Last week I attended my very first Congressional Black Caucus Annual Leadership Summit (ALC) in Washington DC. It’s considered by many to be the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community. Thought leaders, legislators and concerned citizens engage on economic development, civil and social justice, public health, and education issues. This year I was proud to be invited to ALC promote my book, “They’re All The Same Girl” in the Author’s Pavilion, but I was also very fortunate to observe real advocacy in action! Continue reading →

Today, September 15, marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Although it is a month long recognition, it does not begin on the first of the month. And there is significance in that! Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and how you can support latinx students… Continue reading →

We are thankful for all of our past, current, and soon-to-be volunteers. We know that as a non-profit organization, we need volunteers to help us grow and stay strong in the community. That is why we want you to know that volunteering can have positive benefits for you! Continue reading →

Tuesday, September 6 marks the first day of school for the Chicago Public Schools. There’s excitement, scrambling for last minute supplies, and nerves. Of course the child is nervous for school; new classroom, new teacher, harder lessons and books. But, the parent(s) is also nervous. Of course they also worry about the class, friends, and teacher. But, there is a greater worry for the quality of their child’s education–are they learning what they need to succeed in life? Continue reading →

An important part of non-profit management is acknowledging all the people that help to get you there. Although you may feel like a one woman powerhouse, there was a lot of support that pushed you along and walked with you. And you don’t want to get so big that you forget that! Continue reading →

We all know that reading is beneficial. We are told to start our children young and encourage a love of reading to last them through adulthood. A task easier said than done in a society that pushes video games, social media, and television as superior forms of entertainment. So, how important is getting your kids to read… Continue reading →

With August here parents and children are turning there thoughts towards school. Education is right around the corner! For a lot of children, summer has been a vacation away not only from school. but also from learning. Educators have been talking about what they call “summer slide”. Continue reading →

The past few weeks we have shared with you the Pillars for the Polished Pebbles Girl’s Mentoring Program: Communication, Career Exploration, and Community. We are so proud of our girls and the success they have had. The success of our girls have inspired and caused us to grow. Their success is ours and we want to share with you how far we have come thanks to our girls. For we are nothing without our pebbles. Continue reading →

Just as Marian Wright Edelman says in the quote, we want our girls in Polished Pebbles to strive to make “small daily differences”. We want them to learn the importance of community and helping to build community. Even further, we hope to create a community with Polished Pebbles. Continue reading →