by Imari K. Paris Jeffries

Abstract:

Flower Empower is a locally-based community intervention curriculum project that is dedicated to the historical and contemporary process of seeking social justice. The goal of the project is to close the widening gaps in minority achievement and business ownership, thereby creating community wealth within historically underserved neighborhoods of Boston. As an organization, Flower Empower envisions building a framework of interlinking programs that includes youth professional/leadership development, workforce empowerment, and intergenerational mentoring. Structured around the concepts of entrepreneurship and organizing, these programs will empower community members of all ages to affect positive change and make choices - for themselves, their families, and their community. Specifically, the curriculum will focus on young adults through the Leader, Entrepreneur, and Academic Fellowship, also known as LEAF. LEAF is hands-on workforce empowerment and professional/leadership development program for youth ages 18-24 with a high school degree or equivalent that supports the community small business sector with capacity and sustainability support.

As the focus of my American Studies final project and the launch project of Flower Empower, the LEAF project envisions minority youth becoming proactive citizens, lifelong learners, community organizers, active participants in the civic process, and community leaders. LEAF applies an interdisciplinary approach toward direct service to achieve this larger goal by introducing fellows to multiple sources, concepts, and disciplines for academic learning, skills building, and social development. LEAF combines academic and community organizing training with the rigors of college style design. The academic work is designed in such a way to prepare Fellows for the rigorous standards of college work while sharpening their academic skills in English, Civics, Economics, and History. The academic work is theme-based and centered on grassroots organizing while providing Fellows a theoretical framework in which they can understand and make direct connections between community economic development and community organizing. LEAF also strives to support higher academic capabilities and goals by creating post-secondary educational plans for all Fellows.

The research included analysis of
1. state and regional statistics from the 2000 census to determine business ownership profiles, minority population, and level of academic achievement.
2. interviews were conducted with local practitioners in youth development
3. identifying primary texts that combined historical, sociological, and economic perspectives of community organizing

Who might be interested in reading this work?

Several groups of individuals may be interested in this project. Individuals who are interested in community development may find the books and other material relevant to their perspective of study. They may find other references to continue to learn about this work. Additionally, students who are developing or writing curriculum may find the sources, format, and resources helpful.