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Newsletter Issue
#54 |
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In 2020, Sesame Flyers International continued to grow with a clear
defined mission of "LOVE A KID TODAY AND EVERY DAY". Although the
Covid-19 pandemic made it extremely difficult for the organization to
work in full capacity, the organization made significant strides on
various fronts. This review of Sesame Flyers International’s efforts in
2020 will give you an insight into how much we did and achieved on all
these fronts. In 2021 we will strive to do even more and we are
committed to the Brooklyn community. |
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In this edition of the Newsletter you will learn how Sesame’s strategic partnerships with organizations such as Dominicans Love Haitians Movement is working to undo racism on an international level and instill confidence and self-love in young people. I have always believed providing opportunities and pathways for education is one of the greatest investments we can make in young people. You can also learn about what Sesame is doing to support and acknowledge innovative and inspiring young people in our community and share pathways to enrich life long learning and leadership.
Things are shifting here at Sesame, in America and the world at large. I
look forward to a year where we increase our reach in supporting our
families and celebrating our culture. |
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Dahved Levy of 107.5 WBLS and Caribbean Fever with his trademark catchphrase, “Dahved Levy, Rockin’ you! Rockin’ you!” a benchmark in Caribbean radio, is a trailblazer and innovator in the field of broadcast media. He was the first person to host a Caribbean focused show on mainstream radio in New York. While many people know Dahved for his possessing an easy charm, quick wit and a distinctive voice, what some people may not know is Dahved’s commitment to investing in the youth of our community.
This month Dahved is looking to give away laptops to deserving high
school students ages 14 -18 who have an interest in journalism and
broadcasting. Young people should write a one-page essay detailing why
they are interested in this field, what their future career goals are,
and what the laptop would help them accomplish. If you know a young
person who is eager to take advantage of this opportunity, please have
them complete an essay and send to
development@sesameflyers.org
for review. Winners will be announced in our next newsletter. |
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Sesame Flyers has partnered with Dominicans Love Haitians Movement to
help send 1000 Black dolls to Haitian and Dominican children throughout
the diaspora to cultivate self-love and confidence in their capabilities
and place within their communities. |
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Shyann approached working with Sesame in 2019 as “only as a simple summer job” in her words. To her surprise, she received much more than a paycheck that summer. She joined Winthrop’s Youth Council and was asked to remain on staff after the summer due to her maturity, dedication and go getter approach to work. Shyann has built meaningful connections with her coworkers and appreciates how close she is with her Director, Simone Warner. The mentorship makes her working environment a pleasure. In Shyann’s art class, she teaches the fundamentals of art, such as lining, shading, and shadowing. Spending more time at home following Covid protocols, Shyann has been able to hone her artistic skills and it greatly benefits her students. Shyann believes that people see her as really humorous and fun however there is more than meets the eye for a 19 year old woman. She would love to have a full time career in art and is open to what the future holds as she does not want to be boxed in by any particular artistic focus at this time.
She believes in “high hopes but low expectations” which she attributes
as a key to controlling what can control and staying balanced. We want
to thank Shyann for her immense contribution to the Sesame Flyers Family
and look forward to supporting her as she grows into the successful full
time artist we know she can become. |
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Marcus Nurse,
7 years old, participates in the STEM program and was excited to learn
all about volcanoes. Marcus’ mother, who knows her son is always eager
to share new things with others, was pleasantly surprised during remote
school when she realized Marcus was able to answer all the questions in
his science class regarding volcanoes because of what he learned with
us! Marcus’s mom, Ms. Kate, was so moved by his confident ability, she
had to call us to share the good news. Marcus is now developing a love
of volcanoes and science. He is researching and doing his own science
projects at home to deepen his curiosity and further cultivate his love
for STEM. We applaud Marcus for being a STEM leader and an inspiration
for us all. |
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I
believe we all released a collective deep breath as we ushered in 2021.
With hopeful and prudent eyes we looked forward to a fresh start.
However less than a week into the new year we all witnessed what seemed
like an extension of 2020 with The Capitol Hill Insurrection. These
early events of our new year have only confirmed for me that Sesame
Flyers' proactive approach to supporting our community is part of the
much needed healing of our nation. The healing we all seek is not only
from an unprecedented year but from years of social and civil injustice,
that is finally beginning to shift. 
We
are excited to highlight Shyann Raj-Singh as our Employee Highlight this
month! Shyann teaches art at the Winthrop Beacon and is a sophomore at
Medgar Evers College. We are proud to share that she, like some of our
staff, started out in our Summer Youth Employment Program. 
We
are proud to announce our STEM program at the Winthrop Beacon taught by
Dineisha Raguette is building STEM leaders. STEM is a curriculum based
on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines —
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — in an
interdisciplinary and applied approach. STEM education creates critical
thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of
innovators. 
