THIS community + schools initiative is our effort to broaden the perspectives of community learning. We strongly advocate that it takes a village for our children to experience success in learning, and in life. We also believe that “Taking Maya to Arkansas Schools and Communities,” will help youth and adults understand the continued relevance of this literary icon.
The Still I Rise Delta Voices Project seeks partnerships with Arkansas Delta schools and communities to help promote the appreciation and understanding of global icon Maya Angelou, whose roots are in Arkansas, but whose humanity, teaching and words span the globe. Together, we believe, we can help youth imagine the world they seek. Maya Angelou’s iconic “Still I Rise,” will be used as a blueprint for success throughout this project. Through an immersion in, and discussion of Angelou’s poem, our goal is to show students that success is possible, in spite of their odds; a prime example being Angelou’s success in scaling seemingly unreachable heights, and ignoring the boundaries set by others as she continued her life journey.
THIS community + schools initiative is our effort to broaden the perspectives of community learning. We strongly advocate that it takes a village for our children to experience success in learning, and in life. We also believe that “Taking Maya to Arkansas Schools and Communities,” will help youth and adults understand the continued relevance of this literary icon.
The Still I Rise Delta Voices Project seeks partnerships with Arkansas Delta schools and communities to help promote the appreciation and understanding of global icon Maya Angelou, whose roots are in Arkansas, but whose humanity, teaching and words span the globe. Together, we believe, we can help youth imagine the world they seek. Maya Angelou’s iconic “Still I Rise,” will be used as a blueprint for success throughout this project. Through an immersion in, and discussion of Angelou’s poem, our goal is to show students that success is possible, in spite of their odds; a prime example being Angelou’s success in scaling seemingly unreachable heights, and ignoring the boundaries set by others as she continued her life journey.
Why we're growing Dreams in the Arkansas Delta
Studies have shown us that these student populations are likely to be poorer, less educated, and less motivated to finish school, and certainly to matriculate from high school to college
Our over-arching focus is youth throughout the state of Arkansas. However, while we address the needs of the youth throughout the state, we believe that our delta regions remain our most “at risk” areas – economically, socially and educationally.
Where there is poverty, there is a scarcity of dreams, and hope. When the youth is exposed to stories and history of men and women whose childhoods are also represented by obstacles, they are more likely to have hope and dream that they, too, can succeed in life.
Partners & Sponsors
William J. Clinton Presidential Center
Arkansas humanities Council
City of Stamps
AR Literary Festival
Arkansas Arts Council
Arkansas Department of Education
William J. Clinton Birthplace and Museum
The Southeast Arkansas Arts Council
Little Rock School District
OK Project
GEMS Project
