Black Emotional Learning Hub launches at Hillside High; first-of-its-kind in the U.S.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A historic moment unfolded at Hillside High School in Durham on Thursday morning. The first-ever Black Social Emotional Liberation Hub was launched, making it the first of its kind in the country.

The Black SEL HUB is described as a prevention-focused, culturally grounded space to affirm, uplift, and empower Black students through social emotional learning and liberation.

Black SEL Hub founder and Executive Director, Kristen Hopkins-Vincent, cut the ceremonial ribbon on the Hub surrounded by community leaders, school partners, and advocates. She said it was an investment nearly 10 years in the making.

It started as an initiative, moved to a nonprofit, and is now a liberation and learning hub.

"We want our kids to feel liberated by this work. We want to see the power that they have inside of them to see their dreams fulfilled, so we have really moved from this learning experience to liberation," she explained.

Hopkins-Vincent said kids flourish when they have the right support. She said this dedicated space at Hillside will be a place where students' voices are heard and their wellness prioritized.

"We want to open the doors to kids that just need moments to regulate their emotions. They may be having a bad day, might be ready to fight and they say I need to go to the black sel to regulate my emotions. I need to do some self-reflection. I need to mediate and we create that space for them to talk through that."

There's also a curriculum for students, along with additional support for students who are frequently faced with in-school suspensions. "We need to let them understand that their emotions control everything that they do. It's not just about academics but how we regulate our emotions constantly," Hopkins-Vincent continued.

Hillside has been a constant partner with Black SEL through summer programs and initiatives. Principal Dr. Joshua Mallory said students have responded positively to the programs and this dedicated space inside the school is a great next step.

"Hopefully, this can be something we model and show the true essence and nature of healthful living, mental health awareness, and the overall promotion of student health in our school system that will give them better outcomes," he shared.

Dr.Mallory said this program can help students beyond the classroom. "Not only academically, but socially, and provide better decision-making skills when they step out in the real world."

This space will also serve the community as a place to host workshops, healing circles, and leadership development.