Monday, January 18, marks the 35th anniversary of the federal holiday that honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (His actual birthday occurs on January 15.) Signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986, the holiday is a deserving tribute to King for advancing civil rights and social justice through nonviolent protest. "In 2021, 53 years after King’s death . . . the protests against police brutality and the demonstrations in support of Black Lives are a powerful reminder that the United States has yet to fulfill its promise to Black Americans. King’s closing words at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple the night before his death captures the purpose and meaning of Black protest and sacrifice. 'I might not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.' On this MLK Day let us all re-dedicate ourselves to building a promised land where Black protest and sacrifice are not a requirement to live in the United States." … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2021
Starfish Blog: Positive New Year’s resolutions for kids
The turning of the calendar to a new year sparks a new beginning. Adults typically take this opportunity to make resolutions for positive change---like being more active, eating more fruits and veggies. But what about kids? Helping your children to embrace positive energy can never start too early. Making resolutions is a great interactive activity to do with your children. If the word "resolution" sounds too intimidating, talk about setting goals---goals that are realistic. And have some fun! Kids love being involved in decision-making and charting their success. Depending on their age, create a sticker chart together or maybe experiment with flavors of vegetable smoothies that everyone can try. Encouraging your child to build healthy skills and habits now will carry well into adulthood. Below find some suggestions for age-appropriate New Year’s resolutions for kids adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Preschool children I’ll pick up my toys and put stuff away … [Read more...]
Marygrove Early Childhood Education Center names first principal
Sherri Welch, Crain’s Detroit Business | Published online January 4, 2021 Starfish Family Services has named Celina Byrd as its first principal of the Marygrove Early Childhood Education Center set to open this fall on the former Marygrove College campus. The center, which broke ground in November 2019, is taking shape as part of a cradle-to-career education concept on the northwest Detroit campus. The Troy-based Kresge Foundation committed $50 million to the concept and efforts in the surrounding neighborhood and led development of the campus plan. It spurred creation of the Marygrove Conservancy in 2018 to keep the campus from going dark and the P-20 plan with partners including the Marygrove Conservancy, Starfish Family Services, Detroit Public Schools Community District and the University of Michigan School of Education. Byrd, who joined Starfish in 2014, has led the Marygrove ECE project for Starfish as project director for the last two years, overseeing curriculum … [Read more...]