In September of 2011, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with two of the most amazing young women I had ever met. They are the co-funders of Atlantic Impact, an organization looking to change the world for youth in a city where it’s needed most. I was thrilled to get some updates on what they have been up to since our meeting, hosting a hugely successful event On November 30 in Detroit, Michigan.
The event was held in collaboration with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Arab American National Museum, and Detroit Board of Education to show Detroit youth how the past is still very much a part of the present and impacts their lives today. This premiere event was presented to an audience of over 500 students at Southwestern High School.
The event highlighted the histories and contributions of several of the many ethnic groups in the Detroit region: African Americans, Arabs, and Latinos. Students had the unique opportunity to interact with representatives from two of the world’s largest institutions of their kind. Additionally, students heard from the Detroit Board of Education member of their southwest district.
Speaking on Detroit’s African American history was LaNesha DeBardelaben, an archivist from the C.H. Wright Museum of African American History. She started the event by sharing a personal story about growing up in poverty and how her interest in history led her to earn two full-ride scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate level. She inspired youth to believe that anything is possible through dedication. DeBardelaben then presented a slideshow about the historical role of African Americans in the city of Detroit. Through her enthusiastic presentation, students indicated that they were impressed upon learning about Detroit’s demographic change over time.
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Students also had the opportunity to hear from the school board member of their own district. Elena Herrada of the Detroit Board of Education started off talking to students about the history of education within the city, and the power and importance of their voice. At one point, students broke into a big applause and were cheering. She went on to speak about the various Latino groups within Detroit and their difficult history of finding acceptance within the region.Students had an abundance of questions, and after the event, one student declared, “I’ll definitely check out this museum.”
Following the event, students had the opportunity to converse with speakers individually, and students crowded around the speakers for a more personalized interaction. “I think the event was really great,” Lewis Grady, the assistant principal of Southwestern High School said. “The students really got something out of this.”
The event serves as a reminder to Detroit youth as to why various ethnic groups chose to call Detroit home long ago and how Detroit’s past has shaped it into what it is today. This mixture of cultures is one of the many examples of what makes the region dynamic. Providing youth with opportunities to understand the significance of Detroit can have the power to positively impact the way students interpret their potential and lives within the community. “We are really excited to be working here in the city of Detroit, and we look forward to engaging more students,” said Anise Hayes, a co-founder of Atlantic Impact.
About Atlantic Impact
Atlantic Impact is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which aims to empower at-risk youth through providing domestic and international experiences. Atlantic Impact has been featured on TV 33. Follow on twitter @atlantic_impact.
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