Manchester Adult & Continuing Ed

Happy February! We are already a week into the 2nd month of a New Year and back with our monthly newsletter with all things Adult and Continuing Education!

The last few months have been quite the rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and some in between moments. I welcomed my sixth, yes that's right, 6th grandchild on November 7th, just one day after my birthday. Her name is Capri, and she is the sweetest babygirl. I had a full house while celebrating Christmas and the New Year, which was the best kind of chaos. My anxiety peaked as Inauguration Day came and went. Now here we are in February, which is also Black History Month. I am going to do my best to shift my focus on the impact that Black lives have had in the world and continue to change the narrative around the purpose of this month. Black History is American History and our contributions, blood, sweat, and tears are woven into the fabric of this country. No change in curriculum, dismantling of DEI or banning of books can change that. As difficult as it may be to face the reality of some of the pain Black people endured, it is important that we know the truth and honor their sacrifices for us to be here.

Last Black History month, I encouraged you all to engage in conversations, watch movies where we are celebrated, listen to music or a podcast that uplifted Black Love and Black Joy which is sometimes forgotten in the struggle that is always shared. This year, I want to remind you that as much as we are hopeful, the struggle is REAL! I want to remind you that Ruby Bridges is only 70 years old and that segregation only became outlawed 61 years ago and that it became legal for Black people to vote only 60 years ago. Let us not forget this real and recent history.

" The suffering of our ancestors must not be forgotten, and their resilience must be honored. The impact of some of these horrors are still with us today. The history is heavy, and the truth is deeply unsettling. But acknowledging it is an act of resistance- one that honors strength and survival. The endured unimaginable suffering, yet their spirit was never broken. They fought, they loved, the build, and because of them, we are here today."

Wherever you are on your journey, I hope you can pause, take a closer look at the history, and never let it be erased.

In solidarity,

Dr, Diane D. Clare-Kearney

Valentine's Day Edition of This or That with Dr. Kearney...

Celebrate Black history and future through this daily newsletter series in February. This is great for students, workplaces, and passionate leaders. Subscribe Here

Each Day in February, you'll receive on email with

• An untold or under appreciated story of an inspiring Black figure in the U.S.
• Discussion questions to drive conversation and learning with your colleagues, students, friends, and family.
• Action steps to carry their work into tomorrow-whether it's donating to an organization, getting involved in your community, or more.

View a Sample Email Here!

Questions to Ask Your Child

1. What makes someone a hero? Who are some Black heroes that you have learned about?
2. When looking at art created by Black illustrators, designers, and painters, ask your child: What stands out to you first and why? What Black history story does this art tell you about or remind you of? Do the people look happy, sad, anxious? Why?
3. Who are the Black heroes who have broken barriers in history and today?
4. What is a role model? What Black role models helped to make the world a better place? How can you be a role model at school or in your neighborhood?
5. How have Black people have helped our country (or your community)

Teach your child more about Black History Month here!

All children need exposure to diverse books, including the full spectrum of Black characters and their experiences. Explore these stories featuring strong Black characters that exude bravery, confidence, and curiosity.

We are thrilled to congratulate Tracy Gallivan for being awarded Support Staff of the Year and Peg Scanlon for being awarded Educator of the Year by the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education!

This recognition is a true testament to the incredible work they both do and the positive impact they have on everyone around them. We hope they each take a moment to truly bask in this well-deserved recognition. We’re so lucky to have you on our team!

"Reimagining Education to the Extent of Actualization" presented by Ryan Parker: Please

RSVP in the flyer HERE.

The Department of Race and Equity is pleased to share Volume 6 of Community & Culture Flipbook. This edition of the publication includes content on some of the observances and celebrations for the month of February.

In addition, feel free to CLICK HERE to access ideas for daily recognitions of Black history within the classroom setting. (Be sure to preview all materials to ensure that they best meet the needs of your community.)

You also have THIS more expansive resource to help support you and your community as you engage in recognizing and celebrating Black History Month! Within the more expansive resource, you will find additional suggestions and a guiding outline on ways in which you can frame out your celebrations of Black history over the course of the month coupled with a plethora of resources!

Interested in teaching a continuing education course? Fill out the form below!