The Library joins in important discussions around equity for Black children
June 1, 2021
This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn more about the program and corresponding events here.
The National Black Child Development Institute (NCBDI) is a nonprofit organization that works to advance and improve the quality of life for Black and Brown children and their families. NCBDI has been committed to its mission: “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black and Brown children and families through education and advocacy” for 50 years. NBCDI’s Charlotte affiliate, BCDI Charlotte, is one of the twenty-seven affiliates organizations in the United States.
The six focus areas of BCDI are:
- Family Engagement
- Literacy
- Early Childhood Education
- Policy and Advocacy
- Health and Wellness
Did you know that children could be suspended or even expelled as early as preschool? These events can have adverse effects on a child’s future that can last far beyond the time spent out of school.
One tenet of NBCDI is advocating to secure equitable access to education for all young children by eliminating suspensions and expulsions during early childhood. NBCDI authored a white paper, “Delivering on the Promise of Effective Early Childhood Education” which explores the rising rates of suspensions and expulsions in early childhood education. The white paper prompted a national campaign to address this alarming trend. Being suspended and/or expelled are both recognized as forms of structural racism which becomes obvious when one explores how these “consequences” are applied to young children. According to their research, more than 250 preschoolers are suspended or expelled daily, and in childcare centers, expulsion rates are 13 times higher than they are in kindergarten through 12th grade. Black children disproportionately experience widespread injustice and racial inequality in our early childhood education system.
BCDI Charlotte launched its awareness campaign on January 1, 2021. Through a matrix of virtual info sessions, parking lot talks and canvassing efforts using social and conventional media, BCDI is capturing the attention of lawmakers, teachers, parents, community leaders, clergy, education practitioners and collective nonprofit organizations who are understanding the importance of this work.
This month, BCDI will partner with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to continue to promote awareness and to expand its programming reach. Join us on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. for a panel discussion to learn how you can help prevent suspension and expulsion in early childhood.
Featured panelists include:
- Dr. Devonya Govan-Hunt: President of BCDI-Charlotte
- Kenneth Flamer: BCDI-Charlotte Board Member
- Gregory "Dee" Rankin: Founder/Executive Director of Future L.E.A.D.E.R.S.
- Cemeré James: Interim President & CEO of NBCDI and Author of Delivering on the Promise
BCDI supports its mission by providing strength-based, culturally relevant, and evidence-based programs throughout the community. At the center of BCDI’s work, is the commitment to ensure inclusivity and equity as it relates to quality care and education for children.
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This blog was written by Alesha Lackey, children's services manager at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library