For Black History Month this year, YouthBuild Philly Charter School launched an inspiring social media photo campaign called “I CAN, I WILL,” to close out the last 10 days of the month. Each day through the end of February, the school’s Instagram page, @youthbuildphl, posted pictures of students who wrote what “I Can, I Will” means to them as a way of helping to realize their full potential. The campaign celebrated Black student excellence, the joy and magic they bring to the YouthBuild Philly school community each day. This year’s theme, “Shades of Melanin,” highlighted the beauty and solidarity within the Black community, especially in light of current challenges.
The campaign aims to empower students to embrace their educational journey proudly while feeling SEEN and HEARD. Despite facing numerous barriers, these students persevere to create better futures for themselves and their families.
Additionally, the campaign was covered by multiple news outlets and was very well received on social media by YouthBuild Philly followers and supporters. The Philadelphia Inquirer, spoke with student leaders Iyana Byard and Sahjr Bullock, to hear their sentiments about participating in the campaign and learn about their education journey and personal backgrounds. From that article, CBS and FOX contacted YouthBuild Philly for an opportunity to speak about the campaign and our program on their morning show segments.
“The “I can, I will “campaign made me feel appreciated and seen. It helped me tap into a piece of myself, I didn’t know existed. I felt joy, pure happiness and proud to be a young black man,” said Sahjir Bullock, YouthBuild Philly Charter School, Class of 2024.
See below for links to view all media coverage:
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: ‘I Can, I Will.’ This school for nontraditional students is celebrating them for Black History Month
- CBS 3 Philly: Black excellence on display through YouthBuild Philly’s “I Can, I Will” social media campaign
- Fox Good Day Philadelphia: Youth Build Philly Charter School helps students find career path
We are pleased with the success of year’s campaign and look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to highlight our students for years to come.
