Black History Month (BHM) is an annual month of observance when individuals and events that helped the movement for equality for African Americans in the United States is celebrated. We invite you to read more about the origins of Black History Month, written by our Department of Organizational Strategy, Initiatives and Culture (OSIC), by clicking here.

This month we are spotlighting students and staff, sharing scholarship opportunities for our Black/African American students and alumni, and kicking off the month with the annual Brotherhood Sisterhood Summit!

2023 Brotherhood Sisterhood Summit

Each year, our Brotherhood Sisterhood Summit provides a safe and welcoming space for our Black/African American students and staff to embrace their unique identities, make meaningful connections and become empowered to lead change in their communities. This year the annual summit was held on Saturday, February 4, at YES Prep Southside Secondary. Learn about this year's summit and the impact it left on students & staff >

Celebrating Black Excellence

In honor of Black History Month, we invited the Brotherhood Sisterhood Summit co-leads, Te’Ron Simmons and Carnetta Griffin to share their experience hosting this summit together since 2019. Learn how Te'Ron and Carnetta began leading the summit >

Carmen Darville, chief operations officer, Aleece Lowe, managing director of school operations, and Kiara Hughes, director or organizational strategy and initiatives, share how their identity and experiences have shaped them into the leaders they are today. Read more about the power of sisterhood >

Scholarship opportunities for Black students

Further reading

• African American vs. Black Explained - Kiara Hughes, director of organizational strategy, initiatives and culture, writes about the difference between the terms African American and Black while also detailing her personal experience with these terms and sharing how she identifies and why. Read blog >
• Houston locations to celebrate Black and African American culture - A list of places you can visit right here in Houston year-round to learn more and celebrate Black history. Learn more >
• The Divine Nine: The Legacy of Black Sororities and Fraternities - Learn about the fraternities and sororities founded by a small number of Black students from mainly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These organizations are known collectively as the National Pan-Hellenic Council or the “Divine Nine”. Learn more >
• Let's Talk About Anti-Blackness & Colorism - Learn the history of Anti-Blackness and how it is still prevalent globally, including how it continues to show up in many ways across institutions. Learn more >
• Anti-Racism Resources for Families - The path to anti-racism is a long journey, but it is not impossible. It involves unlearning many things we thought we knew and deep personal exploration. Learn more >

We are proud to serve our Black/African American students and the communities they are from today and every day. 

We hope you will join us in celebrating BHM via social media. Follow along by using #YESPrepBHM. From all of us at YES Prep, happy Black History Month!