National Black Child Development Institute

As AI continues to shape the future of education, we must ask ourselves: ?? How do we build systems that integrate AI into the way we teach and learn? ?? How do we ensure AI is leveraged equitably for all students? At SXSW EDU 2025, Dr. Kiesha King , Sr. National Education Administrator at T-Mobile, challenged us to rethink the future of AI in education: ???? “How do we really create systems and structures that create a universal opportunity for AI to be systemized into the way we teach and learn, into the way we think about the future of how we leverage AI for our students?” NBCDI is committed to ensuring that Black children are not left behind in the evolving AI-driven education landscape. What steps can we take today to create an equitable AI future for all learners? #NBCDI #SXSWEDU #AIandEducation #EthicalAI #EdTech #FutureOfLearning

?? The Future is Ours to Reimagine! ?? At NBCDI, we believe in the power of Afrofuturism & Systems Change to create a world where Black children thrive. That’s why we’re excited to share Afrofuturism & Systems Change: Reclaiming Mental Models for Child Well-being—a bold and expansive vision for shifting the mental models that shape policies, systems, and opportunities for our children. ?? But don’t just take our word for it—listen to Winston Roberts, as he breaks down why this paper is a must-read for educators, advocates, and changemakers dedicated to Black child well-being! ??? ?? When we imagine beyond limitations, lead with love, and commit to system-wide transformation, we build a future where Black children’s brilliance, joy, and success are the norm—not the exception. Watch, share, and join the movement! Read the full paper here: ???? https://lnkd.in/eu-WD_fn #Afrofuturism #SystemsChange #BlackChildWellbeing #MentalModels #FutureForward #ExpansivePossibilities SXSW EDU

National Black Child Development Institute VP of Policy & Research, Alycia Hardy, MPA, emphasizes the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all child care policies that overlook the strengths of Black communities. Historically, Black families have created their own solutions, from home-based child care to community-driven networks of care. Yet, racism continues to undervalue and underpay early childhood educators, particularly Black women. It’s time for policies that recognize, trust, and invest in Black communities, ensuring that all children receive the culturally affirming care and education they deserve. Read more in this powerful feature with Home Grown entitled Uplifting Community Cultural Wealth in Black Communities: https://lnkd.in/dVvpFNCC #NBCDI #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PolicyMatters #CommunityCulturalWealth #BlackExcellence

#MeetTheMoment

? A powerful conversation, a shared commitment! ? A huge thank you to FINN Partners for an insightful panel discussion on the future of education and equity. In this event highlight, Dr. Leah Austin, EdD reminds us why culturally responsive education isn’t just an approach—it’s a necessity. When we center Black children’s brilliance, history, and lived experiences in learning, we create spaces where they don’t just survive—they thrive. Let’s continue the work. Let’s continue the advocacy. Because every child deserves to see themselves in the curriculum, in the classroom, and in the future we’re building. ??? Watch the clip and join the conversation! #NBCDI #EducationForLiberation #CulturallyResponsiveEducation #EquityInEducation #BlackChildrenMatter SXSW EDU

We were honored to lead a critical conversation at SXSW EDU on the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on Black children and education. Together with esteemed panelists— ?? Dr. Leah Austin, EdD , President & CEO, National Black Child Development Institute ?? Dr. Kiesha King , T-Mobile ?? Winston Roberts ?? Calvin Mackie, STEM NOLA —we explored the urgent need for equitable and responsible AI practices that center Black children, their families, and communities. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this meaningful dialogue. We are especially proud that our session was accredited by the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), offering Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for educators committed to ongoing learning and impact. At NBCDI, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance quality and equity for Black children and their families—and we look forward to continuing this important work together. #NBCDI #SXSWEDU #AIandEquity #BlackChildrenMatter #EthicalAI #CPECredits #EducationEquity #WeAreTheVillage

Black communities have long relied on community cultural wealth to create solutions where policies fall short. In a powerful feature with Home Grown entitled Uplifting Community Cultural Wealth in Black Communities, NBCDI’s Vice President of Policy & Research, Alycia Hardy, MPA, discusses how racism has shaped child care policies, often overlooking the strengths and needs of Black families. At National Black Child Development Institute, we believe in uplifting community-driven solutions—like home-based child care—which have historically provided belonging, care, and cultural affirmation for Black children. It’s time for policies that reflect the true value of this work and the brilliance of Black communities. Read the full article to learn more! https://lnkd.in/dVvpFNCC #NBCDI #EarlyChildhoodEducation #CommunityCulturalWealth #BlackExcellence #PolicyMatters #ChildCareJustice

We had the privilege of facilitating a dynamic panel discussion on the role of AI in education and its impact on Black children. ???? Our conversation underscored the importance of centering Black children’s needs and experiences in the development and application of AI, ensuring it serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. Our esteemed panelists brought invaluable perspectives, thoughtfully unpacking the complexities, challenges, and opportunities that AI presents in educational spaces. A heartfelt thank you to our panelists Leah Austin, EdD, Dr. Kiesha King, Winston Roberts, Calvin Mackie and all attendees for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Your insights and commitment to shaping a more equitable future for our children are truly inspiring. #NBCDI #SXSWEDU #AIEthics #BlackChildren #EducationTechnology #SocialImpact

Let’s get real about the future of education. Our CEO and President, Dr. Leah Austin, EdD, participated in a dynamic discussion at the #FINNxHumbleHouse Future of Education Summit at #SXSW2025 that explored the very real challenges and opportunities in PK-12 classrooms across the country. Dr. Austin was joined by: ?? Doreen Gehry Nelson ?? Randi Weingarten ?? Liz Willen They discussed the innovative ideas, solutions, and policies needed to advance the teaching profession and improve educational outcomes for all students to prepare them for the future. ??

Artificial intelligence is reshaping education at a rapid pace. As a tool, AI holds the potential to expand learning opportunities, personalize instruction, and spark the imagination and curiosity of Black children in ways we have yet to fully realize. But as we embrace these advancements, we must also ask ourselves: Is AI being designed and implemented in ways that honor the safety, dignity, and brilliance of our children? As a community, we know that education is not just about knowledge acquisition—it is about love, liberation, and the cultivation of identity. AI has the power to enhance educational experiences, making learning more engaging and accessible. Imagine an AI-driven curriculum that reflects the richness of Black history and culture, ensuring that our children see themselves as protagonists in their own stories. Imagine tools that adapt to the unique learning styles of each student, offering support that nurtures confidence rather than eroding it. Yet, we also know that technology is never neutral. AI systems inherit the biases of those who create them. Without intentionality, AI can reinforce systemic inequities, tracking Black children into limiting pathways, misinterpreting their brilliance, or failing to recognize the fullness of their potential. The same algorithms that can personalize education can also perpetuate harm if they rely on data that reflects historical discrimination. Biased facial recognition, predictive analytics in discipline, and automated decision-making in gifted programs must all be examined with a critical eye. This is why our approach to AI in education must be rooted in ethics, love, and community-centered accountability. We must ask: Who is designing these systems? Who is making decisions about how AI is deployed in classrooms? How do we ensure that AI serves as a bridge to opportunity rather than a barrier? To truly harness AI for the benefit of Black children, we must insist on transparency, community input, and a commitment to dismantling bias. We need policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our children over efficiency and surveillance. We need Black voices—educators, parents, technologists, and students—at the table, shaping the development and implementation of these tools. And we need a collective commitment to using AI not as a substitute for human connection, but to enhance the relationships that make education transformative. The ethical use of AI in the education of Black children is not just a technical challenge—it is a moral imperative. If we lead with love, curiosity, and imagination, we can ensure that AI is a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. This is about Afrofuturism—envisioning a future where technology serves our children, rather than limits them. And as I prepare for today’s panel at #SXSWedu, this is what’s on my heart and mind. Our children deserve nothing less.