“We are not makers of history, we are made by history.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.
When we learn from the past, we create a brighter future — and helping children succeed by giving them a foundation to build from is the main goal of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI). This vital organization has been improving and advancing the quality of life for Black children and their families across America for half a century. This year, on NBCDI’s 50th anniversary, ALEX AND ANI is proud to sponsor its mission and its important work.
The National Black Child Development Institute was founded in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement by the Black Women's Community Development Foundation, which was deeply concerned about the unsatisfactory social and economic conditions facing families who were determined to raise healthy Black children.
NBCDI began their efforts centered around supporting parents, caregivers and early educators in the Black community during a time when this population desperately needed advocacy in the areas of education, policy, racial inequity and systemic bias. To this day, the National Black Child Development Institute keeps these core initiatives as the driving force behind their mission.
In addition to advocacy and education about the issues facing Black families, NBCDI offers a Family Empowerment Program that gives parents the knowledge, tools and skills needed to foster their child’s learning and development, a Good for Me! program that educates kids and families about making healthy nutritional choices, and a Read to Succeed program that helps build home libraries and foster a love of reading in young children.
NBCDI accomplishes this with the help of its National Affiliate Network and member advocates across the country, who use their combined voices to implement effective programs and curricula that support high quality education, care and health to Black children and their families.
The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) believes that every child deserves a chance to succeed. Their work to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families helps support the successful growth and development of children who are too often left behind without access to resources and opportunities to achieve their best selves.
With a relentless focus on the strengths and needs of these communities, NBCDI’s Action Agenda (publications, curriculum, programs, and unique products) is changing the narrative surrounding Black children and their families.
Over the years, NBCDI, their Affiliate Network and advocate members have worked passionately to ignite movements and develop strategies to improve the lives of Black children through meaningful programming and policy change. The organization also offers scholarships to future educators pursuing careers in early childhood education.
To help put this into perspective, did you know that Black children represent 19% of preschool enrollment and 47% of these preschool children are receiving one or more out-of-school suspensions? In comparison, white children represent 41% of preschool enrollment with 28% receiving one or more out-of-school suspensions. (reference: NBCDI Delivering on the Promise of Effective Early Childhood Education White Paper, 2018). These statistics outline a clear indication in the racial inequality within our early childhood education systems and why positive action is needed.
"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be."
—Kahlil Gibran
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?
1.) Become a member.
NBCDI's members are the backbone of their organization. Together, we are able to strengthen communities by becoming advocates that focus on improving and advancing the quality of life for Black children and their families.
2.) Make a charitable contribution.
Make a difference through a one-time fixed donation to NBCDI's strengths-based programs.
3.) Volunteer at a local affiliate network near you.
Affiliates are the heart of NBCDI. In more than 25 communities across the nation, these volunteer-driven networks partner with children, families, and other organizations to carryout their mission through efforts in their respective regions.
TAKE ACTION NOW AT A LOCAL AFFILIATE NEAR YOU >
4.) Raise awareness through our combined voices.
Even if you aren't in a position to financially become a member or make a donation, you can still be an advocate through the power of combined voice by spreading awareness. Help shed light to this organization and its powerful mission by sharing with with you personal network of family, friends and colleagues. Together, we can all be vehicles of discovery to this impactful organization and encourage others to do the same.
Watch and share the video below on your social channels tagging @NBCDI #50Forward to keep the legacy of NBCDI moving forward!