WHAT’S THE ISSUE
Engineering Change w/ Kayron Tucker
OOS Arts & Crafts
Women & Girls Day Recap
Henderson’s Baby Closet + Aetna
Food Drive Co-Op
Upcoming Events
TACOLCY PRESS the
Aaliyah
Fisher
Editor in Chief
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
Welcome to the seventh issue of our newsletter!
This month, we’re highlighting Kayron Tucker, a former Club TACOLCY member who is now excelling as a double major at FAMU, proving that dedication and opportunity go hand in hand. We’re also recapping our inspiring Women & Girls Day All-Black Brunch and Workshop, Plus, exciting news—
Henderson’s Baby Closet has expanded its partnership with Aetna, allowing us to serve even more parents in need! We’re also launching new monthly food co-ops, ensuring our community has greater access to fresh, nutritious food.
All this and more inside—let’s dive in!
BUILDING A FUTU BACK: FROM CLU TO CIVIL ENGIN
ft. Kayron Tucker
When Kayron Tucker walks across the campus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), he carries with him more than just the weight of a double major in Civil Engineering and Spanish He carries the aspirations of a young man determined to change the landscape literally and figuratively of his Miami community.
A proud graduate of Miami Central High School, Kayron didn’t just earn his diploma he left with an associate’s degree, a testament to his unwavering focus and dedication. His high school years were packed with leadership roles and extracurriculars, a pattern that has followed him into college Now, he’s a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National Society of Hispanic Engineers, among others all while maintaining academic excellence.
But Kayron’s dreams extend beyond personal success. His ultimate goal? Owning his own engineering firm dedicated to revitalizing underserved communities without displacing their residents.
“We leave for a multitude of reasons, but our communities never truly develop unless wealthier people move in, right? I want to make my own nonprofit that focuses on developing underserved communities without kicking them out.”
Kayron has seen firsthand how gentrification has reshaped Miami’s neighborhoods, even his own.
“During high school, they changed the name of our street. It was called Little River, then they started calling it Uptown. All these name changes were trying to attract different people, but it didn’t feel like home anymore.”
Though always ambitious, Kayron admits that his path to civil engineering wasn’t initially clear. He once considered architecture to satisfy his artistic side but ultimately followed the opportunities that came his way
“I knew I wanted to go to college, but I also knew I didn’t want to pay.”
Story continued on Page 5
https://tacolcy.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/16059
THE TACOLCY PRESS
From BUILDING A FUTURE Cont’d
Through research, he found that civil engineering aligned best with his skills and goals Thanks to a scholarship that covered most of his expenses, he embraced the journey.
In his senior year, he discovered Club TACOLCY, a program that became a pillar of support
“I remember walking after track practice, and I saw people in the building. I asked, ‘What’s that?’ and they said, ‘Club TACOLCY.’ I started going, and it became a real community within the school, focused on trying to be better which is exactly what I needed.”
Under the guidance of Calista “CC” Pagan, Kayron and his peers received tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, and accountability to stay on track for graduation and beyond– a resource that Kayron believes has been invaluable
One of the program’s standout moments was hosting Academic Decision Day, an event inspired by traditional college commit days for athletes
“At Central, once you hit junior year, it’s all about graduation—but not what comes after,” Club TACOLCY changed that. “Decision Day brought a lot of people in, and it put fire under their booties to apply for college so they could have something to say during the ceremony.”
Each senior was also sent off with a care basket filled with school supplies, college essentials, and self-care items a reminder that they were supported as they took their next steps
Kayron Tucker
Former Club TACOLCY Member, double major at FAMU in Tallahassee, FL
Kayron is a firm believer that success is something you create for yourself
“You have to make your own success. If you want it, rather than complain, join the club.”
For high school students unsure of their next steps, he urges them to start thinking early
“A question they really have to ask themselves is: ‘What do you want to do after graduation?’ And then follow up with, ‘How will you get there?’”
For Kayron, the road ahead is filled with possibilities With each blueprint he drafts and structure he designs, he moves one step closer to reshaping the communities that shaped him.
Aetna & TACOLCY Team Up for Parents in Need
Community Care in Action!
Since its inception, the Henderson’s Baby Closet has operated as a resource for parents, offering supplies such as diapers, formula, clothing, and other necessities through a unique coupon-based system. With ABHFL’s strengthened financial commitment, the program will be able to provide even greater support, expanding its reach and impact.
To celebrate this strengthened partnership, ABHFL hosted a launch event on March 18th at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center. The event brought together supporters and families to highlight the impact of the Henderson’s Baby Closet and the importance of collective efforts to support parents in need.
ing supplies to n in need is an al part of ctive in the unity, and we oud to support fforts.
LIBERTY CITY FRESH FOOD CO-OP
S P E C I A L T O
Our annual Women & Girls Day All-Bla hop brought together women and young girls fr nity for a powerful day of connection, empowerment, and education. Dressed in all black to symbolize unity and strength, attendees participated in engaging discussions on sisterhood, self-care, and personal growth. The event featured age-specific workshops, including hygiene, sisterhood, self-defense and self-love, fostering open and meaningful conversations. Over a delicious brunch, women shared their experiences, uplifted one another, and left feeling inspired to continue building a strong, supportive sisterhood.
This year’s gathering was a testament to the power of community, and we can’t wait to do it again!
TEEN BURNOUT WORKSHOP
With the increasing demands of school, extracurriculars, social expectations, and personal responsibilities, many teens are struggling to keep up. Recognizing the signs of burnout early is crucial in helping them find balance, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize their well-being.
SIGNS OF TEEN BURNOUT
Emotional: irritability, mood swings, apathy
Physical: Chronic fatigue, headaches, stomachaches
Behavioral: Social withdrawal, academic decline
MS. RICHMOND, SOCIAL WORKER @ MIAMI CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.
PIECING TOGETHER SUCCESS W/ OOS
PUZZLEWIZARDS!
Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle, a maze, or a logic game, puzzles challenge kids to think critically, recognize patterns, and develop problem-solving skills. As they manipulate pieces, they strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, while also boosting memory and concentration. The process of trial and error teaches patience and perseverance, essential traits for lifelong learning. Plus, completing a puzzle provides a sense of achievement, building confidence and reinforcing the joy of discovery.
Join a Legacy, Build Your Future!
Be part of the TACOLCY Raiders family! Develop skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership while excelling in basketball, lacrosse, or track and field. Open to kids ages 516.
Don’t miss your chance to register today!
�� Scan the QR code or visit
https://form.jotform.com/TACOLCY/ program-enrollment-form �� Basketball: Ages 7-14 �� Lacrosse: Ages 5-14 Track & Field: Ages 5-16
Have questions? Contact Coach Cedric Hooper at:
305-318-7869
chooper@tacolcy.org Become a Raider where champions are made!
PastorGreene EASTER EVENT
APRIL 18
Easter egg hunt adventure and a meal from 10am-2pm.
We celebrate our high school seniors as they embark on their post-secondary endeavors.
THE TACOLCY PRESS
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The newsletters will be posted to the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, Inc website, emailed to people on our distribution lists, and available for physical distribution a week or two prior to the first day of the newsletter month.
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TO OUR PARTNERS TO OUR PARTNERS TO OUR PARTNERS
