HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH and welcome to our online newsletter (LAP) The Learning Academy Post
DonCARES is excited to host virtual programs at Simon Gratz Mastery Charter School during the 2020-2021 school year. DonCARES In conjunction with Mr. Forrest's classroom, give 9th-grade students the access to resources, speakers, and connections in the Greater Philadelphia area
Hidden Figures Panel: Taylar & Panel


On Friday, March 5, 2021, DonCARES and Mr. Forrest's classroom hosted two phenomenal panelists for a Hidden Figures Panel Discussion for Women's History Month. Taylar Enlow and Talaya Pollard, both Seniors at Temple University and business leaders shared information regarding their academic experience, professional endeavors with students in Mr. Forrest's 9th-grade Literature class.

Hidden Figures No More is an initiative started by DonCARES in 2018 that aims to introduce high school students in North Philadelphia to young black women in their community who are leading enterprises, pursuing an education, and giving back to their communities.

Taylar is a current student at Temple University and the founder and director of Sonku Collective, a literary organization inspired by Sonia Sanchez, an American poet, writer, and professor. Sanchez was a leading figure in the Black Arts Movement and the former Poet Laurette of Philadelphia.

Sonku is a community organization for black, brown, indigenous people to come together with a love for literature, creative writing, and more. During the panel, Taylar shared the importance of pivoting when initial plans don’t work out; emphasizing that denial or delay doesn’t mean you won’t be successful.

Talaya Pollard is a Senior at Temple University and the Founder and Owner of Exhaustive Events, LLC, an event planning company that services people in multiple cities along the east coast.
During the panel, Talaya shared the importance of getting a good night’s rest; and that self-care is the best care.

All in all, both Taylar and Talaya inspired 9th-grade students in Mr. Forrest's Literature class to think outside of the box for what is possible for black women. Both panelists shared expert knowledge about college life, business management, and entrepreneurship.
Hidden Figures Panel: Nayanka, Jasmine & Kayla
On Friday, March 12, 2021, DonCARES and Mr. Forrest's classroom hosted three phenomenal panelists for a Hidden Figures Panel Discussion for Women's History Month. Kayla Martin from Temple Law, Nayanka Paul from Bloody Bitches, and Jasmine Mays from Villanova’s COVID Prevention Pantry discussed their current professional endeavors, college life, and how they define success as black women.

Hidden Figures No More is an initiative started by DonCARES in 2018 that aims to introduce high school students in North Philadelphia to young black women in their community who are leading enterprises, pursuing an education, and giving back to their communities.

Kayla is a 3L at Temple University Beasley School of Law and The Chief Editor of The Temple Law Review. During the panel. Kayla shared the importance of being around people who will motivate you to be the best version of yourself. She also touched on the prevalence of her work around secondary sources. Students in Mr. Forrest's 9th grade Writing Seminar were able to learn tips for researching from a credible source in Kayla.

Nayanka Paul is an Alum of Temple University and the Founder and President of Bloody Bitches, a menstrual equity non-profit. During the panel, Nayanka shared the importance of connecting with like minds, learning from, and connecting with fellow students at school.
Jasmine Mays is a recent graduate of Villanova University and also the founder of Villanova University's Covid Prevention Pantry. Mays shared the role the murder of George Floyd and the protests played in her getting active in her community.

All in all, Jasmine, Nayanka, and Kayla challenges 9th-grade students in Mr. Forrest's Writing Seminar class to think outside of the box for what is possible for black women. All three panelists shared expert knowledge about college life, research, community organizing, and entrepreneurship.


Block Clean Up at The U School

On Saturday, March 20, 2021, DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. and several other organizations from Temple University collaborated on a street clean-up at The U School. Among the collaborating organizations were The Progressive NAACP, The Temple Owlettes, The National Council of Negro Women, Temple Section, Temple University's chapter of the Black Law Students Association Pre-Law Division, and Temple Student Government. 
 
DonCARES Founder Donovan Forrest was highly inspired by the block clean-ups S.M.O.O.T.H, Temple Chapter committed themselves to in the North Philadelphia community a few years ago. Earlier this month, DonCARES Executive Director Donovan Forrest began reaching out to organizations to collaborate with on a block clean-up at The U School. 

The U School is located at the corner of 7th and Norris, a few blocks away from Temple University, and for four school years was the primary center of all DonCARES' mentoring efforts.
 
 All in all, about twenty-five college students of color from various organizations showed up to clean the grounds at The U School including the front of the school, basketball court and courtyard, of the back of the school, and sidewalk and street on Norris Street. Within an hour, the volunteers collected eleven bags of trash including and not limited to glass, boxes, sticks, spoiled food, and empty bottles.
Young Leader Award: Kyla Miller
Kyla Miller was selected as a young leader in Mr. Forrest's 2nd and 9th period English I and Writing Seminar classes. Kyla has a prominent voice and never fails to be vocal about issues she cares about. Mr. Forrest and her peers salute her for showing commitment to equity and justice in the classroom. Enjoy the gift card, Kyla it is well-deserved.
Good Citizen: De'Mya Spicer

De'Mya Spicer was selected as a good citizen in Mr. Forrest's 2nd and 9th period English I and Writing Seminar classes. De'Mya exhibits an admirable commitment to her formal education and always has a positive attitude and teamwork mentality. Mr. Forrest and her peers salute her for showing commitment to academic excellence and good citizenship. Enjoy the gift card, De'Mya it is well-deserved. 
Most Improved: Edward Rawls
Edward Rawls was selected as the most improved student in Mr. Forrest's 5th and 7th period English I and Writing Seminar classes. Edward has shown a commitment to grow academically and has never given up in pursuit of his formal education. Mr. Forrest and his peers salute him for showing commitment to growth and optimism. Enjoy the gift card Edward, It is well-deserved. 



"There's no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes and heroines are or were."

-Nina Simone