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In the wake of the attack on the United States Capitol, DREAAM would like to share this letter and these family activities as we continue to process the pain and trauma this attack has caused. We want you to know we care deeply about our families, and hope our words will be received as those of support, comfort, and perseverance. As we continue into this MLK week, please take the opportunity to reflect and rest. Here are those links (#3-6): https://www.mhanational.org/talking-kids-about-fear-and-violence https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talking-about-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/ https://www.facinghistory.org/educator-resources/current-events/responding-insurrection-us-capitol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOWDtDUKz-U

Join the Movement and GIVE - whether it is some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. We couldn't make life-changing impacts without the dedicated staff, volunteers, and donations. You can make it possible for DREAAM to fulfill its mission. This Tuesday, please consider paying it forward with DREAAM in whatever way makes best sense for you.

Read all about DREAAM updates in our Fall Newsletter.

In October, we featured Lina Mongwa on our blog, who began running 401 miles in 100 days in mid-June and finished in late September. Here, Mongwa describes her inspiration and motivation and what she learned through the journey... "At the start of this endeavor to run 401 miles in 100 days, in the heart of 2 pandemics, I knew that there was a lot to learn. During my 401-mile journey, I listened to audio books on race; I listened to sermons; I listened to Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man; I listened to GirlTrek, Michelle Obama and other podcasts; I listened to music that got me to dance; I also listened to music that healed my soul. I have learned a lot of lessons during this journey and will share some of them here: I appreciate even more now that God is limitless in the ways in which He can move us and use us to do His work. I was blown away by the all who ran the half marathon with me, all who joined the 5/10K, all who supported with their presence and prayers, and all who donated and continue to donate to DREAAM. I believe in DREAAM (Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males). I believe, because DREAAM is an organization that seeks to provide opportunities for Black men and Black families as a whole. 2020 has been a year during which my eyes have been opened up even more (than I had previously experienced and thought) to the very many ways the Black community has been disenfranchised for centuries now. While I am saddened by it all, I recognize that the good Lord, our creator has put us all on this earth for a purpose. History has us where we are now, however we all can change, improve, and do more with how we move forward. One of the ways my family is committed is by supporting DREAAM yearly in one way or another. My sisters who live in other parts of the country have taken on the challenge to run/walk 402 miles in 2021, 403 miles in 2022, 404 miles in 2023, etc. to support a local organization of their choice. Growing up in Cameroon, West Africa, I heard this said a lot: “Blessed to be a blessing.” Yes! We are blessed regardless of our circumstances. Some have sight, some can hear, some have wisdom, some have more resources, etc. This is not just about money. It’s about conversations with one another, people around us; it’s about just being present for someone. There are just so many ways to do better. My plea is that as I seek more ways to do better, we all take this challenge to do better for ourselves and help others do same for themselves and others around them. OUR HUMAN RACE NEEDS US ALL TO WORK TOGETHER. Even as we seek avenues to do better, please consider contributing to the cause at DREAAM.org Love and Blessings, Lina Mongwa

Lina Mongwa took the distressing events of this year and addressed them in a positive way through running. The Champaign resident ran 401 miles in 100 days to raise money for DREAAM (Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males), a local nonprofit organization that supports the achievement of Black boys and young men. She began running in mid-June and finished the 401 miles in late September. Mongwa will run a half-marathon Saturday to finish her effort to raise awareness and seek donations for the organization. She was inspired to do the run by the events she was hearing and seeing this summer — the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on minorities, the violence against Black men and the racial-justice protests. Read full News-Gazette article here

We at DREAAM are saddened by the brutal killing of George Floyd by four Minneapolis police officers. Our condolences go out to the Floyd family and especially his six-year-old daughter Gianna. Our thoughts are also with the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many other victims of racial violence and injustice by the police. We are inspired by the youth of Champaign-Urbana as well as those throughout the country who have risen up to say enough is enough―Black Lives Matter. DREAAM remains hopeful that our collective efforts will tackle and eradicate the persistent problems of police brutality and structural racism such that future generations will benefit from a true democracy. DREAAM works every day to address the dehumanization and marginalization that Black boys and young men face in schools and other systems. We empower young people with opportunities, skills, and experiences to transform their lives and society. We envision a nation where Black boys and young men will be embraced and will experience healing. We seek to create a world where Black people not only matter but thrive and succeed. Palestinian-American artist Shirien Damra's illustration paying tribute to George Floyd. Shirien.Creates / Instagram

Join the Movement and GIVE - whether it is some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. We couldn't make life-changing impacts without the dedicated staff, volunteers, and donations. You can make it possible for DREAAM House to fulfill its mission. This Tuesday, please consider paying it forward with The DREAAM House. Learn more at www.dreaam.org/supportus

Busy Saturday at DREAAM...started with Dream Big! program at CU Church and now at Genome Day at Franklin STEAM Academy then seeing the Harriet movie...DREAAM rocks on Saturday too!