BlackECE

?? Last Thursday, BlackECE brought the fight for racial wage justice to Sacramento! We hosted a Meet & Greet + Legislative Briefing, where our Co-Founder & Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, Dr. Lea Austin, broke down the urgent need for child care subsidy rate reform in California and its direct impact on Black early educators.

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. As BlackECE’s Black Justice and Policy Advisor, Justin is fearlessly pushing for the inclusion of Black early educators and Black children in the reparations policy conversation—a fight too many have ignored for far too long. From advising the Abolition and Reparations Today (AART) Coalition on behalf of BlackECE to spearheading our initiatives to ensure ECE providers are recognized in the fight for reparations, Justin is making history right now. His work is paving the way for long-overdue justice, ensuring that those who have been caring for our children for generations are finally valued, protected, and compensated fairly. Justin is on his way to being one of the greats, and we are proud to have him leading the charge for BlackECE. His dedication to policy reform, racial justice, and systemic change is shaping a better future for Black families, providers, and the next generation. History isn’t just in the past—it’s being written today, and Justin Blakely is one of the authors. ?????

Registration is now open for the 2025 BlackECE Symposium in Los Angeles, CA at the California Endowment! ???? This year’s theme is "Dismantling Linguistic Oppression: The Path Toward Language Justice for #BlackChildren in Early Care and Education". This event celebrates the beauty of African American Vernacular English, exposes how Black English is oppressed in early education, and offers solutions to affirming the language of many Black children, families, and early educators. Register here: https://ow.ly/QHen50V72lJ #BHM2025 #EarlyEd #EarlyLearning #ECE

Tonia McMillian is her ancestors' dream. When we talk about Black history in early care and education, we have to honor the legacy of Tonia McMillian—a fearless advocate, educator, and organizer who has spent over 29 years ensuring Black children, families, and providers receive the support they deserve. From shaping California’s child care policies to securing collective bargaining rights for family child care professionals, Tonia’s impact is undeniable. As BlackECE’s Woman Who Shakes Things Up, Tonia spearheads the Lift Every Voice (LEV) coalition, a movement dedicated to empowering Black early educators to advocate for themselves and their communities. Under her leadership, LEV has grown into a statewide force, with 90 Black early educators mobilized to fight for racial wage justice, reparations, and equitable policies that uplift Black providers and the families they serve. Read the 2024 LEV Impact Report ?? https://buff.ly/4kjILHd Tonia’s advocacy extends beyond the policy table—she’s a chef, an author, a mentor, a grandmother, AND a former Soul Train dancer, proving that Black history is still being written every day. Her fight for economic justice in child care is a testament to her unwavering commitment to Black child care providers who are the backbone of our communities. Join us in celebrating Tonia McMillian—living Black history, shaking things up, and changing the game for Black early education across California. ?????

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. With a career that spans from her early work as a paralegal and court clerk in Merced and Fresno to transforming early education policy at the Merced County Office of Education, Samantha has consistently fought for just opportunities for Black families. She spearheaded initiatives like the “Caring for Our Black Children” grant and has played a key role in shaping policy through her involvement with major educational programs and coalitions across California. Now at BlackECE, Samantha channels her passion into innovative programs and policies that celebrate our culture and uplift our community. From our dynamic Black Family Cookouts to the inspiring BlackECE Book Club and culturally rich Black Family Culture Kits, she is reimagining what early education can look like for Black children. Samantha’s dedication not only redefines Black excellence but also ensures that Black history is made every single day. #BlackECE #BlackHistoryMonth

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! ??? https://lnkd.in/gdcF4z68

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. Keisha’s lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment is paving the way for transformative policy change impacting Black children, families, and early educators. From advocating for African American programs at the American Heart Association to leading anti-hunger initiatives at the Alameda County Community Food Bank to serving on the Mount Diablo school board advocating for Black students, Keisha's journey is deeply rooted in the fight for our people. Her vision as BlackECE’s first leader continues to shape the early childhood education landscape across California. Keisha embodies Black history every day, standing on the shoulders of our ancestors while creating a brighter future for generations to come. We are grateful for her profound impact and leadership. Keisha Nzewi IS Black History. #BlackECE #BlackHistoryMonth

BlackECE’s Tonia McMillian reveals in EdSource how childcare providers—essential workers—struggle without affordable healthcare. “It’s painful to work in a field that helps families yet harms my health.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gfp854Vy

?? Space is LIMITED ?? Registration is open for BlackECE’s Professional Development Institute—Cohort 1 begins March 6, 2025! Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative program, empowering Black early educators with skills, knowledge, and connections. Only a few spots remain, so secure your place today! Register here ?? https://lnkd.in/gXYaPnn7

On August 14th and 15th, BlackECE is hosting its second symposium to bring together researchers, policy experts, and advocates to uplift solutions for Black students in early childhood education. Registration is now open for Dismantling Linguistic Oppression: The Path Toward Language Justice for Black Children in Early Care and Education. Register now: https://buff.ly/3x9YeWF