Legacy in Motion | A Night of Celebration, a Future in Focus

 

Mama Fela’s Fête Was More Than a Farewell
It Was a Love Letter to Legacy and a Call to Action for Our Future

Event Recap

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.

  • The evening opened with a powerful VIP conversation featuring voices from LSP’s cherished village:
    Dr. Uché Blackstock, Lurie Daniel-Favors, Mark Winston Griffith, and Richard Beavers—each of whom spoke to the urgent need to build and sustain our own institutions.

  • Guests enjoyed delicious bites and Black brilliance from Brooklyn-based vendors like The Fork Goes on the Left and These Little Cookies.

  • And then, we danced! We danced in honor of legacy. We danced into the arms of what’s next.

In a full-circle moment that could only happen at LSP, our very first student has now become our new Executive Director. Mama Aaliyah steps into this role with the wisdom of her mentor, the passion of a mother, and the fierce commitment to our community’s future.

And that future begins now.

Supporting Our Students

At Little Sun People, we know that early childhood is the most powerful time to nurture brilliance. It’s when our children begin to form a sense of who they are, what they’re capable of, and how much they matter. When they are seen, celebrated, and challenged in the right environment, they don’t just learn—they thrive.

That’s why we’ve expanded our offerings to serve children beyond preschool—meeting their growing needs with a full, year-round ecosystem of culturally grounded learning.

  • Our Kindergarten Classroom offers a warm, academically rich environment rooted in African-centered values and small-group instruction.

  • Our Afterschool Program provides personalized academic support, creative enrichment, and a safe, loving space for elementary-aged children to grow and explore.

  • Our Summer Cultural Explorers Program keeps the learning going with hands-on experiences that deepen cultural pride, build community, and spark joy.

These programs are more than just additions—they are a natural extension of LSP’s commitment to raising confident, curious, and culturally grounded learners. And with your support, we can ensure that every child has access to the high-quality education they deserve.

Help Us Grow by Giving

When fully funded, Little Sun People’s programs have the power to change lives. Your gift to the Annual Fund makes it possible for us to:

  • Create and maintain safe, inspiring classrooms

  • Provide rich curriculum materials, books, technology, and supplies

  • Support families who rely on childcare vouchers

  • Sustain and grow our African-centered programming

  • Train and retain the exceptional educators who pour love and excellence into our children every day

Little Sun People doesn’t have a large endowment or a long list of corporate sponsors—we have you. Our strength is in our community, and every donation—large or small—is a vote of confidence in our children’s futures. Give today to help us build strong minds, proud spirits, and a brighter tomorrow for our little sun people.

 
Charlene TurnerComment