More Than a Month: Black History, Prevention, and Possibility at Brackins Village
In 1926, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established what was then called “Negro History Week” to ensure that the contributions of Black Americans were not overlooked in the broader telling of American history. Nearly 100 years later, that work continues not only in textbooks, but in communities.
This month, Youth180’s Prevention Team brought Black History Month directly into Brackins Village, a Dallas Housing Authority community serving families working toward self-sustainability. For many of the students in attendance, nearly 90 percent of whom identify as Black, the event was more than a celebration. It was a moment of reflection, pride, and affirmation.
History & Culture
For Youth180 Prevention Specialist Karen Burley, Black History Month has always meant culture. Growing up with a mother who was a history teacher, she learned early that history must be intentionally preserved and shared. Too often, she reflected, cultural history is minimized or forgotten. Bringing this celebration into the community was about restoring that visibility and helping students see that Black history is still shaping the world around them.
“Black History Month means culture. A lot of times history can be forgotten. We’re here to put it back into the community so students can learn who they are.”
— Karen Burley, Youth180 Prevention Specialist
Hosting this event inside a housing community changes the dynamic. Instead of limiting history to a classroom lesson, it becomes part of students’ lived environment. It reinforces that their stories, their culture, and their community matter.
That connection aligns directly with Youth180’s broader prevention work at Brackins. Prevention is not simply curriculum delivery. It is relationship building. It is trust. It is consistent presence.
Identity & Consistency
For Prevention Specialist Jackie Jackson, identity plays a central role in that work. She described prevention as grounded in communication, cultural awareness, listening, and authentic relationships. Those everyday interactions build credibility with youth and families and create the foundation for meaningful impact.
Jackie also emphasized that Black History Month should never feel confined to one calendar page.
“It goes beyond celebrating for one month. It’s about recognizing the contributions of Black individuals and inspiring future generations to keep striving for excellence.”
— Jackie Jackson, Youth180 Prevention Specialist
Both leaders spoke about helping students see possibility. When young people understand who came before them and what they overcame, it reframes what feels achievable in their own lives.
At Brackins Village, that message was visible in powerful ways. Students engaged with pride. Families participated together. History was not distant or abstract. It was personal and present.
Through partnerships like this, prevention becomes more than risk reduction. It becomes empowerment.
About Our Work with the Dallas Housing Authority
Youth180 is proud to serve as the Prevention Partner of the Dallas Housing Authority, which provides affordable quality housing and access to supportive resources for more than 53,500 people each day across seven counties through public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program.
At Brackins Village and other DHA communities, Youth180 provides family engagement events, prevention education, and ongoing programming designed to strengthen protective factors for youth and families. By meeting families where they live, we create trusted relationships, increase access to resources, and build environments where young people can thrive.