National Black Child Development Institute

We are thrilled to announce that award-winning writer of poetry and Black children's fiction, Kwame Alexander, will be the keynote speaker at NBCDI’s Creative Gathering on October 18th at the ZuCot Gallery in Atlanta! Kwame’s work, which beautifully centers Black children in stories of joy, resilience, and representation, aligns perfectly with NBCDI’s commitment to ensuring that every Black child has access to books and toys that reflect their identity and potential. His storytelling uplifts our vision for a world where Black children are seen, supported, and celebrated. Don’t miss this powerful event! Secure your tickets today and join us in celebrating Black excellence and creativity. https://lnkd.in/ewQf4U_K #NBCDI #KwameAlexander #CreativeGathering #RepresentationMatters #BlackChildJoy #EmpoweringBlackChildren

Neighborhoods and communities matter. For many, they are the foundation for beautiful and meaningful connections. When connectedness occurs, safety is inevitable. Research has shown that healthy neighborhoods and communal conditions have a profound impact on Black children and their futures. Safe communities for Black children mean safe spaces, community cohesion, school connectedness, and neighborhood services. Safety is an essential part of life that inspires empathy, resilience, and empowerment. This election season safe communities are on the line. It is pivotal that we elect leaders at both the local and national levels who understand Black children and communities need safety to foster feelings of belonging and inhibit prosperity. Safety is the groundwork for a hopeful and bright future. Our vote must represent this belief for our Black children and communities to grow.

We are thrilled to announce that Terri-Nichelle Bradley, CEO and Founder of Brown Toy Box will be honored at NBCDI’s Creative Gathering on October 17th at ZuCot Gallery in Atlanta, GA. As a trailblazer in education and entrepreneurship, Terri-Nichelle has dedicated her career to creating culturally affirming toys that inspire and empower Black children. Her visionary leadership and commitment to reshaping narratives about Black excellence align with our 8 essential outcomes and what we envision for all Black children. We are happy to recognize and celebrate her impact on our community. Join us for this special evening as we honor her work and celebrate the power of Black creativity and voices! Visit the link here to be a part of the experience. Get your ticket today! https://lnkd.in/ewQf4U_K #NBCDI #CreativeGathering #TerriNichelleBradley #BrownToyBox #BlackExcellence #CommunityPower #AtlantaEvents #ZuCotGallery #BlackCreativity

It’s Children’s Environmental Health Day! Did you know? An estimated 34% of children's chronic illnesses and developmental challenges are caused by environmental factors. These impacts are not distributed equally. Environmental hazards are disproportionately concentrated among communities of color due to enduring, pervasive racist policies like redlining. These harms disproportionately affect children in lower-income families as well as Black, Latino/a, Indigenous, and other children of color. Improving our children’s health depends on righting these environmental injustices. At NBCDI, we envision a world where every Black child has access to clean air, water and the resources needed to lead healthy lives. Together, we can build a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all children. Read the environmental-focused Voter Guide from Children's Environmental Health Network here: https://bit.ly/3ZPKso5

We are excited to announce that renowned poet Ariana Francesca will be performing an exclusive, newly commissioned piece at NBCDI’s Creative Gathering on October 17th at the esteemed ZuCot Gallery in Atlanta, GA. This special event will be a celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community, bringing together visionaries, artists, and advocates who are shaping the future for Black children and families. Ariana Francesca’s powerful words will illuminate the beauty, strength, and resilience of our communities in this pivotal moment. Join us for an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and inspiration! Visit the link here to be a part of the experience. Get your ticket today! https://bit.ly/3U4moKn #NBCDI #CreativeGathering #BlackCreativity #ZuCotGallery #BlackExcellence

Voters want candidates to have a plan to address both #ChildCare and #EarlyChildhoodEducation. Lydia Carlis, PhD, a Public Voices Fellow in partnership with The OpEd Project, dives into the challenges of early childhood care and how the presidential candidates’ focus on the issue of child care between now and Election Day may impact the outcome. Lydia calls on the need to create an early childhood education system that centers on positive experiences for all of America’s children. Read her article here: https://bit.ly/3XO5T6q

NBCDI is on Tour! NBCDI is on the ground, engaging directly with our Village Network! Our VP of Policy, Alycia Hardy, MPA, and VP of Movement Building & Strategy, Terrance M. McKinley, visited our village, BCDI-Phiadelphia & Vicinity, to connect with local leaders, advocates, and partners. This visit is part of our national effort to learn from the lived experiences of the Black families we serve. We’re celebrating the strength, resilience, and brilliance within our communities while continuing to elevate the voices and expertise that drive real change. Stay with us as we amplify the power of our communities across the country! #NBCDI #BCDIPhilly #BlackExcellence #OnTheGround #NBCDIRoadshow #NBCDIVillageTour

This #ChildHealthDay we celebrate the ongoing work that is happening across the nation to make our Eight Essential Outcomes for Black Child Development related to Black children’s health a reality. At NBCDI, we believe in the prosperous future of Black children. Good health is the foundation of such a reality. Every child deserves to be the healthiest version of themselves. This standard is nonetheless for Black children. To celebrate such a special day, we must also recognize the ongoing need for change in Black children’s health. For countless Black children and families, health is a sore spot. There are severe disparities Black children face in the health industry. Physical and emotional health alike are important cornerstones for a long and happy life. Research shows that Black children face disparate conditions with health care consistently. From medicine prescriptions to diagnoses, Black children are unjustly served by the healthcare systems. We must continue to fight against the senseless form of injustice today and beyond.

Black children deserve to be on a safe internet where they can advance their digital skills and connect safely. Research shows 40% of young adolescents from ages 8 to 12 use some form of social media. As technology becomes more integrated into our society, our kids’ health and safety must be prioritized. Technology can be a space to grow and prosper into one’s most beautiful self, but it can also be a negative space that fuels hatred and bigotry. This requires a collective effort. Parents and families cannot be the only stakeholders worried about children’s digital safety. This election season, we must advocate for protective internet policies that hold companies accountable, ensuring that prevention is at the forefront of addressing digital safety and citizenship. This means we must all work together to create online spaces and communities where children can thrive. As you prepare to vote, we urge you to consider who you’re voting to represent you, your children, and your community on these critical issues. Learn more about the candidates on your ballot here: https://bit.ly/3Z5UqRZ

At NBCDI, we stand with our President and CEO, Leah Austin, EdD demanding equitable, supportive education for Black girls. The GAO report shows a troubling reality: Black girls, who make up just 15% of public school students, account for nearly half of suspensions and expulsions—reflecting systemic biases that hinder their growth and potential. We are committed to ensuring every Black child attends a school that affirms and expands them. It’s time to take action and dismantle these unjust practices. Let’s unite to create trauma-informed, anti-racist education systems that uplift rather than push out our girls. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3Y8Lfzn #BlackGirlsMatter #EquityInEducation #NBCDI