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Archives for January 2021

Starfish Blog: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events

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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.” (Source: Douglas Haynes, “The Meaning of the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Holiday in 2021.” Forbes.)

Jan. 18: Commemorative Events (in-person)

Note: Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required at in-person options. Make sure you visit the links for your chosen event(s) for any additional details.

  • MLK Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit
    • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Location: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
    • Cost: Free with museum admission: $10/ages 13-61, $7/ages 3-12 and 62-plus, free/under 3
    • Details: Unveiling of a new MLK virtual exhibition, musical performances, film screenings, virtual keynote messages from White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.
  • MLK Peace Parade: “Driving for Justice”
    • Hosted by: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
    • Time: 9:00 a.m.
    • Location: Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration (to attend the car parade in person): You must pre-register by midnight on Friday, January 15.
    • Registration (to attend virtually via Zoom & Facebook): You must pre-register
    • Details: A peace drive starting at Hope United Methodist Church, food giveaway, and virtual programming.
      • 12:00 Noon = Food bags (cold & hot) courtesy of Gleaner’s Community Food Bank and Market Fresh Grocer of Beverly Hills + Beans & Cornbread
      • Where = Southfield Parks & Recreation, 26000 Evergreen Rd.

Jan. 18: Commemorative Events (virtual)

  • MLK Streets: More than a Name by the Detroit Historical Museum
    • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    • Location: Virtual
    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: You must pre-register
    • Details: An in-depth look into how race and geography have played a role in naming streets after Dr. King and whether the streets have lived up to his legacy and dreams. This Zoom event features a viewing of the short film King Blvd., followed by a panel discussion, including writer/producer Earl Hardy, Dr. Derek Alderman, and Hamon Jordan.
  • 18th Annual Detroit MLK Day Virtual Rally & Cultural Program
    • Hosted by: Detroit MLK Day
    • Time: 12:00 noon (begins)
    • Location: Virtual
    • Cost: Free
    • Details: The 2021 “Our Struggle Continues” event will be streamed utilizing Facebook, Zoom, and YouTube. The online character of the event provides the opportunity to invite guests from around the U.S. and the world. Visit the Detroit MLK Day Facebook page for more information.

Starfish Blog: Positive New Year’s resolutions for kids

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A New Year can spark new habits that will carry into adulthood.

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. And encouraging them to build healthy skills and habits now will carry through 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 where it belongs.
  • I’ll brush my teeth twice every day.
  • I won’t tease dogs—even friendly pets. I’ll keep my fingers and face away from their mouths or food bowls.

Bid kids & tweens (5-12)

  • I’ll drink milk and water and limit soda and fruit drinks.
  • I’ll wear a helmet when I’m on my bike, scooter, or skateboard.
  • I’ll wear my seatbelt every time I’m in a car—or, until I’m tall enough to use a lap/shoulder belt, I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat.
  • I’ll try to find an activity or sport that I like and that gets me moving at least three times a week (e.g., playing tag, dancing, soccer).
  • I’ll be nice to other kids and friendly to kids who are shy, different, or new at school.

Teens (13+)

  • I’ll watch non-violent TV shows and video games and spend only one to two hours each day, tops, on them.
  • I’ll help my community by volunteering or by joining an organization that aids others in need.
  • I’ll stop negative self-talk (“I can’t do it,” “I’m so dumb”).
  • When I feel mad or stressed, I’ll take a break and choose positive, constructive ways to deal—like exercising, reading, journaling, or talking through problems with a friend or parent.
  • I’ll be careful whom I choose to date. I’ll treat them with respect and without coercion or violence – and expect the same.
  • I’ll resist peer pressure to try drugs or alcohol.
  • When I see friends are struggling or engaging in risky behavior, I’ll talk with a trusted adult and try to find a way to help.

Marygrove Early Childhood Education Center names first principal

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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 development, budgets and program plans, while building strong relationships with partners in the community and on the campus.

Prior to that, she served as director of early childhood for three years.

Before joining Starfish, Byrd was an early childhood education center provider and owner in Detroit and an instructor and tutor for Corinthian Colleges.

She will oversee a staff of up to 40 at the new Marygrove ECE. The 28,000-square-foot center is expected to serve 144 Detroit children up to age 5.

“Celina’s grounding in both educational leadership and business makes her the ideal choice to lead this foundational effort,” Starfish CEO Ann Kalass said in a release.

“Her commitment to family and community empowerment is unwavering, and her excitement for the project vision is infectious, making her the ultimate ambassador for families, Starfish, and Marygrove.”

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