Multi-talented and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, activist, and acclaimed Hip Hop artist Mumu Fresh (Maimouna Youssef) will headline the Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools (BSICS) 20th anniversary concert at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., on Monday, November 11. A VIP reception with Mumu starts at 6:00 p.m.; doors open at 7:00 p.m.; and the intimate concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Mumu Fresh has shared the stage with countless musical icons, including The Roots, Sting, Bobby McFerrin, Lala Hathaway, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Ed Sheeran, D’Angelo, Femi Kuti, Aloe Blacc, Zap Mama, Bruno Mars, Nas, and Dave Chappelle. Supporting partners include Martin Whalen/A Xerox Company, Providence Bank & Trust, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Revolution Workshop, AKA Comp Solutions, Kamm Insurance Group, Seaway Bank and Trust Company, Teaming Solution for Education, and Prim Lawrence Group. The 20th anniversary host committee (in formation): WTTW Pledge Host and Director of Communications and Outreach for Elevate Energy Sylvia Ewing, State Senator Mattie Hunter (3rd District), St. Benedict the African Church Pastor Father David Jones, State Rep. Lamont Robinson (5th District), and Black Ensemble Theatre Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor.
Earlier this year, BSICS launched a 20th anniversary campaign to increase awareness of the scholastic achievements of its students, its engagement in the community, and the importance of culturally-relevant education while raising much needed funds for the tuition-free independent charter school. With two campuses, Betty Shabazz Academy, 7823 S. Ellis Ave., and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, 6547 S. Stewart Ave., Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools has consistently produced students who have a strong sense of cultural identity and a commitment to make positive contributions to the community and the world.
A series of events celebrating the 20th anniversary is planned throughout the year. The first was the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Symposium that featured educators from several diverse cultures discussing the importance of cultural identity in education. Academic scholars from African American, Latino, and Native American communities discussed the importance and impact of culturally relevant pedagogy and ways to provide, sustain, and apply it to academic programs.
Other anniversary events included a campus-wide celebration held last month, where school students had the opportunity to express what 20 years meant to them.
The anniversary concert on November 11 is an annual fundraiser that traditionally has featured some of the top independent talent from across the globe, including The Foreign Exchange, KING, and Goapele.
Despite an alumni roster that reads like a Who’s Who of successful millennials, Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools remains one of the most well-kept secrets in Chicago. The new 20th anniversary campaign hopes to change that. For more information or to support the 20th anniversary campaign, visit www.bsics.org or call 773.651.2426.
