Sankofa Speaker Series: Dr. Charles Tolliferreo, DMD.

On Thursday, April 16, 2021, DonCARES and Mr. Forrest's classroom hosted Charles Tolliferreo, DMD. Dr. T is a dentist in North Philadelphia and a childhood friend of Forrest who recently graduated from Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry.

The Sankofa Speaker Series is an initiative started by DonCARES in 2021 that aims to introduce high school students in North Philadelphia to young black professionals in their community who are leading enterprises, pursuing an education, and giving back to their communities.

Dr. T grew up at 19th and Erie and shared his experiences growing up in Nicetown, graduating from Philly public schools, IUP, Rutgers, and ultimately Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry.

All in all, Dr. T inspired 9th-grade students in Mr. Forrest's Literature class to think outside of the box for what is possible for black men and women coming from communities in Nicetown. Dr. T encouraged students to set a goal and go for it. Ultimately, sharing that his success was attributed mostly to his faith in God and his community's unwavering support.