Category: Events

Open to Parents, Scholars, & Partner Educators

Cultivating the Genius
Voices for Change | 5-Week Series
Starts Thursday, October 1, 2026

Join us to hear from one of our Subject Matter Experts:
Dr. Debra R. Sullivan, Praxis Institute for Early Childhood Education

Join us each week for this 5-week series: Thursdays, October 1 – 29, 2026

October 1: Learning Styles and Preferences
Decades of research shows us how black scholars learn best.

October 8: Black Cultural Capital and the Black Community
Black culture and community have strengths and gifts for success

October 15: Parent and Teacher Efficacy
The more you know about black scholars, the better they will do.

October 22: Sharing Teaching and Learning
Wherever adults are present, black scholars and learning. Share!

October 29: Implementing Appropriate Environments
Here’s what it looks like to create black learning environments.

All sessions are held online.

Register Here

Meet Your Presenter: Dr. Debra R. Sullivan
Dr. Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan is Past President of the Seattle Affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute (BCDI-Seattle), where the primary focus of her work has been around implementing appropriate learning environments for black children and working with families and communities to increase their advocacy for their children.

Held Twice Monthly.

Join us the Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month.
6:00 – 7:30 pm

Being a single parent or guardian is incredibly difficult, and this work usually falls on the shoulders of women. To meet this need, our Wellness Circles offer women a safe & convenient place to unwind, share daily challenges, ask questions, and, ultimately, heal themselves.

Held twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6pm, our Wellness Circles are led by a trained facilitator and provide a caring, compassionate virtual space to de-stress, grow as a parent, and find more balance in your life.

Log on with your cell phone, computer or table.

Register for the 2026 Women’s Community Wellness Circle

Join our team of dedicated black men and women who are changing the lives – and the futures – of our local youth.

Did you know?

Mentoring helps youth ages 10-18:

• Stay in school
• Improve racial pride
• Avoid drugs and gangs
• Be more confident

Make a difference in your community. In-person training is now offered at 2 sites. Choose the one that works for you!

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 11am – 3pm
Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church
3201 Hunter Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98144

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 1pm – 5:30pm
Judge Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center
1211 E Alder St, Seattle, WA 98122

Register here

The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on July 1 at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) was a showstopper – not just for the exciting matchup between Belgium and Senegal but also for the colorful pre-match ceremonial show put on by the flag bearers from Seattle’s youth community.

 

Six scholars from Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement and the 4-C Coalition were selected, representing five different middle and high schools.  The students were:

Aamira M., 11^th grade, Garfield High School
George (Lucas) S., 8^th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Isaiah G., 11^th grade, Chief Sealth International High School
Keita H-S., Seattle Academy
Mai Lan F., 8^th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Sbhat G-M., 9^th grade, Franklin High School

Under partly sunny skies and mild temperatures, the FIFA flag bearers from Seattle CARES and other youth organizations stepped onto the pitch that afternoon, carrying the official FIFA flag, tournament sponsor banners and the national flags of Belgium and Senegal.

The Seattle CARES and 4-C students were selected based on their school records and community participation.

And it wasn’t just a one-day commitment. Each scholar had to participate in several training sessions to learn the moves and move in unison. In return, they received bright-red backpacks, t-shirts, socks, and other gear.

Best of all, they got a seat in the stadium with family members where they watched Belgium defeat Senegal 3-2 in a dramatic comeback win.

Congratulations to all six Seattle CARES and 4-C Coalition scholars on a job well done.

Soccer fever has taken over King County this summer – and the excitement around the FIFA World Cup games does not stop there.

Six Seattle students participating in The Rising, a Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement signature program offered in partnership with the 4C Coalition, were selected to be flag bearers for the Round of 32 Match 82. The game begins on Wed., July 1 at 1 p.m. in Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field).

The six students are:

Aamira M., 11^th grade, Garfield High School
George (Lucas) S., 8th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Isaiah G., 11th grade, Chief Sealth International High School
Keita H-S., age 12, Seattle Academy
Mai Lan F., 8th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Sbhat G-M., 9th grade, Franklin High School

FIFA flag bearers step onto the pitch during pre-match opening ceremonies, carrying the official FIFA flag, tournament sponsor banners or the participating countries’ national flags before kickoff. They are selected based on being good students and helpful community members.

“We support our scholars in many ways,” said Don Cameron, executive director, Seattle CARES, “including leadership, academic, social and emotional support. Our Rising tagline says it best: Elevating education expectations & self-esteem.” The Rising is supported with funding by City of Seattle, King County Best Starts for Kids, and United Way.

To be considered for FIFA flag bearer, some of the students submitted a personal essay outlining why they should be chosen. They wrote about their future goals and leadership qualities, and whether they could commit to a series of training classes required to perform as a flag bearer.

Balancing an active school schedule with volunteering is one way that Isaiah, in the photo with his mother and sister, shows commitment. “Since my first Rising class, I have focused on personal growth and community involvement, from advocating for local issues to participating in neighborhood cleanups,” said the 11th grader ata Chief Sealth International High School. “These experiences have taught me the essence of leadership and fueled my ambitions to become an aeronautical engineer.”

Sbhat, seen in the photo with his father, is proud graduate of Mercer International Middle School and will enter Franklin High School in the fall. He hopes to become a lawyer and a pilot, is an avid soccer player and fan, and sees himself as accountable and responsible. “I get stuff done when I need to and if I put my mind to something I can accomplish it. I also see myself as a leader in the Rising program. I really enjoy the program and it is an honor to be in it.”

Thrilled to participate as a FIFA flag bearer, 8th grader Mai Lan pledged to “represent my school and community by being respectful, responsible and showing good sportsmanship. I want people to see that my community has taught me to work hard, be grateful for opportunities, and always treat others with kindness. I hope to make everyone who has supported me proud by being a positive role model at the World Cup.”

Aamira, a Garfield High student shown in the photo with her mother and her mentor, felt that her cheerleading experience helped her “bring energy and school spirit and encourage others to feel confident and included…Being a flag bearer would mean a lot to me because I would be representing my school, my community and young Black girls like me. I would show up with pride, confidence and a positive attitude.”

Let’s cheer on these — and other — outstanding Seattle CARES and 4C Coalition scholars!