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Newsletter Issue
#84 |
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On behalf of
Sesame Flyers International, Inc., the Board of Directors, the Chairman,
the Executive Director, the President of the Membership, our dedicated
Members, Volunteers, and Staff, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a
Happy Black History Month 2025! This month, we honor the rich legacy,
resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and
trailblazers who have shaped history and continue to inspire future
generations. As we celebrate, let us reflect on the strength of our
community, the power of unity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and
equality for all. Together, we rise, remember, and rejoice! |
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Black History Month is more than a time of remembrance—it is a call to action. It is a reminder of the power of grassroots organizing, the strength of our collective voice, and the necessity of investing in ourselves. The history we honor this month is built on the tireless efforts of those who fought for economic, social, and political advancement. Their resilience laid the foundation, but it is up to us to build upon it. Sesame Flyers International has always been a grassroots organization at its core. Our commitment to uplifting the community has never wavered—it has only grown stronger. Through initiatives like Get RICH’s revival, our Caribbean Cultural Community Meeting, and the Annual Legislative Brunch, we are creating spaces where our voices shape the future. Our youth programs, including Summer Youth Employment, Community Centers, and Vision Board workshops, are more than just opportunities; they are investments in the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. The Black community in America wields enormous economic power, with a purchasing strength of over $1.3 trillion, yet much of this wealth does not circulate within our own communities. Imagine the impact if we were intentional about supporting Black-owned businesses, funding our own institutions, and leveraging our collective resources. History has shown us that when we organize at the grassroots level—whether through civil rights movements, cultural preservation, or economic cooperation—we create lasting change.
This month,
let’s not just celebrate Black history—let’s make it. Let’s take
ownership of our narrative, our resources, and our future. By showing up
for one another, supporting our community-driven initiatives, and
investing in ourselves, we ensure that the legacy we leave is one of
empowerment, resilience, and progress. |
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And to kick things off, we
hosted our first event, a Teen Poetry Night called "Poetry Me Please,"
on January 16th right here at our Cultural Center on Church Avenue. With
the support of the teens and the community we've taken the first step
toward creating this space where teens can find mentors, learn new
skills through workshops, and have a safe space to be creative and
figure things out. Thank you all for the support. Keep an eye out, Get
RICH is just getting started!
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The Annual Legislative Brunch has made its way around once again, a key event that brought together our community leaders, stakeholders, and elected officials to address important issues impacting our community. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity of engagement in meaningful dialogue with elected officials and influential members of our community. This year we discussed the future of Sesame Flyers International and what the next era will look like for us as we approach our 50th anniversary as a community organization. Topics included the expansion of our investment of the capital funding received from the City and the creation of our very own Caribbean Endowment Fund.
We greatly appreciate all the input
into the development of our strategic plan, a roadmap that will guide us
over the next 10 years as we enter our 50th year of service and become
fully operational in our Cultural Center. Your thoughts and
contributions on these topics were greatly valued. We look forward to
transforming the vision into a reality that will be seen in the coming
years. |
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We held an
inspiring Vision Board Workshop in collaboration with The Yard East
Flatbush Family Enrichment Center & Rising Ground Trauma Recovery
Center! This session empowered participants to explore the power of
visualization and craft a representation of their goals, whether that
meant clarifying aspirations, visualizing the future, or simply
connecting with a supportive community.
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Our recent cooking class at the Winthrop Beacon was a success! The kids
dove into the world of culinary creation, learning valuable cooking
skills. Kids and parents alike had a blast, it was a wonderful time for
families to connect and make memories.
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Sesame Flyers International Inc. was honored to be a part of the
impactful Anti-Violence event held at our Bildersee Beacon. This
gathering brought together community members, organizations, and leaders
to address the pressing issue of violence and promote peace within our
neighborhoods. Together, we can create a stronger, more peaceful
community where everyone feels safe and supported. |
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Enter the SYEP Lottery for a chance to earn money and work experience
this summer. The Application deadline is February 28. Be sure to select
Sesame Flyers International as your Provider. Use the code WPA200656 for
Younger Youth (14-15 years) and WPA897692 for Older Youth (16-24 years).
Complete the application online
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https://application.nycsyep.com/
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This summer we hope to provide our Older Youth (16-24 years) with a variety of work readiness experiences that include in person, virtual, and hybrid assignments in a variety of career interest sectors including Health Care, FinTech, Media, as well as the robust support we value from our Childcare partners in the community. Some Participants will have opportunities to complete Professional Training and Development though the Hats & Ladders portal.
If you are interested in partnering with Sesame Flyers International
this summer for SYEP 2025, please begin by completing the Worksite
application using the link
https://worksitepreapp.nycsyep.com and selecting Sesame
Flyers International WPA416368 as your provider. |
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Dear
Sesame Flyers Family,
Get
RICH (Reaching Individuals to Care for Humanity) has made a comeback!
Sesame Flyers has brought back a much needed program designed by teens,
for teens. We understand the need for a safe space where young people
can connect, grow, and discover their potential and that is what Get
RICH is all about. This program goes beyond just financial literacy. It
focuses on building a foundation for long-term success. 
Sesame
Flyers International Inc. hosted the first of many necessary Caribbean
Cultural Community Meetings on Monday, January 27th, from 6:00 PM to
8:00 PM at the Sesame Flyers Cultural Center. This meeting offered
opportunities to connect with fellow community members, discuss
Caribbean culture in our area, and explore ways to strengthen our
community through shared resources. The meeting featured spotlights on
long standing local Caribbean businesses, information about influential
community leaders, and details on upcoming beneficial workshops and
events. We look forward to welcoming even more voices and perspectives
at future gatherings as we continue to grow as a Caribbean community.
