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Change Through Culture

 

​Ms. Hamblin’s second-grade class was full of smiles and questions earlier this month when the African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) visited. The Del Sol Academy students were captivated by Vice President Syleah Charles’ reading of “Dancing in the Wings” by Debbie Allen. The story taught students the importance of kindness and pursuing their dreams despite what others might say.

AAPAC VP reading to Del Sol Academy second gradersAAPAC is similar to district advisory councils, school site councils, and other parent groups in that they all give information and feedback. The African American Parent Advisory Council represents African American and Black – including Afro-Latino – students and families in Jurupa Unified.


“We understand that where diversity exists, it allows for equity to have a chance and for inclusiveness to actually have an opportunity to become a reality,” said AAPAC President Turhan J.B. Davis. 


AAPAC’s goal is to not only advocate for students but to enrich the community with culture and stand together as a group to have a two-way access point with the District. 


“It’s all about enrichment that causes change because you become familiar with each other,” Mr. Davis said.

Mr. Davis smiling at a student who is interacting with the reader in her classAAPAC has been around for two years in JUSD, laying the groundwork and foundation to support students, but the idea and advocacy have existed for a long time under different names and capacities. 


The council plans to lead campaigns for students to encourage kindness, cultural sensitivity, and understanding. That includes AAPAC Reads and Motown Mornings. 


AAPAC Reads is meant to teach students about the African American culture while furthering the Literacy Without Limits campaign. 


AAPAC posing in front of Del Sol Academy by Black History Month posters“With literature, we are able to allow students’ minds to explore,” said Mr. Davis. The AAPAC Reads program “puts (students) in the rooms of Black families, of Black stories.”


The council shares more of the culture through their Motown Mornings, a time when AAPAC creates a celebration as students arrive at school during drop off with Motown music and balloons. They share information with families and give affirmations and a different perspective to students on what adults look like.


“This Motown playlist puts them in the room with a culture of music that they may not have gotten all the time,” Mr. Davis said. 


High School BSUs meeting for the first time at JVHSMr. Davis hopes that AAPAC's presence throughout the District will inspire conversations that might not have occurred in the past.


He said that one of the phrases that AAPAC stands by is, “If you can’t see us there’s no way you can serve us.”


Parents can join AAPAC by contacting aapacjusd@gmail.com​ for more information. 

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