Over the past year several incidents within the national black and brown community have caused divides across the country.  Stories of police brutality, unfair voting laws, fights to raise minimum wage, and here in our city of Chicago, the continuous struggle with gun and gang-related violence. Though controversial in many instances, these social situations affect my students and how they view themselves. On October 10, 2015, the Unites States will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Million Man March—an organized and peaceful attempt to bring to light social and financial woes of the African American community. My vision is to take 48 of our top students to the anniversary in D.C. Students will be granted the opportunity to witness the beauty in peaceful community organizing. They will also have the chance to witness one of the greatest aspects of our country—the ability to disagree, come together, and work to make changes for the good of our land. The ultimate goal of this trip is to teach students how to become engaged American citizens and to provide them with insight and tools, so they can better their own communities’ right here in Chicago.

I am writing this letter seeking donations or sponsorships that can help us on our journey to D.C. The total cost for the trip will be around $12,000, and most of our students do not have the resources to individually pay for this trip.  It is extremely important that our students witness a physical instance of empowerment in action—something that is often hidden from them in Chicago. 

Budget Breakdown: 

Total Cost:  $12,000

Bus Company: Party Time Limousine Charter Bus Service

-          Cost: $5,864

Hotel: Virginian Suites 1500 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA22209

-          Cost: $5,749.44

Miscellaneous (food for students, gas, train passes): about $400

The students' fee to attend the trip is $150.  If 48 students attend that will only cover about $7,200, leaving a balance of $4,800.  I am pushing to get funding from the school of hopefully $1,200 leaving a balance of $3,000.  This will cover a portion of the bus and cover miscellaneous items such as train fare to and from the march, gas for the bus, food for the students, etc.  Above is a promo for the March and detailing what the March will look like, feel like, and sounds like for students and the importance of equality in America.  The link is also below.

LINK:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfiUg2iKoEc

Back Up Plan