Atlanta Life Insurance Group, a Black-owned insurance company led by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, partnered with the Shipley Family Foundation to provide support for Chandler Park Academy School District in Detroit. The partnership resulted in a district-wide donation of books and a $1,500 contribution to further educational efforts. The event took place at the Chandler Park Academy Elementary Media Library, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders.
Books were donated to every school in the district as part of the initiative, aiming to support literacy and provide additional learning resources for students. Financial support came in the form of a $1,500 check, which the district can use to enhance its educational programming.
“This partnership between Atlanta Life Insurance Group and Chandler Park Academy is a testament to the power of education and community,” said Mrs. Diane Fisher, Ed.S., CEO of Education Enrichment Services, LLC. “Together, we’re giving students the tools to understand their potential, navigate their futures, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
The contribution extended beyond books. Atlanta Life Insurance Group led a Financial Literacy Workshop, equipping students with the tools to understand foundational financial principles. This type of knowledge is essential for breaking generational cycles of poverty and empowering young people to make informed decisions about their futures. Financial literacy is often overlooked, but this workshop made it clear: understanding money is power, and that power belongs in our communities.
The $1,500 check that accompanied the donation may seem modest compared to other contributions, but the intent behind it carried significant weight. It’s not just about the money—it’s about what it symbolizes. This is an investment in Black futures, an affirmation that Detroit’s youth are worth the effort, the resources, and the commitment.
This initiative is rooted in legacy. The Shipley Family Foundation, continues to carry his vision of equity in education. Dr. Shipley believed in creating spaces where all students could thrive. The Foundation’s partnership with Atlanta Life underscores a shared mission to empower students with the tools they need to succeed.
For the students of Chandler Park Academy, the message was clear: they matter. The books donated will open new worlds for them. The financial literacy skills will provide tools for independence and confidence. The investment will fund opportunities that might not have existed otherwise. Each piece of this initiative builds on the next, creating a ripple effect that will last far beyond this single event.
The moment also calls attention to the larger responsibility of institutions, businesses, and community leaders to step up. Detroit’s schools have long faced inequities, and too often, the students are the ones left to pay the price. This partnership between Atlanta Life Insurance Group and the Shipley Family Foundation shows what can happen when the focus shifts to solutions. It’s not about waiting for someone else to fix the problem—it’s about showing up and putting in the work.
The contributions of Atlanta Life Insurance Group and the Shipley Family Foundation highlight efforts to support education and financial empowerment in the community. For Chandler Park Academy, the resources will provide opportunities for students to engage with literacy and financial learning in new ways. The event represents an effort to enhance educational access and outcomes for students in Detroit.