In Celebration of Black History Month Style of Performance: Contemporary Modern Dance When: Saturday, February 20, 2010 Where: Southside Elementary School Auditorium, 1320 W. 200 South Road, Columbus Time: 7:00 PM Title: "The Roots Suite" Celebrate Black History Month with the African-American contemporary modern dance company that has been heralded as one ot the best in Indy. On February 20, 2010 at 7pm, Kenyetta' Dance Company will be presented in concert by Columbus' Granny Connection and the Columbus Chapter of the NAACP at Southside Elementary School, 1320 W 200. Don't miss the soul stirring work for which this company is known---powerful, courageous, exuberant and technically flawless. The program opens in silence with "The Prologue" movement to a dancer's heartbeat. In "The Procession" the company ascends and descends like waves spilling unto the stage for "The Roots Suite" depicting the experiences of black people around the world. The dance themes showcase how communities pull together in tragedy and nobody is left behind. All are working with hope and courage toward triumph. The Artistic Director is Nicholas Owens. The evening performance will include dance works combining ballet, modern and contemporary dance set to the music of Bobby McFerrin, Sweetback, Noel Pointer and more. Count on an entertaining and cultural experience the entire family can enjoy. The event is free and open to the public but a free will donation will be received by the Granny Connection on behalf of African grandmothers who are caring for children orphaned by AIDS. Learn more about the Granny Connection on the CAMEO website: http://www.columbuscameo.org/news.php?id=67&news_offset=0

Pl@za Comunitaria

The Hispanic Education & Literacy Partnership is a community collaboration whose mission is to create an integrated pathway to literacy and basic education that will engage Spanish language speakers in improving their educational level. The overarching principle driving the partnership’s work is the belief that every member of the local adult population should be literate (speaking, reading, writing) and intellectually able to engage in learning for family, employment and career, health, community, and life-goals.

The collaborative partnership includes:
• Su Casa Columbus
• McDowell Adult Education Center
• The Center for Teaching & Learning
• Proyecto Salud, a Healthy Communities Initiative Action Team
• The Mexican Consulate of Indianapolis

With funding support from Heritage Fund, the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, the H.E.L.P. Partnership recently launched Pl@za Comunitaria Columbus. Pl@za Comunitaria is a web-based program, provided through a partnership with the Consulate of Mexico. Pl@za Comunitaria curriculum materials, instruction, and assessments are designed specifically for adult and independent learners. Pl@za Comunitaria will function as an entry point to increase literacy by providing learning experiences that are basic and culturally relevant. The program will seek to move adults from a beginning, native language literacy and basic education level into the local English language adult education system, including workforce development, employer training programs, and other post secondary offerings.

Logrando Secundaria

Logrando Secundaria was a 10-month research project designed to identify, document, and develop strategies that help Latino youth stay in school, succeed in their coursework, and graduate from high school. Logrando Secundaria was funded by a grant from Irwin Financial Foundation.
Click here to access the final report.(PDF)
Click here to access the Resource Guide of Existing Services for Latino Secondary Students (PDF)
Click here to access an informational brochure for Latino youth and families(PDF)