Black English
About the Black English Language Workgroup
The Black English Language Workgroup is a collaborative partnership of organizations committed to advancing language justice for Black children in early childhood education. The workgroup brings together BlackECE, Californians Together, Catalyst California, and Early Edge to challenge harmful language hierarchies and affirm Black English as a legitimate, rule-governed language rooted in Black history, culture, and community.
Grounded in research, community knowledge, and lived experience, the workgroup centers the voices of Black families, educators, and advocates to address how language bias shows up in early learning spaces—and how it can be dismantled. Together, the partners work to shift narratives, strengthen practice, and influence policy so Black children’s home languages are honored as assets rather than deficits.
The Brilliance and Importance of Affirming Black English in Early Childhood Education
The Black English Knowledge Brief series is a set of practical, accessible resources developed by the Black English Language Workgroup to support educators, caregivers, administrators, and advocates in affirming Black English in early childhood settings.
Each brief explores a key aspect of Black English—what it is, its historical and cultural significance, and why language affirmation matters for children’s identity, belonging, and learning. The series also connects research to real-world practice and policy, offering guidance for creating language-affirming environments that honor Black children and families.
Together, the Knowledge Briefs and accompanying webinar series are tools for learning, reflection, and action—supporting a collective shift toward language-affirming systems, dignity, and linguistic justice in early care and education.
