Community and faith leaders briefed on African American Student Success Initiative

At an energetic meet and greet on Tuesday night to honor and welcome Dallas ISD Chief of Staff Dr. Cynthia Wilson, more than 70 community and faith leaders were briefed on the district’s effort to help ensure African American students succeed in school and beyond.

Trustee Lew Blackburn spearheaded the event that provided details on the African American Student Success Initiative, which aims to close the achievement gap and increase access to opportunities for African American students. Blackburn, Trustee Bernadette Nutall, and Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa joined the community and faith leaders in attending the meet and greet.

“When members from the community step up to help our students and schools, great things happen,” Wilson said. “It’s a privilege to meet community partners who are dedicated and passionate in ensuring every student in Dallas ISD succeeds.”

The community and faith leaders at the event filled out “exit slips” detailing how they would like to help with the African American Student Success Initiative. Toska Medlock Lee, the owner of a boutique marketing and communications agency who helped organize the event, said attendees were inspired to action by speeches by Wilson and Hinojosa.

“To be able to hear the vision, hear the agenda, and hear the commitments from these leaders in Dallas ISD really put a fire underneath everyone at the event,” Lee said. “I know that we as faith and community leaders are excited to partner with and help students in Dallas ISD however we can. I expect more great things to come.”

To learn more about the African American Student Success Initiative, contact African American Success Initiative Coordinator Jamila Thomas at 972-925-8820.