Our Story

“Our Children Know They Are Attending Segregated Schools.”

Robert Henderson, State Board of Education Representative for Ward 5, penned these sharp and honest words in an article in the spring of 2019. He stated a truth hidden in plain sight:  Brookland and North Michigan Park schools are separate and not equal.

The disparities Henderson referenced extended beyond the educational landscape. The arrest rate among Black youth in greater Brookland continued to be on the rise, and gentrification in both the Brookland and North Michigan Park communities coincided with the over-policing of neighborhood residents. While the city made room for newcomers, the presence of Black youth began to fade away.


Advocating for, Not Adultifying Our Children

Family members, educators, and neighborhood advocates alike began hearing of and witnessing scenarios in which neighbors in greater Brookland would jokingly call the police on Black children for, “laughing in the alley.” In other words, Black youth were being adultified and policed for simply being. This final provocation led community members to join together on behalf of all the youth in its care.

“The Village” Unites

Over 50 community members gathered at the Brookland Town Hall meeting that would mark the beginning of a movement to ensure that all children in their neighborhoods were safe and to elevate the quality and performance of Brookland traditional schools. Though the COVID-19 pandemic nearly upended the group’s efforts, “The Village” shifted gears by joining a greater movement to revolutionize schools citywide.

Pride in Progress

CARE Brookland’s partnership with stakeholders in the neighborhood is enabling generations of local families to continue to take pride in their community and invest in the flourishing of its youth. Leaders, educators, and neighbors alike are using their collective power to nourish the growth of the residents and youth. Together with CARE Brookland, we are creating an environment where every school in Greater Brookland can be successful, and every young person, no matter their school, background, race, or language, knows they are worth caring for.


CARE Brookland Principles

  • We are a village.

    As a village, we have an obligation to build relationships with our neighbors and protect and provide for our children, and that our entire community is strengthened when we are working together for our schools.

  • We value equity.

    We will work to ensure every child, no matter their race, ability, gender, or family income, has the support they need to thrive in our CARE schools.

  • We pursue justice.

    We believe that high-quality public education is a measure of our community’s commitment to dignity, fairness, and democracy for all.

  • We are equal

    We work to combat the implicit and explicit biases that divide our community. We are equal.

  • We are hopeful.

    We approach this work with optimism, joy and urgency to support our youth. Despite challenges, we know that a well-rounded educational experience, a strong learning environment, and a connected and thriving community is the inherent right for every child in Brookland.