Creating In Cali
by Drew Tatum
Brandon Publishing extends youth programming to Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles, CA — It’s been three years since Brandon Publishing's Create Program has had the chance to empower students, faculty, or parents within Midwest communities. In 2018, COVID-19 extinguished most in-person programming for companies similar to Brandon Publishing. The literary industry was at a standstill, and online learning became most schools’ only option for engagement. With no virtual programming options to offer, BP and its lead curator, Kellen Brandon began scouring for methods of survival.
After establishing a regional programming powerhouse, Brandon Publishing found itself on the brink of extinction. “It was one of the most difficult times of my life,” states Brandon. “I felt like we were approaching our pinnacle, only to lose everything due to elements we couldn't control.” The segregation caused by COVID-19 forced Brandon to rethink everything around programming, engagement, and purpose. "During the downtime of COVID, I came to the realization that I had to become sharper as a leader and visionary. I lost my entire staff and became too comfortable," Brandon emphasized. Instead of trying to rebuild in Michigan, Brandon decided to start anew in Los Angeles.
““During the downtime of COVID, I came to the realization that I had to become sharper as a leader and visionary. I lost my entire staff and became too comfortable”
Within a few weeks of being in Los Angeles, Brandon discovered a newly formed program entitled, BSAP (Black Student Achievement Plan). This plan addresses the need for culturally responsive curriculum and instruction as the classroom norm. It fosters partnerships with community-based organizations with proven track records of success within the Black community, providing increased staffing support to address the academic and social-emotional needs of Black students.
"I was simply joining as a parent trying to support my black child. But while on a conference call, the director asked for anyone who had connections to programming that could empower black students specifically. That was right up my alley so, I put my name in the hat," Brandon recalls. Everything that COVID prepared me for was now being requested of me. I was ready to step up to the plate.”
LAUSD (Los Angeles United School District) is made up of 782 schools and a little over 460,000 students. "The new opportunities for partnerships are boundless this time around. Our plan is to expand to at least ten schools per school year," states Brandon. Purpose work is back in the forefront for BP and the future is bright. BP will begin its first cycle of programming at Brainard Elementary on May 3, 2023. #Impact
““I was simply joining as a parent trying to support my black child. But while on the call, the director asked for anyone who had connections to programming that could empower black students specifically. That was right up my alley so, I put my name in the hat,” Brandon recalls. Everything that COVID prepared me for was now being requested of me. I was ready to step up to the plate.””
Kellen Brandon posing with students from Brainard Elementary school.