OHR August Newsletter – Director’s Message
The beginning of the academic year is a time of renewal and potential, where students engage in learning, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers. As students across the District prepare for the new school year, I am very proud to highlight our Youth Bullying Prevention Program. This program is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a supportive and respectful school community.
Bullying—whether physical, verbal, or online—can profoundly affect a student's well-being and academic performance. Our program is dedicated to combating bullying through a combination of education, support, and prevention strategies. We work closely with the District schools, parents, and students to provide training and resources that promote empathy, respect, and understanding. Recent initiatives, including the launch of the Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program, exemplify our proactive approach to engage with students and empower them to become leaders in our community. For more information and additional resources, please contact Program Manager Ernest Shepard at [email protected].
August is also National Black Business Month, a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and impact of Black-owned businesses on our economy and culture. Black entrepreneurs have historically faced, and continue to confront, significant challenges, including systemic barriers to capital, resources, and opportunities. Despite these obstacles, their perseverance and innovation have led to thriving businesses that enrich our communities and drive economic growth.
As an office committed to promoting equal opportunities and inclusion, we recognize that cultivating a diverse economic landscape benefits not only individual entrepreneurs but also strengthens our entire community. Throughout this month, and beyond, I encourage everyone to support Black-owned businesses in your area by making a purchase, spreading the word, or engaging with these businesses on social media. Also, please check out this resource page from our friends at the Department of Small and Local Business Development to learn more about the economic impact of Black-owned businesses in the U.S., with a special focus on the District. Discover valuable resources designed to support Black entrepreneurs and learn how your support can help these businesses not just survive.
As we embark on this new school year and celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs, let us all recommit to fostering a safe and more equitable environment where everyone can grow and succeed!
In Solidarity,
Kenneth Saunders