Newsletter Issue #50
SEPTEMBER 2020

SESAME CARNIVAL GOES VIRTUAL FOR 2020

Dust off your favorite costume, grab your flag and get ready to fete with us this Monday, September 7th. Join us virtually and keep the Spirit of Carnival alive as we celebrate Caribbean Culture in partnership with the West Indian Amercian Day Carnival Association. Hosting the event will be WBLS’s own Dahved Levy and International Media Personality Natasha Marcell. There will be musical performances by Mr. Pearly, Askel Red Square, Steel Pannist Freddie Harris, Sesame Carnival Dancers and Models and more.

Catch the vibes and get a jump with us on M Carnival - CLICK HERE , Facebook and Instagram at @SesameCarnival.
 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

As the summer of 2020 comes to a close, we hope everyone is persevering in what has been one of the most challenging times that many of us have ever experienced. In the words of the great poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, “Life will throw you challenges, but it is in those challenges that you learn who you are.” I am proud to say Sesame is emerging from this pandemic more resilient and stronger than ever before. We have developed a greater capacity to connect with our community locally and around the country. Overall we have become a more efficient agency and it is very exciting to see the power and connection that new technology brings us. Our Fall Programs are being reimagined and we look forward to unveiling our virtual classes and offerings soon.

Though we cannot be together in person this Monday for Labor Day as we have been for over 20 years I hope to see you virtually for Sesame’s Virtual Carnival. In this edition you can learn more about how we can stay connected with us this Monday and keep the Spirit of Carnival Alive - right from the comfort of your own living room.

I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge that August 31st was the anniversary of the independence of Trinidad and Tobago. So many members of our Sesame Family, including myself, trace their heritage to this beautiful nation, where so many cultures converge.
 

SUMMER PROGRAMMING SUCCESS!

What a summer it has been for Sesame Flyers! From hosting our Virtual Cultural Heritage Gala and awarding $5000 in scholarships to granting over 500 Summer Youth Employment positions, and running both a virtual and in person Summer Camp, we have been doing the community work we are so proud to do despite all challenges we may face.

This summer Sesame Flyers was able to participate in the first ever SYEP Summer Bridge, a 100 per cent virtual work readiness program. At the onset, it appeared that the funding for this vital program would be nonexistent given the reality of the current health emergency facing our City. As a result of the advocacy work done by the staff at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, elected officials, and community stakeholders, this year 35,000 youth citywide were able to participate in the first ever fully digital work readiness program.

Sesame Flyers provided work readiness training and social and emotional skills training in a virtual environment combining asynchronous learning, google classroom, and zoom interaction. Facilitators and Monitors engaged with nearly 200 Younger Youth and 350 Older Youth from East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Canarsie, and East New York neighborhoods in this first time innovation.

Career exploration curriculum developed by Hats and Ladders, Project Based curriculum developed by YDI, and the curriculum developed by grant & Associates for the Workplace Challenge were part of this new experience for our youth.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. CURTIS NELSON

In celebration of 58 years of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence, we are proud to announce that the Carib News recognizes our Executive Director, Curtis Nelson as one of the 50 national leaders of Trinidadian descent for his hard work and dedication to the advancement and betterment of the people of the Caribbean Diaspora. We are very proud of all of his hard work and commitment to Sesame Flyers and the communities we have served for the last 37 years.
 

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