We must impress upon our children that even when troubles rise to seven-point-one on life’s Richter scale, they must be anchored so deeply that, though they sway, they will not topple. ~Mamie Till Mobley

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. ~Frederick Douglass

Orientation Overview

Initiated in 2016, The Baton Foundation is excited to host its sixth annual Cultural Heritage Program orientation. This program is free to the public, but registration is required. You may register here.

It is common to hear people say these days, “This is 2021, how can (insert social issue here) be happening?” What often is overlooked is the fact that countries, like people, have a history, a story, a narrative. Black people in the United States have a unique history—one frequently, although not always, rooted in enslavement. More broadly, the story of Black people in the United States often was told by others, and for reasons not meant to edify or to inspire, much less to reflect truth.

The Baton Foundation’s Cultural Heritage program is designed to give Black boys ages 10-17 opportunities to learn about Black history and culture in an intimate, supportive environment. In bi-weekly seminars, students explore various aspects of the Black experience in the United States and around the world. Additionally, they work with Baton Foundation facilitators to explore notions of self-awareness and self-mastery. The program also provides opportunities for students to explore many of Atlanta’s cultural venues and to engage in educational travel to local and regional historic and cultural sites.

During the orientation, attendees will learn more about the program and have an opportunity to ask questions of the program’s founder, Baton Foundation board members, and Cultural Heritage Program students.

Register for Zoom Orientation Here

Photo Credit: Adinah Morgan for The Baton Foundation (Cultural Heritage Program students at The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, 2019)