Flickinger Learning Center Receives Racial Justice Grant

Flickinger Learning Center is an after-school program for at-risk children in Muscatine. Its purpose is to provide educational opportunities for kindergarten through sixth-grade students of all races and beliefs.

Flickinger plans to incorporate special programming one week a month that will include a group read of a book featuring either a main character from a different culture or an invention that was created by a person of color or a woman. The remainder of the week will include activities, stories, media, and art projects that revolve around the identified topic.

“It is of vital importance that the children we serve see themselves reflected in the stories they read, the toys made available to them, and the media they consume,” stated Kelly Cunningham, Operations Manager at Flickinger Learning Center. “Representation matters.

The children need to see themselves reflected in positive stories. It also matters in fostering tolerance and acceptance of other cultures. Self-acceptance is so important for high self-esteem for children and part of that includes seeing people that look like you in the content that you are absorbing.”

To learn more, donate, or to apply for funding for a racial justice project, please visit muscatinecommunityfoundation.org/racial-justice-fund or call 563-264-3863.