06/19/2026
Taking a look back on this beautiful Juneteenth holiday is the perfect time to reflect on our historic East Coast journey!
Flashing back to May 19th–23rd, when our amazing scholars stood foot in history. As the only African American private school in Kern County with over 35 years of legacy, seeing our scholars embark on our very first 6th-grade class trip to Washington, D.C. was a true testament to how far we have come. From visiting the U.S. Capitol and standing at the White House to taking in the profound history at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, our kids didn’t just learn about history—they stepped right into it.
A major highlight of our trip was experiencing the legendary, world-class hospitality at the stunning Salamander Hotel, proudly owned by African American billionaire and trailblazing entrepreneur, Sheila Johnson . The incredible hospitality team gave us a private, exclusive tour of this premier luxury space, priding themselves on excellence at every turn.
Our scholars were even treated to an exclusive presentation and tasting by the amazing Food Network star, Chef Martel Stone ! He gave our kids an unforgettable culinary experience right from the hotel’s kitchen.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing coordinator, Cheryl Bowie .joytravel , for setting us up, maximizing this experience for our families, and making our travel seamless from Bakersfield to D.C. so we could experience this history firsthand!
On this day of celebrating freedom and excellence, we thank God that as African Americans, we can pave these ways, experience these moments, and give our children the world.
Swipe to see more historic moments—including our stops at Howard University, Frederick Douglass’s house, and the Mayor Marion Barry Jr. statue! 🇺🇸✨✊🏾
06/18/2026
04/26/2026
04/26/2026