Celebrating Black Leadership:
Honoring Legacy, Elevating the Future
| | |
|
In the words of President Barack Obama, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” This quote resonates deeply as we witness leaders of color across our community reshaping systems and setting bold visions into motion.
Forsyth County embodies this change. Leaders like Dr. Antonia Monk Richburg, President and CEO of United Way; Shontell Robinson, Forsyth County Administrator; George Redding, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity; Dr. Laura Gerald, President of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust; LaTida Smith, President and CEO of the Winston-Salem Foundation; and Bonita J. Brown, Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University, are just a few of the many highly accomplished individuals leading the charge.
These leaders are not defined by the fact that they are the first African Americans in their roles. Instead, they are defined by their ability to lead with integrity, vision, and excellence. They represent what it means to be highly qualified professionals who continue to break barriers and inspire systemic transformation. Their impact is measurable in the lives they touch and the legacies they are creating across sectors—from education and housing to healthcare and community development.
| |  |
|
As we celebrate Black History Month, we not only recognize the significance of African American leaders being "first," but also the importance of ensuring they are not the last. Together, we elevate the future through mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to building more inclusive systems that reflect the diversity of our community.
This moment of celebration reminds us that history is not just what we inherit—it is what we actively create. By honoring these leaders today, we are planting seeds of hope and resilience for generations to come. As Obama so aptly stated, “We are the change that we seek.” Let us continue to embrace that call to action, united in purpose and progress.
Dr. Louis A. Finney Jr.
President and CEO
Smart Start of Forsyth County
| |
Motown Soul Meets Purpose | |
Join us for an extraordinary evening where Motown's Soul Meets Purpose! Raising Forsyth 2025 is more than an event - it's a powerful movement bringing together visionary leaders, educators, and advocates who are transforming the landscape of early childhood education in our community.
This signature celebration unites the true champions of our children's future: dedicated educators shaping young minds, business leaders investing in tomorrow's workforce, and policymakers creating pathways for success. Together, we're building a foundation for every child in Forsyth County to thrive.
Your presence and support at this event will catalyze real change. Through meaningful connections, inspiring stories, and impactful recognition, we'll celebrate those revolutionizing early education while empowering the next wave of innovation and support.
Be a Force for Change:
- Ticket (Early Bird): $85 (through March 15, 2025)
- Ticket (Regular): $100 (after March 15, 2025)
- Sponsorships: $1,000 - $7,000
Event Details Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Doors open: 5:30 p.m.
Cocktail hour: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Millennium Center 101 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
We hope to see you there!
Dr. Louis A. Finney Jr.
President/CEO of Smart Start of Forsyth County
Purchase tickets and explore sponsorships: https://smartstart-fc.org/etn/raising-forsyth/
| |
Male Advisory Board: Empowering Fathers | |
|
Smart Start Launches 2025-2026 M.A.L.E Advisory Committee: Smart Start of Forsyth County kicked off an exciting new chapter in father engagement with its first M.A.L.E (Males Aspiring Long Term Excellence) Advisory Committee meeting of 2025-2026.
The gathering took place on Monday, January 27, from noon to 1:30 PM at their Winston-Salem location. The initiative brought together an impressive coalition of community leaders, including representatives from local universities, schools, fraternal organizations, and community groups.
The powerhouse team included Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, Family Services Head Start, and several prominent fraternal organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Omega Psi Phi.
| |
|
Families in Forsyth County can now begin the registration process for free Pre-K programs for the 2025-2026 school year; SSFC will provide 729 classroom slots available across NC Pre-K classrooms in private child care centers, Head Start centers, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and the Quality Education Institute charter school.
While placement notifications don't begin until June 1, Smart Start of Forsyth County encourages families to start the registration process early to ensure they have time to complete the application thoroughly and address any questions that may arise. Families can indicate their top three preferences for 23 WS/FCS school sites, nine private child care centers, four Head Start locations, and the Quality Education Institute charter school through a streamlined single application process.
Smart Start provides comprehensive support throughout the application process. It works closely with families to determine eligibility based on income, family size, and educational needs. We can help you at the North Point Boulevard office or by calling 336-725-6011.
| |
Registration Status Change:
Forsyth's Imagination Library Program at Capacity
| |
|
As of February 1, 2025, The Smart Start Network will no longer accept NEW registrations for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) in Forsyth County. We have reached capacity with state funding. Children who are already registered will continue receiving books from DPIL.
Follow us on social media or visit www.smartstart-fc.org for the latest status of state-funded DPIL registrations in North Carolina. We stand committed to early childhood literacy.
| |
Early Educators Conference 2025
Time is running out! Join us for the Early Educators Conference "Let Your Garden Grow" on Feb 22 at Atkins High School. Professional development sessions on trauma-informed practices and more. Limited spots remain.
| |
| | |
|
Local and state leaders will explore the impact of today’s childcare crisis and discuss meaningful steps businesses can take to position our workforce and local economy for success.
We encourage you to join this valuable discussion about an issue affecting many in our community. Complimentary parking and lunch will be provided.
| | | |
Community Conversation: Education Policy Luncheon | |
|
Join us on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (location to be determined) for an essential policy luncheon. The President of the North Carolina Partnership for Children and members of the Forsyth County Legislative Delegation will lead a meaningful dialogue about early childhood education in our region. The discussion will focus on current NC Pre-K and Smart Start programs, funding initiatives, and legislative updates that impact our early childhood education community.
This gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers and share your perspectives on critical community needs. Space is limited, and registration details will be provided soon. RSVP Today!
| |
Empower your professional growth with Smart Start of Forsyth County's weekly training sessions. Every Tuesday, early education providers gather to enhance their skills through interactive workshops led by field experts. From classroom management techniques to hands-on STEM activities and essential safety certifications, these sessions deliver practical tools you can implement immediately. Join fellow educators in building a stronger foundation for our youngest learners. | |
|
2/18
2/25
3/4
3/11
3/18
3/25
| |
|
Engineering in the Classroom
First Aid CPR
ITS-SIDS
Infant Toddler Curriculum
Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR
Responding to Emergencies Due to Food Allergies
| |
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY -
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
| |
|
|
How We Say I Love You by Nicole Chen
Follow young Hana as she discovers the countless ways her Asian American family expresses their devotion – from her mother stirring love into a steaming pot of xifan to her father's enthusiastic cheers at soccer games. Through gentle bedtime rituals with her grandparents and precious moments with her parents, Hana learns that love isn't always wrapped in words, but lives in the thoughtful gestures we share each day.
This beautifully illustrated picture book invites readers of all ages to reflect on their own family's unique love language and the quiet acts of care that speak volumes.
| | | |
|
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina has been a steadfast supporter of Smart Start of Forsyth County since 2023, demonstrating their partnership through invaluable assistance like providing bus passes for parents attending events and offering numerous letters of support for various initiatives. Through this partnership, both organizations work together to strengthen families with young children by removing barriers to access and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement.
Goodwill's innovative approach to partnership includes both practical support and advocacy, helping Smart Start of Forsyth County extend its reach and impact in the community. This collaboration exemplifies Goodwill's mission of creating opportunities through training, workforce development services, and partnerships with other community organizations.
| |
Make the Toddler Years More Joyful
Give your little one opportunities for independence by letting them help with simple tasks like carrying their lunchbox or putting away toys. While it takes more time, allowing toddlers to do things themselves builds confidence and capability.
Offer choices when possible ("Would you like to wear the red or blue shirt?") and maintain consistent routines to help avoid power struggles. Most importantly, embrace the fun - dance together, play outside, and share in their natural delight of discovering the world through play.
| |
| | | | | |
