National Black Child Development Institute

As we make our way to the polls this election, we’re voting for children like Darius. Black children deserve to enjoy meals with vegetables that are healthy and culturally relevant. We envision a future where all Black children have access to healthy foods that provide them with the nutrition they need to grow. Vote for access to healthier meals this election. Who are the Black children in your life that you are voting for? Share a photo and use the hashtag #NBCDI!

This election, we’re voting for Black children like James, who deserve the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. Access to environmental pillars such as clean air and water is fundamental in child development from birth, into healthy adolescents, and later into adults. Local, state, and federal elections play an important role in shaping our children's environmental future, and this year, these important issues are on your ballot. As election day nears, we encourage you to know who you’re voting for and the communities they seek to represent in our nation. Share a photo of the Black children in your life who you are voting for and use the hashtag #NBCDI!

Congrats to The OpEd Project #publicvoices fellow Markus Flynn (w/ National Black Child Development Institute) for his work through Black Men Teach. Kudos for doing necessary and transformative work.

This election season we must vote with our Black children in mind. Time and time again, systemic racism and injustices rob our children of their right to simply be a child. The adultification of Black children is a horrific wrongdoing that we must work to reverse. Research shows that Black children are often treated as adults at the age of 13. Such perceptions spring damaging and consequential effects on Black children that presume guilt and danger. These presumptions spur the overrepresentation of Black boys and girls run-ins with disciplinary actions in schools and further down the line, the carceral system. Black children must be freed of the stereotypes that bound them to unfair treatment and life trajectories. The experiences that our children face impact the communities around us and perpetuate the impacts felt across numerous Black communities around the nation. Every Black child deserves to be treated as a child. This election season is crucial for our children and the society they will inherit. As you begin to vote, we urge you to vote with their future in mind.

We had an unforgettable in-person convening last week with our #PublicVoices Fellowship on Racial Justice in Early Childhood in partnership with the National Black Child Development Institute. We met in Atlanta to explore the meaning of legacy: Why do we do what we do? And what do we wish to leave behind? Thank you to our amazing team Stephanie Drenka, E. Liane Hernandez, Daniel Vasquez, Desirée Maultsby, MTP, CHSE, Martha Southgate, and all our brilliant Fellows!

Mikayla Oberlton, a Public Voices Fellow in partnership with The OpEd Project, shares insights on this year's election as an advocate for education and mental health, as well as an election poll worker. Mikayla highlights the potential harm of Project 2025 on the foundation of our country: public education. We must ensure teachers have the funding, support and protections needed to create safe and equitable learning environments. The future of our children’s education is at stake. Read her article here: https://bit.ly/3BVAAiy

NBCDI continues the National Village Tour! Our Vice Presidents–Rev. McKinley, Alycia and Allyson–recently visited BCDI Detroit to learn more about the impactful work in the Detroit area. They attended the membership celebration and participated in various other events that elevated issues and highlighted the challenges impacting Black children in Metro Detroit. We look forward to visiting more of our villages across the nation and seeing firsthand the contributions to the communities we serve. Stay tuned for our next stop!

We held the first-ever Creatives Gathering, bringing together a community of intellectuals, professionals, creatives and advocates in Atlanta! We highlighted the transformative power of storytelling and showcased how our words can influence behaviors, policies and systems. During the evening, we honored the remarkable contributions of our keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author, Kwame Alexander and Terri-Nichelle Bradley, the Founder and Principal of Play at Brown Toy Box. They were presented with our newly established Book and Toy Award which celebrates creatives who uplift the imagination and genius of Black Children. Kwame and Terri-Nichelle have creatively shifted narratives, elevating the limitless potential of who Black children can be. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported us. We are leaving Atlanta feeling empowered, committing to creating a world that benefits from the strengths and power of Black children and families! Thank you to our sponsors: Walmart, POLARITY, Heising-Simons Foundation, Sandra Wilcox Conway, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Annie E. Casey Foundation, AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School, Star Bright Books, Charlesbridge Publishing and Penguin Random House.

Behind the scenes of National Black Child Development Institute ‘s Network Training . We are doing things different this year, while we aren’t having conference, we are bringing together our affiliates and fellows for a weekend of strategic planning, organizing, networking and fun!!! Today our amazing team is in Atlanta fine tuning the details on what will be a wonderful experience! Sending them a “Thank you” in advance for working hard with smiles on their faces. #atlanta #affiliates #leadership #joyfulwork #teamwork

What an incredible evening at the National Black Child Development Institute Creatives Gathering reception last night! It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented creatives, leaders, and changemakers, all united by the goal of shifting narratives for Black children through creativity and impactful storytelling. The conversations and energy were electric, and I’m excited to see how this collective passion will continue to make a difference. Grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful event and once again meetup with the incredible Makeda Mays green ! It is always such a joy to see you in person, Makeda. Thanks for sharing this event with me! #NBCDI #Creatives #StorytellingForChange #BlackExcellence #CommunityImpact