September 2024 Newsletter

The Black Bear Project

The much-anticipated Black Bear Project debuted on National Son’s Day, Saturday, September 28 including a powerful art gallery, mini-documentary, and Q & A panel discussion. My People Community is proud to announce that the inaugural fundraiser was a great success!

Spearheaded by Dr. Dayeshell Muhammad and inspired by the resilience of the black bear—our symbolic creature representing strength and adaptability—the project illuminated the unique challenges faced by those in our community.

​The initiative truly elevated the voices of mothers raising Black and Brown sons, with more than 30 mothers and 40 sons participating, and approximately 100 showcased portraits. This contributed to a vibrant tapestry of experiences that fostered meaningful conversations about mental, physical, and emotional wellness. Moreover, by integrating their voices we create a more inclusive narrative that recognizes their critical roles as caregivers.​

Let’s continue to uplift their voices to create a lasting change in our community. Together, we can pave the way for understanding, support, and empowerment for all.

Fatherhood: Next Level 2024 Conference

​On September 26th My People sponsored the Fatherhood Next Level Conference at Central Connecticut State University. The conference aims to provide men of color a safe place to talk about fatherhood. This two-day event is part of a statewide collaborative effort by the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative (CFI) in partnership with the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors and Opportunity, DCF, and CCSU’s Fatherhood Initiative. Here, our Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad delivered a Fatherhood Manologues workshop with attendees. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and supporting our community's fathers as they navigate their journeys.

Hartford Book Festival

On Saturday, September 21st My People attended the Hartford Book Festival at the Hartford Public Library. Here, My People hosted a table among other local vendors. Later in the afternoon, Abdul held his Fatherhood Manologues writing workshop and presented the Jamilah “Honey Wata” Muhammad award to honor his late sister who, like many in attendance, was a published poet. This award celebrates her life and highlights creative artists who carry a fire like hers. Abdul was accompanied by his mother Sahirah Muhammad and brother Kareem Rasheed Muhammad

"It is always an honor to recognize someone in the community in the name of my sister, Jamilah “Honey Wata” Muhammad. I appreciate the women from Hartford LIT for keeping her memory and legacy alive."
-Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad

Fox 61 Features My People Community Service

Fox 61 featured My People’s Director of Operations Dr. Dayeshell P. Muhammad in a morning segment on September 26th to promote My People Community Services and The Black Bear Project. In the interview, Dayeshell explains that My People is dedicated to creating safe spaces for Black and Brown men and boys and that The Black Bear Project aims to add the mother’s perspective without disrupting their established safe spaces. Dayeshell says that The Black Bear Project and fundraiser will raise money towards offering services and supports to our community without having them be diagnosed or involved in a traditional system.

"When we think about how the community sees our Black and Brown boys as threats, it impacts the overall mental, emotional, and social well-being of mothers. We wanted to give them [mothers] an opportunity to talk about raising these sons. What we found is that there’s a need for community support."-Dayeshell Muhammad

What's in Your Neighborhood?

In the morning and early afternoon on September 28th, My People and other local organizations participated in the What’s in Your Neighborhood sidewalk fair, which aims to celebrate and raise awareness within the Hartford community about local businesses and resources to help people live healthier lives. My People supplied valuable resources about our community programs and initiatives along with 100 complimentary hamburgers from the Beast Kitchen food truck!