HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2026_Open Session_Item 18 (Akoma Center)_Vasquez, EmilyNO=
AM3MMM=
0 1 attachment (26 KB)
kW�- , �11 �11 �
Caution - This email originated from outside the City - Verify that the Email
display name and Email address are consistent. - Use caution when opening
attachments.
Hello Council Members,
My name is Emily Vasquez and I used to teach at Akoma Unity
Center. I had the honor of working with scholars in The Drip'd
Squad. This program was such a hands on project where
students dabbled in science, art, culture, local and social justice
history, and so many more aspects of Water, Land, and Air
Justice. For the 2 years that I worked at Akoma, I saw so much
personal development in my students. I saw them more
motivated to try new things, I witnessed them staying
committed to attending our Saturday sessions, I got to see how
careful they were when preparing their own public comments
that they gave here at City hall. When these scholars addressed
issues that they face as young students here in your city, they
really showed up for themselves. The best part of the Drip'd
Program was seeing all my students graduate. They were so
proud of themselves! It was absolutely amazing! A reality that I
often think about is that If it wasn't for Akoma, I am not sure that
a water program would've even happened. Having a place like
Akoma is absolutely necessary because it's where families can
gather outside of public school hours and have accessibility to
food, clean bathrooms, intentional curriculum, extra homework
support, and a place for parents to network with one another I
loved working at Akoma because I got to connect with like
minded families. I loved working there on Saturdays because it
was not only fun, but everything was centered around the kids.
Akoma staff members really cared for kids and who they were
teaching. I strongly encourage City Council to renew Akoma's
lease with a sustainable plan of keeping Akoma open for the
student and family population that is being served. The
beautiful work that Akoma continues to do, deserves to be
uplifted, honored, appreciated, and cherished.
Do the right thing!
-Ms. Butterfly