Creating Connections
Dr. Stacie Smith engaging with a high school student dressed in African attire, after her Black History Month Living Museum presentation at Detroit Community School in Detroit.
June 2025
Over the past year, as inaugural Director of Education for AAI’s School Services Program, I have had the opportunity to see how our unique program stands as a cornerstone of support and a vital resource to the educational community here in Southeast Michigan. Just this year alone, our efforts have positively impacted more than 40,000 students and 1,500 educators. I have spent much of this school year deeply engaging with school administrators, teachers, students, and community leaders who have shared profound stories about how AAI's School Services Program has made a positive difference in their lives.
These tales of impact and triumph have been remarkable and so I have selected a few below:
During a recent visit to Marcus Garvey Elementary-Middle School in Detroit, Principal Wakeita Winston led me to a charming kindergarten classroom. There a student had just used a prewriting tool that was given to her teacher, following one of our pedagogical training and coaching sessions. This student motioned me over and exclaimed, “I wrote a story, can I please read it to you? It’s really good!” She read her story with beaming pride, then exclaimed, “The end! I told you it was great!” Her joyful sense of academic ownership and deep love of learning stand as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education.
Students at Marcus Garvey enthusiastically participate in a prewriting exercise that educators learned during one of our pedagogical training sessions.
Alcott Elementary School, Pontiac, Michigan:
The pedagogical training provided to Alcott through our School Services Program contributed to Principal Burdena Johnson’s school being recognized for achieving the highest academic growth among all schools in her district. Her leadership, combined with our program's support, has truly made a difference in the lives of students and staff.
Educators at Alcott Elementary School engaged in a coaching and skills-building session, provided through our School Services Program.
Whitman Elementary School, Pontiac, Michigan:
Whitman Elementary School Principal, Dr. Letha Hopkins-Powell, writes a testimonial about our curriculum reviews, needs-based resources, and pedagogical training:
“As part of their support to Whitman, the Africa-America Institute’s School Services Program generously provided our staff with copies of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond, enabling us to engage in a meaningful book study that has enhanced our instructional strategies. They also fund our teacher assistants for kindergarten through second grade, which has significantly contributed to student success. During the 2024-2025 school year, schoolwide i-Ready, reading scores went from only 5% of our students being at or above grade level, at the start of the school year to an astounding 51% by mid-year!”
During an educational retreat sponsored by our School Services Program, the staff at Whitman Elementary School and Dr. Powell focused on culturally relevant instructional strategies to improve student achievement.
Ralph Bunche Elementary School, Detroit, Michigan:
Retiring Principal, Dr. Chalena Beasley discusses the positive impact of our needs-based resources, coaching, and multicultural classroom libraries:
“The School Services Program from AAI has provided invaluable support to Bunche. Through the placement of a kindergarten paraprofessional, we have seen measurable gains in our kindergarten academic data. The principal mentorship component has strengthened my ability to lead with a data-driven focus, enhancing our instructional practices. Additionally, the provision of classroom libraries have fostered a more inclusive learning environment for our students.”
AAI’s Director of Education Dr. Stacie Smith reading one of the books from our Multicultural Classroom Libraries to 3rd graders at Whitman Elementary, in celebration of National Reading & Women’s History Month.
These captivating stories and compelling visuals underscore our significance and influence on education, educators, student achievement, and our approach to providing schools with a historically accurate perspective of Africa and its worldwide diaspora. As we approach the 2025-2026 school year, we are on a promising path to expand our reach, introduce new educational resources, and facilitate the transformation of students into critical thinkers, ensuring they receive an education free of misinformation. Our sincere goal is for students of African descent to not merely survive the educational landscape but to excel and achieve extraordinary growth as they see an accurate portrayal of themselves throughout curriculum materials.
To learn more about our programs and resources, visit our School Services page →
-Dr. Stacie Smith, AAI Director of Education
