|
Dear Clients, Friends, and Supporters,
As we bid farewell to an extremely busy and successful 2023, Chavous Consulting would like to thank everyone who has been a part of our journey. This past year has been packed with exciting challenges, memorable events, and meaningful advocacy work that have truly demonstrated the range of our talents and ability to have significant community impact.
The momentum gained in 2023 propels us into an even more promising year ahead.
As we embark on this exciting journey into 2024, we invite you to join us in shaping a year filled with success, growth, and meaningful connections.
|
|
|
Client Events 
|
|
|
|
What an honor it was to plan the 125th Birthday Celebration of Paul Robeson. The series of events to honor Paul Robeson started with bus trips to Princeton, New Jersey – Robeson’s hometown and Columbia University– Robeson’s law school. This event was followed by a street renaming ceremony, a panel discussion, and a closing gala at the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg Center of Performing Arts, where Gina Belafonte spoke on behalf of her father, Harry Belafonte, who has since passed away.
Collaborating with The Black Brain Campaign to produce the "Protect Your Peace on Wellness Wednesdays" mental health awareness series, on Facebook Live, was an immensely rewarding experience. Our collective effort aimed not only to shed light on the importance of mental health but also to provide a platform for individuals to actively engage and seek guidance in real-time.
West Oak Lane Charter School, a new client, celebrated 25 years of public education in Philadelphia, serving grades K-8. The event was a blend of reflection on WOLCS’s achievements and a nod to its future as it prepares students for the 21st century. They also recognized leaders and contributors who support Black founded and led institutions and protect educational options for Philadelphians: Senator Anthony Williams, Council member Isaiah Thomas and U.S. Representative Dwight Evans, who is also a founder of the school. Congrats on 25 years, WOLCS!
A long-time client, Bethanna, held a Spring Reception at the African-American Museum of Philadelphia where Majority Appropriations Chairman and State Representative Jordan Harris was honored. We were able to surpass our fundraising goal and bring awareness to the important work they are doing in the community.
|
|
Fundraising & Philanthropy
|
|
|
|
Another successful fundraising year, with over $600,000 raised for our clients! It was a pleasure to assist our clients in reaching their specific goals, from school celebrations to galas.
#GivingTuesday was a huge success for our clients this year! We successfully raised over $5,000 for Bethanna and they were able to provide gifts to 100 children in their care. Their inaugural spring reception was also a huge success, surpassing their fundraising goals and broadening their relationships in the city of Philadelphia.
We're also happy to report that the Black Brain Campaign exceeded their goal of $5,000 to purchase the technical equipment clinicians need to continue providing free mental health services to people in need.
We returned to Lulu's County Club with Global Leadership Academy (GLA) for their annual golf outing. The consistent turnout of support for the students is truly inspiring, and witnessing the continued growth of this event each year is remarkable. This year, we raised $100,000 through sponsorships, tickets, and raffled items. Proceeds from this event will support the GLA Global Expedition Program for GLA scholars. Mark your calendars for this year's outing on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you there!
|
|
Social Impact & Community Engagement
|
|
|
Fanta Bility, 8, was a beautiful young girl whose life was cut short by a tragic and preventable incident involving Sharon Hill Police Officers who were responding to active gun fire in the vicinity of where Fanta was located. After working diligently, with her family and attorney's to get justice, the three former police officers responsible were sentenced and held accountable.
Together, we worked with Tennah Kromah (Fanta's mother) and Siddiq Kamara (her cousin) to turn pain into purpose by creating the Fanta Bility Foundation. While Fanta’s death was a tragedy, they wanted to make sure she was remembered for the amazing, thoughtful, and caring life she lived. The foundation launched on the second anniversary of her passing. Since then, we've had many exciting community service events to give back to the community like Fanta did. It's only the beginning- there is much more to come! For more information, please visit www.fantabilityfoundation.org and stay connect on social media. Follow @justiceforfanta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
|
|
We continued our collaboration with the African American Charter School Coalition (AACSC). After spending years of hard work advocating for more equitable processes when it comes to oversight, renewals, and expansion opportunities for public charter schools, the Philadelphia School Board commissioned an independent investigation that took two years to complete. The 191-page report was finally released on October 6, 2023. The recommendations and findings from that report mirrored many of the changes AACSC had been fighting to implement and validated many of the concerns that had been raised over several years.
After the report was released, we organized an Advocacy Day in Harrisburg for AACSC, where we were accompanied by over 120 students, parents and teachers who had the opportunity to meet with state officials and demand changes to create a more equitable system of charter school oversight. We supported and organized AACSC's advocacy efforts with in-person rallies, press conferences, testimony at hearings, and multiple appearances at Philadelphia School Board meetings throughout last year.
We also celebrated a major victory for Laboratory Charter School last year, when the Philadelphia School Board reversed their decision to non-renew the school and gave the school a renewal, which allows them to continue serving children and families in East Falls and North Philadelphia.
|
|
|
|
We would also like to spotlight our client, Delaware County Black Caucus, who hosted a symposium at Cheyney University focused on promoting gun safety and reducing gun violence.
|
|
Civic Duty & Volunteer Work
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn started the month of November being sworn in as a honorary Lieutenant Sherriff! She looks forward to volunteering in this new capacity to continue serving the people of Philadelphia.
|
|
|
Dawn was appointed as Vice Chair of the Education Subcommittee on Mayor Cherelle Parker's Transition Team! The team worked tirelessly to address education issues impacting students and families and creating recommendations to support Mayor Parker's transition to City Hall.
|
|
|
|
Dawn had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women's 95th Annual Convention in Harrisburg, PA.
|
|
|
Dawn received the Malik Aziz Community Champion Award for the work she's done in the community and for writing a children's book of affirmation.
|
|
Public Relations
|
|
|
|
|
We are grateful to each of these news organizations for drawing attention to the many events and issues that we highlighted. Our stories would not have received the local and national attention they deserved if it hadn't been for them. We hope to add to this list in the future.
|
|
Welcome New Clients!
|
|
|
|
Chavous Consulting is excited to welcome new clients to the firm! We are honored that the following individuals, companies, and organizations have entrusted us to provide high-quality services for them and look forward to not only meeting their expectations but also celebrating their successes in the months to come!
|
|
What's Next?
|
|
|
|
Dawn is launching a new education initiative, during Black History Month, that will create a holistic approach for how we support students getting to and through school. She is inviting everyone to have a seat at the table who works with black and brown children from disadvantaged communities. To stay up to date on this new initiative, please visit www.chavousconsulting.com.
|
|
|
Thanks for Your Support!
Please stay connected with us on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
