CBP Partner Profile: BMAGIC

This month, CBP is proud to highlight our partner BMAGIC. Founded in San Francisco in 2004, Bayview Hunters Point Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in Our Communities [BMAGIC] is a collaborative, neighborhood-based nonprofit organization, dedicated to social justice and change that advances the educational and economic needs of the underserved youth and families of Bayview Hunters Point. Following is an excerpt of an interview with BMAGIC’s Director, Yvette Mari Robles:

Can you tell us about the communities you serve?
    Our community is characterized by its rich diversity. We are comprised of African-American, Chicano/ Latino, Pacific Island, and Asian residents.

What are some of BMAGIC’s most significant achievements?
    We have successfully brought together community-based organizations (CBOs) from the inside, serving to strengthen and mobilize resources for youth and families that currently exist. We have provided essential tools such as backpacks, schools supplies, books, computers and access to critical resources such as job and internship opportunities, education, information technology training, positive adult mentors, educational field trips, and community-based organization training workshops.

In which activities have you used CBP books?
    The Children's Book Fair is one of three flagship community-building events we host annually. It is done in partnership with all the Bayview Hunters Point Child Development Centers, Elementary Schools, Jumpstart, Never Stop Learning Crew, Imagine Bus Project, Tree Frog Treks, SF Zoo, and others.
    Our goal is to host a literacy fair that is interactive, fun, dynamic, creative, and healthy for children in Bayview Hunters Point. […] We want to ensure that the wonder and joy of reading is a legacy passed onto our deserving children. Literacy is freedom. This year we served 600 children at our event.

Why did you choose our books for this program?
    It is rare that we find such beautifully illustrated and well written books that are in English and native languages. We also greatly appreciate the supportive staff and respectful service we receive at Children's Book Press. It is clear to us that the staff members at CBP honor their mission and support our work through a shared vision in making reading accessible to all.

What are BMAGIC’s plans for the future, and how can people get involved?
    As BMAGIC continues to sustain and grow our collaborative, we invite [everyone] to join us in expanding our offerings to youth and families in BVHP. We are vested in a new future that is consistent with our deepest commitment – social justice. Please feel welcome to attend and participate in any of our BMAGIC Convening meetings.

Intrigued? Learn more about BMAGIC at: www.bayviewmagic.org
 

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:47am