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SPARK the Truth is a youth-led community action initiative working with students from Boston Public Schools to foster positive changes in our city and our schools. SPARK the Truth's ultimate goals are increased and sustained civic engagement and leadership development for Boston youth. Our leadership consists of an executive board, leadership team, Ubuntu Youth Corps, and Wheelock faculty and staff mentors.

SPARK the Truth is an Ubuntu in the Works Program housed in the Office of Pre-Collegiate and College Access Programs. Ubuntu in the Works is a dynamic collection of ongoing projects and initiatives at Wheelock College that are created by a partnership between the Office of Pre-Collegiate and College Access Programs and our Juvenile Justice and Youth Advocacy program. "The Works" are inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu and link community and college through a myriad of community collaborations.

Our Mission

Students of Boston schools leading positive community action through the practice of Ubuntu.

History

SPARK was founded by Boston Public School students and Wheelock College students in response to the Youth Symposium held at Wheelock College in 2007 with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

During his visit, Archbishop Tutu engaged in an historic discussion with over 400 Boston Public School students. Archbishop Tutu spoke about youth violence, its effect on our city, and the concept of Ubuntu, which stresses the importance of human interconnectedness and interdependence.

Ubuntu implies that "in order for me to be all I can be, I need you to be all you can be." This philosophy became our guiding vision and inspired us to take action.

In Fall 2009, SPARK the Truth was awarded a "Best in Class" Leadership Award from the Jenzebar Foundation. Founding members attended a two-day conference at Endicott College, which included an awards ceremony where SPARK was recognized for its work in youth leadership.

Founding Executive Board

Letitia Guerrier
Boston Community Leadership Academy '08
Emmanuel College '12

Vivian Mbawuike
Boston Community Leadership Academy '08
Tufts University '12

Lucia Mock
Wheelock College '09

Pharlone Toussaint
Boston Community Leadership Academy '08
Boston College '12

Wheelock Faculty and Staff for SPARK the Truth

Ceronne B. Daly - Program Coordinator
Director, Office of Pre-Collegiate and College Access Programs

Brittany Wheaton-Calloway
AmeriCorps MACC *VISTA Member
Program Coordinator, SPARK the Truth
Program Assistant, Office of Pre-Collegiate and College Access Programs
Massachusetts Urban Chamber of Commerce, Board Member