Roosevelt Alumni For Racial Equity (RARE) Newsletter February 2024
Donations Power RARE’s Mission While Honoring People and Their Values!
RARE’s leadership is grateful for a community that contributes to our efforts to advance its mission. Many do this by volunteering on RARE’s committees. Others participate in RARE’s online Open Discussions, Beyond Black and White documentary film screenings, or support the Connections and Restorative Practice programs. And many impact RARE financially with generous gifts.
In 2023, RARE received almost $100,000 in donations!
Transitions in RARE’s Leadership – Continuity in RARE’s Mission
RARE bids fond farewells to some of its founding Board members – and lots of hellos to new ones. Learn abut the recent changes in RARE’s leadership team.
We remain grateful to all of RARE’s past and current Board members for their time, commitment and expertise!
RARE's Board Expands its Expertise!
This past year RARE welcomed several new Board members. Read in their own words why RARE is important to them; you can feel the passion! We are fortunate and grateful to have their expertise, compassion and dedication!
Black History Month 2024 - African Americans and the Arts
February 2024 marks the 48th anniversary since the federal government of the United States formally recognized Black History Month in 1976. Music, visual, theatrical, literary and fine arts are to be showcased during this year’s celebration; BHM has adopted the theme African Americans and the Arts.
RARE’s Documentary is Excellent Resource for Black History Month
Reminder that RARE’s acclaimed documentary chronicling Seattle’s desegregation efforts in the 1970’s remains an excellent resource for Black History Month.
The 30-minute film, with follow-up discussions appropriate for classrooms, families, PTSA’s, co-workers, book clubs, etc., is always available on RARE’s website.
RARE to Present at TAF Convening Event
RARE is honored to participate in the upcoming 2024 TAF Convening event, a two-day conference at UW Seattle for BIPOC educators and all leaders in education.
RARE’s session, Bringing Racial Equity to the Forefront, will screen the documentary, and highlight the Curriculum Toolkit for Educators, as well as post-film discussion questions.
Day of Remembrance Gatherings to Remember and Resist Japanese Incarcerations during WWII
February 19, 2024 is Day of Remembrance and marks 82 years since the signing of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced removal and mass incarceration of Japanese Americans on the West Coast.
Seattle’s 2024 “Day of Remembrance: Remember and Resist” events will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at two locations and two meeting times.
RARE, RHS BSU & Other SOC Clubs Talk Racial Equity at Pizza Luncheon
Last November 13th, several RARE members joined current Roosevelt students from various Students of Color organizations for a pizza lunch to share about RARE.
It was well attended and deemed a successful and enjoyable way to increase awareness of RARE’s scholarships, Open Discussions and Connections and other programs!
Four SPS Principals Discuss the State of Racial Equity
RARE’s Open Discussions returned on September 18, 2023 with a panel of four Seattle Public Schools’ principals discussing the advances and challenges pertaining to racial equity in their schools. The interesting discussion was moderated by Rena Mateja, a current college student and community activist for racial equity.