Out of the classroom, and into the community...

Cassandra Brown isn’t learning about black history from a textbook, a computer or even a classroom lecture. Instead, the 17-year-old is discovering the past through conversations with those who lived it.

“We have never been relaxed in our work”

Ms. Esther Bush is the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. She had an opportunity to meet with students, like Cassandra, by taking part in a video called, The Historical and Cultural Literacy Project.

“I love this educational approach for our youth, and was flattered to be interviewed,” said Ms. Bush. “It makes me believe the younger generation is going to learn from our successes, our mistakes and understand how African Americans contributed mightily to the growth and development of America.”

“Imagine your dream. Now go after it.”

The creative video is part of the National Urban League’s, Project Ready Program. It gives students an opportunity to research black history, interview those who contributed to it and record their conversations on camera.

“Through these stories, it’s important for students to realize they too can reach for the stars and achieve anything they put their mind to,” added Bush. “We’ve come a long way – and have never been relaxed in our work.”

The Project Ready video examines the history of African Americans, from the Great Migration (1916-1970) to the civil rights movement, to changing times and new century transitions.

"Black History Month is a time for us to honor the past,” said Brown. “When African Americans decided to migrate – we saw a shift in political beliefs, culture, jobs, even music. It changed American society.”

"No matter race, it’s important to remember where we came from,” added Ms. Bush. “Too often we look at our world today and don’t ask ourselves why it’s this way. Just like the past, we must recognize the choices we make today will leave a legacy for children of the future.”

“One person can make a difference.”

Cassandra says taking part in the video - from researching black history to interviewing leaders - was a great way to harness the power of education in a new way.

“I’m not quite used to being on camera,” she laughed. “But I got comfortable with it. And I really enjoy talking with people who’ve made large achievements. It’s an honor and lets me know I too, can make a difference.”

As she advances her education, Cassandra isn’t losing sight of a lesson that won’t fade with time: Strive to help others.

“I want to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to help people live better lives,” she said proudly. “No matter what, I’ve learned my generation can make positive changes to influence the future. It happens when we come together as a community."

As for the Historical and Cultural Literacy video, Cassie encourages everyone to take a moment to watch, honor and learn. “This video is really important and needs to be shared. Because the changes we make today, influence our future.”

Twenty-five years later…their daughter graduated from Harvard.

Meet Allysunn Walker-Williams, an Ohio native who learned the value of family, civic engagement and community at an early age. “My parents and grandparents worked at local factories and taught me solid Midwestern values,” she explained. “Their lack of formal schooling was common in the south in the 1930's, 40’s, and 50’s, when racial oppression and segregation limited educational opportunities for African-Americans. My mother could have been a classical pianist. My father should have been a professor, but those doors were closed.”

A Path and a Purpose

As a child Allysunn excelled in school. Her parents encouraged her and her siblings every step of the way.

“I wanted all five of my children to go to college, and they did,” Allysunn’s father, Alton Walker Sr. stated proudly. “Allysunn went to the Hotchkiss School, Harvard and then UCLA – which meant she overcame barriers for all of us. We are so proud of her."

"I had extraordinary support from my parents, and was lucky enough to meet my best friend and mentor Ray, who also attended Hotchkiss and Harvard,” said Allysunn. “He gave me the confidence needed to pursue my dreams.” After completing her Harvard education, Allysunn pursued a career in public service and non-profit work in Los Angeles, California. “I had many choices and felt compelled to serve others. So I followed my heart.”

Her mission? To help create economic opportunity in marginalized communities, especially for poor families.

Through the years, Allysunn created opportunities for people to thrive – no matter their economic challenges. She held executive positions at the Weingart Center for the Homeless and the Los Angeles Mission. She became the Administrative Director of Community Health and Education at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and won Cedars’ first Annual President’s Award for Leadership.

At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Allysunn discovered a passion for improving the health conditions of low-income communities. She worked to promote fair health access for marginalized groups and earned her Masters with Honors from the UCLA School of Public Health.

Heartbreak and Hardships

While Allysunn experienced great successes, she faced a major setback in 2008. During the economic downturn she lost everything, which forced her to rebuild, to embrace resiliency and to keep pressing on.

“When I failed, my failures did not define me. They taught me,” Allysunn explained. “My faith kept me and restored me. My faith held my family together and put me back on my path to continue a life of servant-leadership.”

Today, Allysunn is the CEO of the California Council on Economic Education (CCEE), which provides K-12 students with the financial and economic literacy skills to help them make good choices with their money and with their lives. “Allysunn is passionate about education, and believes in CCEE’s mission. She has a wealth of experience and is a highly effective leader. One of her many skills includes successfully cultivating mentorship opportunities among educators,” said CCEE Board Chair, Steve Smith.

CCEE supporters include corporations like State Farm. CCEE and its partners invest in students by training teachers and supporting their work in the classroom. “Economic education unlocks economic potential,” said Allysunn. As she reflects on her life's journey, she shares three key tips to help others:

All great reminders as Allysunn reflects on the past, moves into the future and follows her heart.

Learn more about the CCEE.