African American Youth Initiative

What is AAYI?

Value Statements

We value the unique voice of each student and their active engagement with leadership and learning
We value the power of authentic student identity fully formed through self-love, high worth and cultural history
We value truthful, trusting, honest, and sustainable relationships that provide advocacy, role modeling, deep connection and a networked community
We value a culture of belonging for all of our students where they feel safe, understood, appreciated, and empowered
We value high expectations through fierce advocacy for ourselves and others
We value persistence–never giving up
We value the power of envisioning a successful future

Mission Alignment

Mission of Kenosha Unified School District
To provide excellent, challenging learning opportunities and experiences that prepare each student for success.
Mission of Closing the Achievement Gap
To embrace and change, with deliberate speed, school practices, instructional methodology and school structures that perpetuate the achievement gaps in our schools

Mission Statement

The mission of AAYI is to empower and engage the African American Youth by breaking the educational, cultural, and social divide through advocacy and education that ensures long term success and stability in family, school, work, and community.

Event Pictures & Videos

Thanksgiving Charity Week

African American Youth Initiative students took part in the 16th annual DJ 262 THANKSGIVING CHARITY WEEK here in Kenosha. These events included gas giveaways at KwikTrip, assisting at a daycare, coordinating and facilitating a sold out give back event at GRC, and serving the less fortunate at the Shalom Center in a Thanksgiving dinner for residents and community members. Our students have a continuous desire to serve others. For many of our students this can be a humbling experience, and for some it hits close to home especially serving the homeless at the Shalom Center. Regardless, every year they jump at the opportunity to be a part of this week. Below are a few pictures from the events throughout the week.

Group photo of six young men volunteering.

A teacher preparing food in the kitchen.

Group photo of the students volunteering at the Shalom Center.

Group photo of participants at a bowling alley.

Young children sitting on the carpet listening to a story.

African American Youth Empowerment Conference

Twenty-one of our African American Youth Initiative students attended the African American Youth Empowerment Conference at Gateway Technical College on Feb. 27, 2024. It was a great experience and so many of our students are more excited about going to college.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Students at Brass Elementary zooms with Mr. Marc Casey. Mr. Casey was the underwater camera technician for the movie. Mr. Casey assisted in filming 90% of the water scenes.

AAYI Summer Program 2023

AAYI Summer Program participants join in some “Charcuterie Fun!”

Author Deanna Singh

AAYI hosted award winning author Deanna Singh at Mary D. Bradford High School. Mrs. Singh spoke to high schools students on a topic from one of her books titled, Purposeful Hustle: Direct Your Life’s Work Towards Making a Positive Impact. Several students stayed behind to talk one on one and ask the author more questions. One student shared the speaker, “was very nice and inspiring.”

Black Student Union Gala

AAYI was invited to attend Carthage College’s Black Student Union Gala. KUSD students enjoyed dinner, dancing and hearing firsthand college life experiences.

Jacarrie Carr

Reuther and Harborside students met Mr. Jacarrie Carr, founder of Kicks4Kids. Mr. Carr provided a powerful message to Reuther and Harborside AAYI students sharing his story including challenges he has faced throughout life, “filled with setbacks but major comebacks.” One AAYI Lead shared, “Jacarrie’s story truly engaged and inspired the students attending. His message focused on education, settings goals and resiliency and how that was truly your keys to success.”