As a parent, Black Star Line has helped me develop the tools of reflection, grace and understanding for my self and my son. Also, as a black mother of a 4 year old who will be starting school. BSL has broadened my understanding of what education can look like for him. Knowing there are options for educating my son gives me confidence and I am so grateful for BSL. Thank you!

"Understanding the difference between being a mother/father and being a parent; developmental/maturation limitations; the importance of spiritual yoking; the importance/power of sacred ritual; how egoic-structure can undermine productivity; the joy of service to Black community"

”Before joining the Embrace Your Best Self program I was seeking support that would teach me methods to living a balanced life in this ever changing society. In 2017 I was invited to the BSL program by a friend (who was also in the program). He knew this was just what I was looking for and really needed, life had gotten pretty hard. The great part about the program are the mentors and coaches who supported my emotional development and reminded me of who I am by exposing me to African/African American/Black culture and principles. I have an understanding of what it means to belong first to myself and what that means as a young adult. My experience with EYBS has changed my life and led me to discovering my true passions and as well having the courage to explore the world. Through my journey I’ve found techniques which I use in my everyday life that balance my mind, heal my body and raise my spirit. I have found my calling and now teach yoga through my business Souls Edge. ”

I think the most valuable aspect of EYBS is the connection to the community. The fact that I was able to expand on my internship has been helpful financially. Things like Warriors at Rest have been a good mental space to be in. I enjoyed the different people who came and presented. For example, the homeownership workshop helped me realize that homeownership is obtainable.

EYBS is great and I hope to stay for a long time

My experience working with and hosting an EYBS intern has been incredibly beneficial. At the time of recruiting Eleyah i didn’t know that her involvement would set the stage for me recruiting and enlisting in help from others in my community and really gave me a jump start in building the team that would make it possible for me to be successful in my position at Surge. I’m very appreciative that this space exist to help support young people and young adults who are still figuring things out have access to paid exploratory opportunities. Eleyah excels in completing her tasks efficiently, and I truly admire her dedication. I believe there’s great potential for her to enhance her presence in staff meetings and represent Surge more actively during EYBS calls. I’m enthusiastic about supporting her long-term growth and am eager to explore opportunities that align with her goals. Eleyah’s intelligence and her ability to understand and respond to the needs of others are remarkable qualities. I envision her thriving in a role where she can confidently lead larger organizational projects and effectively coordinate support from her team. I'm committed to providing guidance and feedback to help her achieve success in these endeavors.

As a parent, I cannot express enough gratitude for the Embrace Your Best Self program. My 14-year-old son absolutely loves it and has grown so much from participating. Each session is packed with valuable lessons that resonate with him and help him build confidence, develop life skills, and embrace his unique potential. The facilitators genuinely care about the kids and create a supportive environment where they feel heard and valued. My son is inspired and excited to share what he’s learned, and I’ve seen such positive changes in his outlook and sense of responsibility. Thank you, Black Star Line, for offering a program that truly uplifts, cares and engages with our youth!

“When Black Dot the business hub of the Africatown Initiative was asked if we wanted to host a EYBS Intern we jumped at the opportunity. We did our due diligence, it came down to three finalists and from that three we chose Mr. Henry Igwala in February 2021. His internship responsibilities included event logistics, setting up social media campaigns, and vendor liaison for participants in our summer markets. At the end of Henry’s one year internship, he became such a valuable asset that we offered him a contract and luckily for us he accepted. Henry now works for us 35 hours a week, and is the Assistant Community Manager at Black Dot Underground. It has been an amazing experience for us to participate in this program. EYBS is impacting the lives of young people which ripples out into our community making it a better place.”

“Working for BSL as an Intern, has taught me the benefits of working with a community-oriented team. I’ve learned so much about the importance of staying connected to a team by communicating and having check-ins that can be related to work or even asking how someone has been outside of work. Being a BSL employee has also helped me see the importance of hosting and showing up to events that help create and uplift community.”

What I have learned from EYBS is to always show up my best self, whether it means turning on my camera for a Zoom meeting or simply being present, because it makes a difference. Additionally, I have learned about Kwanzaa, its origins, and its cultural significance for Black and African people. Through EYBS, I've discovered that I like to make a strong impression in every setting, showcasing who I am and what I can contribute.

“BSL has raised and educated some amazing young people. I am impressed with how they have cultivated the Black genius in children. I have engaged with students who have gone through BSL and I was thoroughly impressed. These young people are aware of who they are. From academic excellence, public speaking, creating music, dance and sports to organizing and contributing to the community. Young people who go through BSL are fearless. They are taught there historical truths which gives them high esteem and positive self-awareness that carry them through adulthood. Keep up the amazing work BSL we need you!”

"I'm so blessed to have made connection and to have built a relationship with BSL. BSL was the reason why I was able to save my son from the traditional school system and offer him an alternative experience. This organization helped provide a safe haven for my son and show him that there was good to be experienced through home schooling. It provided me the support as a mother to be able to offer this better way of experiencing education for my family without being alienated in my efforts. BSL gave me the gift of community."

I used to be shy and reserved in social situations. Although I have much wisdom and advice to share, I often felt no need to do so. However, I believe my current internship gives me a platform to enhance that skill.

"I am so grateful for the work Black Star Line does in the PNW. Brilliantly bringing together Black homeschooling parent into a village learning space. Mayet and Marjon's centering thoughts of the week provides a supportive safe space for parents to be Vulnerable with our homeschooling challenges. They experience and expertise is world class and right on time every time. I appreciate being part of Village Schooling family. Thank you for the guidance Black Star line."

What aspects of EYBS have been valuable to me? There's truly too much to count. It made me face a lot of my fears regarding employment and my relationship with money. It helped strengthen my focus on time management and money management as well as listening skills and being a part of a bigger picture. It helped me not just focus on myself. I've learned that my consequences can't be avoided and that I must own up to where I'm wrong in order to move forward. It taught me about measuring my bandwidth and being intentional and realistic about how much I might stretch myself, and to focus on rest and good habits. Overall, it has made me a better person.

Working with Dakaria has been absolutely wonderful! I love her energy, her dedication, her insightfulness, her clarity, everything. She soaks up knowledge and information like a sponge and sees/makes immediate connections to community and practice. She has the great gift of being able to stay focused, on track, and on task. She is most certainly embracing her best self and helping the rest of us do the same.

I’ve had an extremely positive and enriching experience with the EYBS program, both for my teens and for myself as a parent. The way the program has nurtured organizational skills, prioritization, and a strong sense of community is remarkable. It's evident that the connections with other families and the self-care opportunities provided by EYBS have created a well-rounded, holistic approach to parenting during the challenging "adulting years." My appreciation for the program’s impact on teens’ growth and my own development as a parent truly emphasizes how EYBS is more than just a set of lessons—it's a community-building and personal growth experience. It's also wonderful that the program helps parents feel supported and part of a "village" that shares similar values and skills. Parenting can be challenging, but knowing that you're not alone and that others are facing similar challenges makes it much more manageable and rewarding.