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“We aim to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in trade and logistics,” said Robert Reiter, CEO of the United States for DHL Global Forwarding. “This isn’t just about learning the basics—it’s about equipping young people with the skills and confidence they need to step into the workforce. International trade and the supply chain offer great long-term growth prospects for young people of all backgrounds, and we are dedicated to helping them seize these opportunities.”
Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future, INC. and global logistics leader DHL announce the “Pollee and Rose Allen School of Trade and Logistics.” The free school is based on DHL's Go Teach curriculum and targets individuals who want to learn about the world of logistics and trade.
Classes will be held at Nazaree Full Gospel Church in Mobile, Alabama, just a few miles away from historic Africatown, the town Clotilda Survivors Pollee and Rose Allen helped co-found, or on ZOOM for students across North America.
The first class begins on January 28, 2025.
The curriculum is a comprehensive framework that includes structured lessons, hands-on activities, teachings, Q& A sessions with logistics executives, and dedicated mentorship, all aimed at giving students the tools they need to thrive.
DHL will support the school with resources, materials and volunteering from its GoTeach corporate citizenship program. With access to a rich library of information and virtual teaching supported by DHL volunteers, students will be equipped to navigate the complexities of logistics, sell products cross-border, and explore entrepreneurial ventures in this field.
The GoTeach program aims to empower young people from disadvantaged communities with the tools to thrive professionally through general job preparation and career readiness. Students will engage in lessons covering essential topics like job interviews, developing soft skills, and creating strong résumés and CVs. They’ll also learn about the importance of a strong work ethic, crucial for long-term career success. At the end of the program, students could be matched with mentors who guide them as they take their first steps into their careers.
Please register below for the virtual class
Please register below for in-person class
This school is named for Pollee and Rose Allen, two of the co- founders of Africatown. Africatown was established by 32 survivors of the Clotilda, the last documented slave ship to illegally bring 110 enslaved Africans to colonial America in 1860.
LaRocco said she chose this location for the school because Africatown has long endured economic and environmental apartheid, and her nonprofit, Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future, INC., is committed to contributing to its revival and empowerment.
The Allen family’s story is unique because their loved ones, Pollee Allen and his wife Rose were kidnapped from Africa and brought to the U.S. illegally in 1860 on The Clotilda, 53 years after Congress passed The Act Prohibiting the Importation of Slaves in 1807. The Allen story dives deeper into the rich culture of African communal living with the formation of Africatown, founded by Pollee, Rose and 30 other Clotilda survivors.
The descendants of Pollee still keep the customs and traditions alive. The past is always present in Africatown as residents who are related to the founders, never forget where they came from. From the food prepared to the church hymns sung on Sunday, Pollee’s memory is still fresh in his loved ones’ daily activities.
Veda Robbins, School Administrator Great-great-great Granddaughter of Pollee & Rose Allen
“Pollee Allen and Rose Allen were important in the founding of Africatown. Pollee was a leader in the community and Rose was the backbone of the family. What has come down through my family is the value of sharing knowledge and connections, and working together to build up your community, like they helped to
Vernetta Henson, Family Historian and Great-great-granddaughter of Pollee & Rose Allen
“My grandmother, Ora Ellis Floyd who is Pollee and Rose’s granddaughter, taught me when you learn something, you have a responsibility to teach it to others. That’s why I say each one, teach one. This school exemplifies that mantra."