Hey Y’all! As we wrap up this year and get ready for new beginnings, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect, because listen… we did A LOT in 2025. From August to December, we showed up for our kids, for our families, for one another. We created spaces for hope, accountability, joy, and real talk. We advocated, we celebrated, and we grew; so grab your favorite warm drink and let’s rewind through some of the most EPiC moments of the year.

In August, while we (mostly the kids) were mourning the end of summer, we (mostly adults) were celebrating the most wonderful time of the year… BACK TO SCHOOL!!

I reminded us about our first ever Multi-Family (some could say Multi-Generational) Circle of Hope.  So riding on its coattails, we started this school year with dusting off Dr. LaMarcus Howard’s Mental Health Toolkit.  I am so happy that I am writing this recap because we could revisit the toolkit for the new year. Let’s start 2026 by refilling our cups by: 

  • Journaling
  • Movement and fresh air (even in the cold, Imma need some support on that)
  • Rest (my fave)
  • Prayer and Grounding
  • Healthy eating and hydration (I am so proud of myself in continuing to do this)
  • Meditation and quiet time
  • Limiting screen (note to self: us too)
  • Self-care without apology
  • Practicing gratitude daily

Like we did at the beginning of the school year, we are going to set the tone for 2026 of showing up whole, for ourselves and our kids.  Let’s move on to September cue EWF).

If you know me, you know I love some good data and the DPS Data Dive did not disappoint in September. At the September Parent Ambassador meeting, Dr. Anthony Lewis (DPS Superintendent) came through with some celebrations:

  • 88.9% of DPS schools met or exceeded growth — highest since 2019!
  • DPS is Top 10 in NC for growth
  • #1 among the 12 largest districts in the state
  • Schools moving up in performance — we’re back on track!
  • Three high schools with 100% graduation rates!

That’s progress, purpose, and potential working hand-in-hand. We celebrated our students, a little bruised and battle-worn from the previous year, but still here, still rising, still EPiC.  Now let’s move to my favorite month of the year, October.

In October, our men lead the way.  At EPiC, we launched out Men’s Early Childhood Collective.  It’s a private space, a healing space, a brave space, and a space for brotherhood.  These men continue to dive into the big questions:

  • What does fatherhood mean in our community?
  • How do we show up with leadership and love?
  • What does it look like to be our full, authentic selves while advocating for our children?

Like I said in October, I am not privy to all the goings on, but just know that they are doing the work and are looking forward to welcoming more men to the brotherhood.  Here comes November, let’s see what we did last month.

November EPiC had a Night of Joy and Generosity.  The EPiC Silent Auction at Provident 1898 was classy, elegant, and a whole vibe.

We walked into a transformed space with black linens, red roses, tealights, rubies, and left with:

  • Full hearts
  • Great memories
  • Stronger bonds
  • And support to keep our mission moving forward

Food, laughter, bidding wars, and community power… it was a night to remember; and that energy was the thread woven through our entire year.  From August to December, we chose our kids and we chose ourselves.  Through wellness, celebrations, new collectives, and joyful gatherings, one thing remained constant:

We are creating spaces where Black families are seen, valued, and leading change. I would like to thank all of you for:

  • Showing up (and sometimes showing out)
  • Sharing your stories
  • Trusting us (EPiC) with your knowledge
  • Advocating for our babies
  • Continuing to build alongside us

So as we look to 2026, you may be wondering what’s next (if you’re not it’s ok, I understand).  We will continue to have our Men’s, Women’s, and Multi-Family Circle of Hope.  Our Parent Leadership Collectives will continue to grow deeper roots.  We will continue to expand our school-based partnerships.  All in all we will continue to build the future that our kids deserve, and we will continue to do it together.  

Whew, my fingers are tired y’all (they straight up about to fall off).  But I want to end this last What Had Happened Was for 2025, with a warm hug, some hot chocolate, and my desire for all of you to have a wonderful, safe, and restful holiday season.  See you in 2026, and…

As always… Be well… Be Excellent… Be EPiC!

 

By Mavreen Nanton-Scott