Black Wildflowers Fund

Exciting News! Our organization has been selected as a 2025 Boulder Fund recipient by Education Leaders of Color! This grant is an investment in our work to advance opportunities for young people of color, and we’re honored to be part of a cohort of leaders tackling systemic inequities nationwide. Since its launch in 2018, the Boulder Fund has committed $6.9 million in grants to support innovative, community-driven solutions addressing barriers in STEM access, financial literacy, education leadership, and more. At a time when many institutions are rolling back commitments to racial and economic justice, EdLoC remains steadfast in investing in the leaders and solutions our communities need. We are proud to continue this work and grateful for the support that allows us to expand our impact. We invite you to learn more about the Boulder Fund and celebrate the incredible organizations in this year’s cohort. Let’s keep building a future where young people of color thrive, lead, and create generational wealth.

?Leadership Lessons Series: Part I? ?? In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re excited to kick off our three-part Leadership Lessons series, where we highlight the wisdom and knowledge of women in leadership roles. Dr. Erika L. McDowell, our Co-CEO, shares her insight on two key leadership lessons she’s learned during her time with Black Wildflowers Fund!

?? March is National Reading Month! ?? Here’s a book we recommend, shared with us by Sankofa Learning Center: ? Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnson ? They’ll be hosting a book club featuring this read throughout the month! This is the perfect time to celebrate the power of books and their impact on our minds and communities. Whether it’s a classic, a new release, or an educational work, reading opens doors to endless learning and growth. What’s your favorite book or reading material? Drop your recommendations in the comments below! ??? #NationalReadingMonth #BooksForChange

? Celebrating International Women’s Day ? At The Exchange, we honored the power, brilliance, and impact of women who lead, uplift, and inspire. This annual gathering is a testament to the strength of women in community—driving change, sharing wisdom, and shaping the future together. Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who continue to break barriers, build bridges, and create lasting impact. ?? #InternationalWomensDay #BlackWomenEducators #LifelongLearning #CommunityLeadership

?? Meet the Board Behind Our Mission ?? Our work is supported by a team of dedicated leaders who bring deep experience, passion and strategic vision to Black Wildflowers Fund. Each board member plays a key role in strengthening our community, advocating for Black educators in Montessori and expanding our collective impact. We’re excited to introduce the incredible Founding Board of Black Wildflowers Fund—stay tuned as we highlight their stories and the work they do! ?

? The Exchange: Day Two Highlights ? The momentum from Day One carried into an incredible second day of The Exchange! Conversations deepened, connections strengthened, and our collective vision for Black educators and Montessori education continued to take shape. From thought-provoking discussions to moments of reflection and joy, Day Two was a testament to the power of community-driven change. Thank you to everyone who shared their voices, experiences, and brilliance with us. Swipe through for some of our favorite moments! ?? #TheExchange

? Reflecting on The Exchange ? We’re still feeling the energy and inspiration from our incredible event, The Exchange, held in February! It was an unforgettable gathering of passionate educators, thought leaders, and community advocates coming together to elevate Black voices in Montessori education. Hear from one of our Exchange attendees and former grantees, Lniarae Blevins! Gratitude all around. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and made the event such a powerful experience.

We’re excited to share that Black Wildflowers Fund has been selected as a finalist for the Boulder Grant and will be attending the Boulder Fund Finalist Days in Austin, Texas! ?? This is an amazing opportunity to connect with thought leaders, educators, and innovators. We’re looking forward to sharing the work we’re doing to advance equity in education and the ways we support emerging leaders. Here, we’re sharing a repost from @weareedloc and you can find more info about their mission on their page. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far—we can’t wait to bring our vision to a wider audience! For more information on the Boulder Grant, head to their site! (photo repost from SXSW EDU website)

? Celebrating Women’s History Month and our Anniversary? As we begin Women’s History Month and the anniversary of Black Wildflowers Fund, we celebrate the brilliance, leadership, and impact of the women in our community. This photo from The 2024 Exchange, our annual gathering, is a reminder of the power of collective wisdom, shared experiences, and the work being done to create a more just and liberatory future in education. This month and always, we uplift the women who continue to shape, lead, and transform learning spaces for Black educators, children, and families. ?? #WomensHistoryMonth

Black educators are leading the way in transforming education for students. In a recent piece, the Philadelphia Inquirer highlights the profound impact HBCUs and Black educators have on creating inclusive, empowering learning environments. At Black Wildflowers Fund, we celebrate and stand alongside these educators who are shaping a future where every student can thrive. ?? Together, we can continue to build a more just and equitable education system for all. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFGmgvjb