🖤 “It took time for me to get comfortable using this language [Black English] in the workspace... but this doesn’t mean I lack communication or vocabulary. This is cultural.” — PD Institute Participant, Session 4: Black English

🚨 Registration is officially OPEN for the BlackECE Professional Development Institute – Cohort 2!

✈️ BlackECE showed up and showed out at the 2025 National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) Conference in HOTtlanta! Our team joined powerful sessions like:

Our Lift Every Voice Advocates celebrated two years together with a retreat at the historic Sims Library Of Poetry in Los Angeles, CA. The retreat was nothing short of fulfilling, joyous, and rewarding.

August 16th - 17th, 2025. Our Lift Every Voice Advocates attended their 2nd Annual Retreat at the historic Sims Library Of Poetry in Los Angeles, CA.

Thank you to all of our sponsors of our BlackECE Symposium: Dismantling Linguistic Oppression. This event couldn't have happened, and parents and child care providers wouldn't have been able to attend without you. Thank you! #BlackECESymposium #BlackLangaugeJustice #BlackEnglish #AffirmOurCulture

Symposium Speaker: Dr. Tonia Durden Scholar of racial equity in early learning and a fierce advocate for culturally responsive classrooms, Dr. Tonia Durden is a national leader in transforming ECE systems.

Symposium Spotlight: Dr. Jerell Hill Educator. Leader. Advocate. Dr. Jerell Hill, Dean of the School of Human Development and Education at Pacific Oaks College, is transforming education from the ground up.

Symposium Panelist: Dr. Aisha White With decades of experience advancing racial identity development and Black visibility in early learning, Dr. Aisha White is a scholar, activist, and storyteller.

Join us in congratulating KEISHA NZEWI on her two-year anniversary as Woman In Charge at BlackECE. Her vision for this organization began well before then. 🥂🎉

Poet, musician, and storyteller Micah Bournes—one of our incredible panelists at the 2025 BlackECE Symposium!

“Juneteenth Is” by Natasha Tripplett is a joyful, poetic celebration of Black freedom, culture, and community. With rich language and vibrant illustrations, this book helps young readers understand what Juneteenth is — not just a day in history, but a living legacy of resilience, pride, and joy.

Continue to teach the meaning of freedom with “The Story of Juneteenth” by Dorena Williamson — a beautifully written book that helps children understand the history and heart behind this powerful celebration.

Continue the Juneteenth learning journey with “The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers” by Dr. Arlisha Norwood!

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for Cohort 2 of the Institute for Culturally Affirming Practices for Black Children!

🤝🏿Become a Symposium Sponsor! 🌟 Support the BlackECE Symposium: Dismantling Linguistic Oppression and gain valuable exposure for your organization while championing racial justice in early childhood education!

🎶 Juneteenth & Music: An Expression of Freedom ✊🏽

📢Lift Every Voice Open House Rescheduled! The Lift Every Voice Open House has been rescheduled for September 27th, 2025!

📆 Mark your calendars! On Saturday, June 14, 2025, we will be hosting the Lift Every Voice Open House in Los Angeles. Lift Every Voice is a powerful collective of Black early care and education providers united to advocate for racial wage justice.

As we approach this important holiday, it’s crucial to reflect on the untold labor of Black child care providers—past and present. Without them, our society, workforce, and children would be severely impacted.

Meet Lift Every Voice (LEV): This powerful coalition of Black early educators is fighting for equity, justice, and inclusion for Black children, families, and child care providers across California.

✨ The Unsung Heroes of Child Care: Black child care providers are some of the most dedicated individuals, yet they continue to be undervalued in society. From teaching cultural heritage to fostering academic success, these providers are shaping the future of America, one child at a time.

💡 Did You Know? The history of Black child care providers in America runs deep with resilience and dedication. For generations, Black women have played a pivotal role in child care, often without recognition or adequate compensation.

🌟 Join Us for an Empowering Webinar: Centering and Cultivating Black/African American Leadership in P-3 Education! 🌟https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hRveaJ95RBek14-MajgR5A#/registration

They not like us! #LiftEveryVoice #BlackECE #BlackEnglish #CareCantWait

Yesterday, our incredible Lift Every Voice advocates and BlackECE staff showed up and spoke out at our Second Annual Lift Every Voice Lobby Day at the California State Capitol!

We're at CAAASA! Our Woman in Charge, Woman That Makes Things Happen, and BlackECE co-founders Dr. LaWanda Wesley and Dr. Carla Bryant are in the building at the CAAASA Conference in Los Angeles! 🖤✊🏾

📢 Last Thursday, BlackECE brought the fight for racial wage justice to Sacramento!

When we talk about the future of Black leadership in policy and justice, Justin Blakely is a name that will be remembered among the greats.

Tonia McMillian is her ancestors' dream.

Samantha C. Thompson is Black History. Samantha C. Thompson is not just a leader—she’s a trailblazer and a living testament to Black history in action.

It's not too late to continue celebrating Black History Month with us! Save $100 on your BlackECE Symposium registration if you register by February 28, 2025, at 11:59PM. If you missed last year's symposium, you DEFINITELY don't want to miss this year. Secure your spot today!

A Living Legend of Black History Within Herself Today, we acknowledge and celebrate our Woman in Charge, Keisha Nzewi—a tireless advocate, leader, and co-founder of Black Californians United for Early Care and Education.