The wake of the nationwide lockdown in 2021, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, led the world to overcome the hurdles of the sudden disconnection of children from their familiar routines and social interactions. As schools and additional activities were interrupted, the impact on young minds became evident. Technology assisted in the creation of a bridge—enabling virtual interactive learning sessions through FaceTime, Google Meet and other media platforms—but it couldn’t fully restore the sense of normalcy that was lost. This pressing issue became the catalyst for a transformative idea.
During a fundraiser aimed at supporting children affected by the lockdown, Dr. Demetra Davis and a colleague brainstormed a concept that would address this gap in support. The event sought to engage poets and artists in contributing to a poetry book titled No Rhyme or Reason, Just Thoughts For the Season, published in 2023. The fundraiser aimed to rekindle artistic expression and offer a platform for creators to re-engage with their passions.
This experience ignited Dr. Demetra’s vision for a school that embodies more than just traditional education. As conversations around the portrayal of African American history in Florida’s schools intensified—prompting changes that diluted the realities of slavery—Dr. Demetra recognized a need for a space where truth and artistry, as well as a holistic and undiluted history, could coexist, fostering genuine understanding and self-expression.
Thus, the vision of establishing the National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education was seeded in Melbourne, FL. The institute’s name—Building Legacy Artistry Community Culture (B.L.A.C.C.), reflects its mission to create an inclusive environment where education and the arts converge to promote full-dimensional self-awareness. This institute, with its transformative potential, is set to usher in a new era of learning and artistry.
A New Era of Learning and Artistry
Adhering to this mission and stepping into the position of CEO, Dr. Demetra is poised to establish the National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education. The institute will welcome individuals of all races, ages, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and sexual orientations, offering a comprehensive educational journey from Kindergarten through university. Dr. Demetra’s vision is to ensure that education and art are accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers and fostering a rich community of diverse voices.
The institute’s mission encapsulates Dr. Demetra’s commitment to nurturing talent and preserving cultural heritage. It provides a space where legacy-building begins with unencumbered education and a deep integration of the arts. As she puts it, “We aim to cultivate a community where education and the arts serve as the foundation for self-awareness and the realization of one’s potential.”
Mission
The National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education’s mission is to create a transformative space where legacy building starts with education, combined with the arts. It offers an environment free from limitations, fostering full-dimensional self-awareness and actualization within a diverse cultural community.
“Education becomes the foundation where art and culture unite,” says Dr. Demetra, emphasizing the Institute’s dedication to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through this unique blend.
Bridging History and Modernity
Dr. Demetra emphasizes that the institute’s curriculum will be accredited and continuously researched by top educators. It will remain updated to align with current trends while staying true to historical facts. “Our approach ensures youth are well-prepared for today’s economic changes and challenges,” she says.
The curriculum includes essential concepts in business start-up, management and financial literacy, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate and succeed in the economic landscape. This commitment ensures education remains relevant and impactful.
Integrating Business and Arts
At the National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education, students will begin learning business and financial literacy early, starting in middle and high school. Internships with local business leaders and expert topics presented by top professionals in business and technology engage students with the best practices.
Although the school operates online, the arts are taught by local trainers, including cultural dance, music lessons, poetry writing, theatre, and movie production. “While some see these as ‘extra’ curricular activities, B.L.A.C.C. views the arts as a part of the whole being,” says Dr. Demetra.
She shares a personal perspective: “I have been writing since I was nine years old, and it was not ‘extra-curricular’ but an intricate part of my entire being.” Her journey highlights the importance of support in artistic pursuits, which B.L.A.C.C. aims to provide. She reflects on the value of affirmation during her educational years, noting how such support would have significantly impacted her growth as a writer.
Keeping Up with Change
Young people constantly evolve based on trends, technology changes and peer influence. Educators, while grounded in traditional methods, must adapt their teaching styles to keep pace with these shifts.
As Dr. Demetra notes, “The facts, realized, are that presentation styles and tactics must change as these items and outside factors change.” With children and teenagers now accustomed to 5-10-second videos that tell entire stories, maintaining their attention with a 45-minute lecture becomes increasingly challenging.
This evolving landscape demands that educators prioritize innovative methods to captivate students’ attention. The tug-of-war against social media and technology undeniably complicates the educator’s role.
Additionally, educators must meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that those requiring extra time receive it without feeling different or self-conscious. Continuous research on educational presentation methods and technology is crucial in addressing these challenges.
As the educational environment transforms, the commitment to evolving practices remains essential in fostering an inclusive and effective learning experience for all students.
Enriching Learning Experiences
Writing papers remains a critical skill, essential for advancing in education. Developing proper sentence structure, spelling and fully fleshed-out concepts through writing is vital. Integrating interviews with specialists in the arts, business, or students’ chosen career paths provides invaluable real-world knowledge. Inviting experts to share insights on their professions’ impact on society enhances this learning.
Additionally, board members from non-profits can explain the distinctions and benefits compared to for-profit organizations. Field trips to art, dance and music competitions further enrich the educational experience, providing hands-on learning opportunities. These combined efforts ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, equipping them for future success.
Revolutionizing K-12 Education
The National Institute for B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education will initially operate as an online K-12 accredited program, integrating technology at every level. Students will use a dedicated portal to enroll in classes, attend live sessions and complete their assignments.
Grades will also be accessible through this portal. “Technology is important in every aspect of this educational system and will continue to move forward along with the needs of the school,” says Dr. Demetra.
The program emphasizes research and interaction with community experts who serve as mentors. Students will arrange appointments online and conduct video interviews through meeting technology. Art classes will cover the history of dance, music and choreography, leveraging technology to study various cultural dances and musical forms.
This comprehensive use of technology supports both the academic and artistic components of the curriculum, ensuring that the educational experience remains relevant and effective as the school evolves to meet future needs.
The Success Formula
The National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education measures the effectiveness of its program through various criteria:
- Student satisfaction
- Parent satisfaction
- Educator and employee satisfaction
- Student engagement in the arts (and eventually sports)
- Academic grades
- Graduation rates
- College and university acceptance
- Employment post-graduation
- Satisfaction of mentors and their reapplication to work with B.L.A.C.C.
- Increases in attendance
- Continued accreditation
Dr. Demetra emphasizes that the institute was created to be a home for those who feel out of place in their current educational setting. “Everyone is welcome to learn, respecting the differences that we all bring to the table,” she says. Building Legacy Artistry Community Culture invites individuals to build and grow together, embracing each unique contribution collaboratively.
Future Forward
The future vision for the National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education includes establishing at least two brick-and-mortar locations on the East Coast and West Coast. These schools will offer comprehensive art, theatre, music, and dance programs with full staff support. A stretch goal aims to include sports, making the schools completely holistic.
Additionally, the institute plans to incorporate a Mindfulness Program for students. This program will teach techniques to aid in calm decision-making, managing peer pressure, navigating social media challenges, addressing bullying, and knowing when to seek support. The program’s goal is to equip students with skills to handle various situations effectively and maintain well-being.
Dedication
In a poignant reflection of admiration and gratitude, Dr. Demetra expresses a heartfelt desire to dedicate this article to a cherished colleague. This dedication is a celebration of the enduring legacy of a person whose influence was instrumental in shaping the vision and values of the National Institute of B.L.A.C.C. Art and Education.
“Dedicated to my colleague and long-time friend, Fran Briggs. She believed in the mission of B.L.A.C.C. and played a vital role in establishing the foundation of the acronym that continues to drive our mission and vision today. Rest in Paradise.”
