Steve Chittenden Visits Make It Worthy: A Day of History, Inspiration, and Community Engagement

On April 3rd, 2025, Make It Worthy had the honor of hosting Community Advocator, Leader and educator Steve Chittenden for a special event that left a lasting impact on both students and staff. Steve’s visit was more than just a lecture; it was an unforgettable educational experience that explored the rich history of the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the life and legacy of one of America's most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln.

During his hour-long lecture, Steve captivated the audience by sharing a unique and valuable artifact – a document written and signed by President Abraham Lincoln. This remarkable piece of history set the stage for a deep dive into the Civil War era, shedding light on Lincoln's presidency, his relationship with key figures such as Frederick Douglass, and the enduring efforts to abolish slavery.

Steve’s lecture covered crucial moments in history, including the Emancipation Proclamation, the pivotal decisions Lincoln made during the war, and his commitment to preserving the Union. The students were particularly engaged as Steve detailed the profound relationship between Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, highlighting how the two men, despite their different backgrounds, worked together toward a common goal of ending slavery.

One of the most striking aspects of Steve’s presentation was his discussion of Lincoln’s famous speeches, particularly the Gettysburg Address. Steve explained that Lincoln, in his wisdom, believed that the material would not endure for long, yet it continues to resonate through generations, solidifying Lincoln’s place as a central figure in American history.

The students were highly engaged and asked insightful questions throughout the lecture. Some of the questions included: “Why was Abraham Lincoln killed?” “Why did Abraham Lincoln end slavery?” “How old was Abraham Lincoln when he was assassinated?” and “Will Steve come back to share more history lessons?” These questions reflected the students’ deep curiosity and eagerness to learn more about Lincoln’s life and legacy.

In addition to the historical content, Steve also acknowledged a significant challenge faced by many of the students: their struggles with reading skills. Recognizing that literacy is essential for understanding history and empowering future generations, Steve pledged his commitment to help students improve their reading abilities. This gesture resonated deeply with the Founder and Executive Director of Make It Worthy, Abdoulie Jarju, who expressed his gratitude for Steve’s support.

“Improving literacy is exactly why I founded Make It Worthy,” said Mr. Jarju. “There are many students in middle and high school whose reading skills are below basic, and it’s imperative that we provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed.”

Steve’s promise to collaborate with Make It Worthy to improve reading skills is a tremendous step forward in fulfilling the organization’s mission. Abdoulie Jarju emphasized that more connections and collaborations like this are essential to making a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, and families in Snohomish County.

Joelta Seneh, Co-Founder and Development Director of Make It Worthy, expressed her thanks to Steve for visiting the center and for providing the students with an opportunity to engage with history in such a personal and meaningful way. She also called on community leaders and businesses to join Make It Worthy’s efforts, stating, “We need more partnerships to help our students and youth gain the skills and opportunities they deserve.”

Steve’s visit was not only a historical lesson but also a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of young people. It underscored the need for continued collaboration, education, and mentorship to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Make It Worthy is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, empowering students to become lifelong learners and leaders in their communities. As Abdoulie Jarju and Joelta Seneh continue to champion education and literacy in Snohomish County, they look forward to more partnerships that will help build brighter futures for all.”