Youth Enrichment

During Spring Break, several neighborhood children and youth assisted with the creation of a unique mobile mural.

AT A GLANCE: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

St. Philip’s provides several educational, academic, and cultural enrichment programs for youth through both the School and Community Center.

Neighborhood Community Mural Project

During Spring Break, several neighborhood children and youth assisted with the creation of a unique mobile mural inspired by the neighborhood St. Philip’s calls home. Senay Dennis, an Oakland muralist/educator/activist and founder of AEROSOUL, an international African Diaspora Spray Can Art Movement, was commissioned for the mural project that was created with Dallas artist, Chris Herod, and conceptualized by neighborhood residents. The mural unveiling took place on May 16th, featured a theatrical presentation of the community’s oral history by IV Amenti and area youth, and is sponsored by a GrowSouth grant from the City of Dallas and SMU’s Meadows Arts and Urbanism Initiative.

After School Care’s Capoeira Program Inspires Student

St. Philip’s Arts and Academic Afterschool Care Enrichment (S.P.A.3C.E.) Program has offered Capoeira classes for the last two years and is proud to announce sixth grader, Jacobie Thornton, recently traveled to San Diego with the Dallas Capoeira group Os Malandros de Mestre Touro. Jacobie received his Green Cord (Cordel Verde) exemplifying his mastery over the first level of skills for Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial arts form. Not only did he get to meet Capoeiristas from around the nation, he also met the grand master, Mestre Touro from Brazil, and received his new name ‘Oculos’, meaning “he who has sight/perception.” Jacobie has immersed himself in Capoeira culture, even learning

to play key instruments associated with this acrobatic, dancelike, and even musical art form. He loves playing the Berimbau, a lovely bow-like instrument considered “the soul of Copiera.”

St. Philip’s Rites of Passage Experience for Sons (ROPES) is Shaping Lives

St. Philip’s Rites of Passage program was created three years ago to provide ongoing mentoring and developmental support to boys ages 10 – 13. Through this program, St. Philip’s is able to play a vital role in the lives of boys transitioning into teens. ROPES participants meet weekly and are immersed in discussions and activities surrounding manhood, spirituality, relationships, integrity, leadership and even courage. These “future men” also explore career paths, goal setting and basic life skills.

Given the national discussion around young Black men in recent months, St. Philip’s held a panel discussion to address Ferguson and issues of law enforcement, race and social justice. This event proved to be a safe, productive platform for the community, parents, and our “future men” to share ideas and empower one another.