A’Shayla Brewster's Fundraiser
A'Shayla Goes to Senegal, for the 400 Year Return of the African Diaspora
Join me and make a difference, please give today
We are no longer accepting donations on this campaign, but there are other ways for you to support us today!
Tim Bell
"Have a good trip young lady!"
$300
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Popcorn Sales
I donated in support of this campaign.
$422
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Paul Zabriskie
"Dear A'Shayla, When you begin your adventure, stay in the moment and let your sense take everything in. Paul Zabriskie"
$150
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Doris Reliford
"You are so blessed to be representing all young women, good luck. Doris & Charles Reliford"
$25
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Marilyn Mackel
"A'Shayla, you will return knowing there is NOTHING that you cannot do. "
$50
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Darren Wellington
"Closer?"
$50
A supporter of A’Shayla Brewster
"Wishing you success in your endeavors!"
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Christopher Noll
I donated in support of this campaign.
$200
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Rea Campbell
"I loved reading about your dreams and ambitions & that you are 'making it happen'. Inspirational."
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Dennis Smith
"Have an awesome trip!"
$150
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Dave Ochoa
"Have a great trip! "
$25
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sherri banks
"Enjoy and grow!"
$100
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Jen Humphreys
"Monica sent me. :) Have fun on your trip!"
$50
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MARY HEFFRON
"A GREAT CAUSE!"
$20
A supporter of A’Shayla Brewster
"Young leaders grow wiser through a wide variety of experience. "
$50
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Derolyn Dozier
"I know you will enjoy the experience! "
$100
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Brenda Love
"Chase your dreams, A'Shayla!"
$50
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Elaine Lew-Smith
"Wishing A'Shayla well & remember to pay it forward!"
$30
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Treesy Brewster
"I hope you enjoy yourself "
$100
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Vivian Cade
"Good Luck!"
$50
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Popcorn Sales
I donated in support of this campaign.
$125
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Darren Wellington
"Missed my popcorn :( Nextime :)"
$105
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Dawn Dougherty
"Such and amazing opportunity! Safe travels and good luck to you!"
$100
A supporter of A’Shayla Brewster
I donated in support of this campaign.
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Lin Kassouni
"In honor of Monica Wellington - and so excited for your journey!"
$50
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Tessie Ochoa
"Enjoy your wonderful adventures "
$25
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Jasmin Griggs
I donated in support of this campaign.
$40
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Belanie Dishong
"You shine A'Shayla .... and enjoy your journey. Belanie Dishong"
$50
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Popcorn Sales
I donated in support of this campaign.
$341
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Latisha Baker
I donated in support of this campaign.
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Edmund Robinson
I donated in support of this campaign.
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Stephen Daniels
I donated in support of this campaign.
$25
I'm Fundraising My Way to Africa to Experience a Whole New World for Me!
Hi, my name is A'Shayla Brewster, and I am fundraising to fulfill my lifelong dream of going to Africa. I am a 16-year-old African American girl who is eager to visit Senegal, West Africa. To my amazement and joy, I have been selected to be part of the Cinnamongirl cohort, a group of smart girls who are doing cool things in their communities and schools. We will all make a journey to Senegal this summer. This will be the very first trip abroad for Cinnamongirl Inc. and I am so excited to be part of this unique group of women and girls.
I remember being very young when my uncle was selected to take part in a trip to Senegal with a small group of 16-year old boys. Upon his return, I remember asking when it would be the girls' turn to travel. Ever since then, I have dreamed of going to Africa. All of their stories including the women on the streets doing hair, the beautiful handmade masks, amazing artwork, and just being in a land where I represent the majority would be a dream come true. I am already in love with Africa.
I want to experience what it feels like getting off the plane and being surrounded by people who look like me. I wonder if I will feel a special connection, if I will feel at home even while thousands of miles away from my hometown in Oakland, CA. I wonder if I'll see similarities in my African American culture and the ways things are done in Senegal. These are things I've dreamed of since I was a little girl.
Each member of my Cinnamongirl Cohort is working on a Passion Project. I am excited to work on my Passion Project - how to best manage natural African American hair. Like many African American girls, I have a tough time maintaining my natural hair. Learning how to style my hair has always been a struggle. My uncle told stories about how African women couldn't wait to get their hands in his hair, so hopefully they feel the same about me. I want to learn about the products and techniques that Senegalese women use, and try to capture some of the culture we lost through generations of separation. I would also like to find techniques/styles that will help me maintain my natural hair. I look forward to bringing back all I learn and sharing it with my community so that girls and women will feel more confident about caring for and styling their natural hair.
A donation of any amount will get me one step closer to my dream. Your support means the world to me