Dear FCCS Family,
As we reflect on May, I am excited to share some impactful moments and future plans driving our mission forward.
Our commitment to amplifying the voices and achievements of our school affiliates remains strong. This month, we focused on story mining to highlight the incredible work happening within our network, ensuring these successes inspire and guide us all. Our schools in Atlanta have been on fire, hosting events celebrating National Charter Schools Week and Teacher Appreciation Week.
We hosted two significant events spotlighting the need to build coalitions for Black and Latino educators, emphasizing the importance of supporting educators of color and highlighting their critical educational impacts on our students. These efforts are especially poignant as we commemorate the anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. Seventy years later, the fight for educational equity is as vital and urgent as it was in 1954.
Our Legacy Gala was a night to remember. Honoring Geoffrey Canada was a highlight, and the energy from young people, including our inspiring student speaker and dynamic MC, fueled our dedication to this work. A surprise visit from NYC Mayor Adams was a powerful affirmation of the value and recognition our leadership space is gaining. The testimonies from our speakers, shaped by Geoffrey Canada’s leadership, underscored the importance of our legacy and the profound impact of simply being present to inspire others.
FCCS was proud to sponsor a LULAC event in Houston, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to educational equity. Additionally, we partnered with Memphis Lyft and Energy Converters in Memphis, TN, for a convening of Black educators, further strengthening our collaborative efforts to support educators of color.
Looking ahead, we are planning a series of site visits to inform our policy priorities for the fall. We are excited to share more details in the coming months.
On a personal note, with my children home for the summer, we have embraced opportunities for learning and growth. We’ve downloaded educational apps like Duolingo to learn new languages and set summer reading goals of at least two books per month, whether through audio or traditional reading. We are also finding ways to enjoy the outdoors, staying active, and soaking up the sun.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication.
Warmly,
Jay
Jay Artis-Wright
CEO
Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS)