable with: we are more accepting of everybody, and polite. In some other states, people don’t even like to say hi to one another. I don’t mind the rain, I love the rain. I feel like I’m stuck here in Washington. Happily stuck, not in a bad way. Happily stuck.

We are so excited for your accomplishment, Halfia, and look forward to reading your book someday!
2023 Breakfast: Save the Date!
We are thrilled to announce that our 21st annual Breakfast will take place on April 4th, 2023! Each year the community of Literacy Source comes together to celebrate our students and support their continuing education. Whether you've been to several or it will be your first time, our annual Breakfast is an event you want to attend! We'll have the following:

  • Several student stories and interviews marking our student's inspirational and successful journeys in education
  • Nancy Pearl returns with a new list of book recommendations for you
  • A look at our brand-new LOGO
  • and more!

We can't wait to have you!
Literacy Source is on the traditional lands of the Duwamish people, and we pay our respect to elders both past and present. To support the revival of Duwamish culture and the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe, please consider signing this petition to federally recognize them, or consider making a donation to Real Rent Duwamish.