On March 29, 2025, the historic Weeksville Heritage Center lit up with the spirit of joy, gratitude, and community as Little Sun People hosted Mama Fela’s Farewell Fête—a sold-out evening that honored over four decades of unwavering leadership, love, and liberation.

Mama Fela Barclift - founder, cultural steward, and tireless educator—has dedicated her life to uplifting generations of Black and brown children in Bed-Stuy and beyond. Her vision transformed Little Sun People into the beacon of early education and cultural affirmation it is today. That night, surrounded by students, alumni, families, friends, and supporters, we came together to celebrate her immeasurable impact.

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We joyously invite you to join us on Saturday, March 29 for Mama Fela’s Farewell Fete.

Mama Fela, Founder of Little Sun People, wrapped up her over 40-year tenure as LSP’s Executive Director at the end of the 2023-2024 school year! During the current school year, Mama Fela has been supporting the transition of LSP’s new Executive Director – Mama Aaliyah – LSP’s first student. 

Join us for an evening filled with love and purposeful reflection and for an opportunity to help fund LSP’s future. We’ll kick off the night with a VIP reception featuring a riveting conversation centered on why and how having our own institutions, particularly in this moment, is critical for our community’s ability to heal and thrive.

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For more than four decades, Mama Fela has dedicated her life to educating, empowering, and uplifting generations of Black and brown children and their families in the heart of Bed-Stuy. Her vision and unwavering commitment have shaped Little Sun People into the culturally rich, nurturing, and academically excellent institution it is today. This special evening is our opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate and honor the fearless leader whose work has forever impacted countless lives. This event is more than a farewell; it’s a celebration of a lifetime of dedication to building a stronger, brighter future for our children. Little Sun People wouldn’t be what it is today without Mama Fela’s courage, creativity, and boundless love. Let’s send her off in the style she so richly deserves!

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I can’t believe we are almost in 2025. School year 2024 has been nothing less then fantastic!!!  As the calendar year winds down, I reflect on my ascension to Executive Director which has been quite a whirlwind of amazing learning, sweet connections, and great experiences. As I recall our first day parent brunch and meeting the new Little Sun People, what a wonderful way to start off a school year in community with delicious food, some nerves and lots of smiles.  In October we came together again to celebrate the Harvest with our children, so much fun and creativity to behold.

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Little Sun People is proud to announce the opening of our very first kindergarten classroom! At LSP we have a legacy of offering an African-centered curriculum that celebrates the brilliance of our children’s history while equipping them with the tools to thrive in today’s world. We instill positive self-identity, helping children believe in themselves and their community, while also preparing them to navigate systemic challenges with confidence. In addition to our focus on cultural pride and empowerment, we adhere to the New York State Education Department guidelines, ensuring that each child gets what they need for lifelong academic success.

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In June of this year, Little Sun People’s Board of Directors hosted a retirement reception honoring the work and life of Mama Fela. The event celebrated her years of dedication to early learning and African-centered education, as well as her love and commitment to her family and families everywhere. The private gathering was attended by family, staff, as well as close and longstanding supporters of her vision. Some attendees shared reflections and heartfelt stories of the profound impact Mama Fela has had on their lives and the community. It was a memorable and touching "thank you" to a remarkable leader.

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Little Sun People’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Aaliyah Barclift has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Little Sun People, effective July 1, 2024. Aaliyah brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission, having served as an LSP teacher for more than 20 years and Educational Director since 2021. We are confident that Aaliyah will uphold and expand upon the values and mission that Mama Fela spearheaded. Please join us in welcoming Aaliyah Barclift as Little Sun People’s new Executive Director.

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On February 16th, 2024 we hosted LSP Grandparents for a breakfast and a children's violin and dance performance created especially for them. We broke bread and enjoyed the beautiful grandchildren as they showcased their talents. The event was a celebration of connection as Grandparent beamed with pride and displayed heartfelt expressions of love and achievement. We are excited about bright future we are building together at Little Sun People. After years of uncertainty, this gathering and performance served as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of community.

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As we celebrate the last few days of Kwanzaa and eagerly await the start of the New Year, we say a heartfelt thank you to our generous supporters and invite you all to make one last 2023 gift to Little Sun People! LSP’s work is as important as it has ever been. When you chip in what you can, you are helping LSP grow and meet the ever-growing need for children of African descent to be educated in a supportive and culturally-responsive environment.

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As we all prepare to gather with our given and chosen families during the winter holidays, we want to make sure that you know we count you all as part of LSP’s family! The ties that bind us are our beliefs that every child is a treasure who brings something special to the world and our children should experience pride and joy in knowing their African heritage.

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We are still in awe of the generosity shown to Little Sun People on Giving Tuesday! Donors from all over the country chipped in to kick off our fundraising campaign with  over $3,500 in donations!  That is a great start  to our ultimate goal of $50,000 for  this “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The campaign  will remain open until December 31, so it’s not too late to give and spread the word! 

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Forty-three years ago, I had no real idea of what my decision to start a preschool that would reflect, honor, and tell the story of Black people from around the world and through the lens and the perspectives of Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Zora Neale Hurston, Kwame Nkrumah and Queen Tiye (just to name a few) would eventually mean.

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Forty-three years after founding Little Sun People in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Mama Fela is embarking on a new chapter, and that means her last day as Executive Director will be June 30, 2024. Under Mama Fela’s courageous direction, LSP has experienced tremendous growth and elevation.

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On June 10th we celebrated 1 year in our new Clinton Hill location. What started as a small in-home family day care program has blossomed into a unique community child care center that continues to nurture young minds. We’re grateful for the remarkable journey of Little Sun People and the profound impact it has had on the lives of children and our Brooklyn community.

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We are committed to providing our staff with professional development opportunities that support and celebrate culturally relevant teaching and learning. By investing in our educators' professional growth, we can ensure that they have the tools and knowledge necessary to create an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment for our students.

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Happy New Year! We hope this year is filled with all our community desires and deserves, today and always. As we continue to usher in 2023 and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month we cannot help but reflect on Imani (Faith) , the principle celebrated on the last day of Kwanzaa. 

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