"I remember washing my HAIR and wishing it was STRAIGHT. When I went out of my house I was all alone. I was desperately trying to fit in."
These words, spoken by a young black woman just graduating from high school, point to the pain of isolation in our community where only one percent of people are of African American decent.
The Institute for African American Leadership diminishes feelings of isolation and creates a safe haven for our youth. It is a place where youth can talk with others who share their experience, and learn about their origins and cultural heritage. The Institute for African American Leadership (IAAL) fosters unity and strength within the African American community. It serves to promote family relationships, as well as develop youth leaders who are culturally aware, know their history, and have high self esteem. These future leaders will impact their communities by knowing themselves in context to their local and global communities. Our members also go on to become advocates for social change through service, education and political action. |
OUR MISSION
The Institute for African American Leadership (IAAL) is an exciting program for African American youth between the ages of 9 to 18 who live and go to school in Boulder County. We are a non-profit organization serving the unique needs of youth by providing social, educational, spiritual and emotional support. IAAL participants meet bi-monthly, the first and third Sundays. Activities include workshops, field trips, public presentations, community service projects, and social celebrations. Please feel free to call or email us about joining and other ways to participate!
BENEFITS
IAAL provides a space to share and interact with other African Americans by teaching skills that help them not only cope with their unique challenges, but help in deciding what actions can be taken to respond in empowering ways.
We create a sense of community, a place of belonging and a refuge for our youth who struggle daily with isolation, stereotyping and racial discrimination.
IAAL is a place to make connections, share experience, and ask questions. Being a member of IAAL, one can creatively express themselves through written and spoken word, dance, song and visual arts. IAAL focuses on African and African American culture and history, social, political and spiritual conditions on local and global levels through educational workshops that are presented by local mentors, college students and community members.
“I learned this past year that I can be what I want to be. That the color of your skin does not determine what role you have to play in life.”
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Institute for African American Leadership
2590 Walnut Street
Boulder, CO
303.444.3040
iaal@mindspring.com
www.iaal-online.org
