BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//BlackECE - ECPv6.15.1.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:BlackECE X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://blackece.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for BlackECE REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260127T012952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T012952Z UID:5007-1771783200-1771790400@blackece.org SUMMARY:Lift Every Voice Monthly Meeting DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to stand up for Black child care educators? Are you ready to take your voice to Sacramento\, your local community\, and maybe (maybe) nationally to fight the racial wage gap? Do you want to join a cohort of Black child care providers in community\, support\, fellowship and action? You must be able to: \n\nAttend virtual twice a month 1-hour gatherings/trainings with your fellow advocates\nBe willing to make phone calls and/or send emails to decision makers\nBe willing to travel to Sacramento to testify or provide public comment at hearings\, meet with legislators at least twice in 2024\nWith training and support\, be able and willing to tell your story to legislators\, possibly present workshops at conferences or to other interested parties\nProvide your voice to help develop solutions to Black child care educators being paid .78 less on average than their white counterparts\n\nAll advocates will have travel expenses covered\, receive a $1500 annual stipend\, stipends for out of town advocacy\, and small stipends for the twice a month gatherings.\nAre you in? \nComplete the Commitment Form. URL:https://blackece.org/event/lift-every-voice-monthly-meeting-6/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Lift Every Voice ORGANIZER;CN="Tonia McMillian":MAILTO:tonia@blackece.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260225T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260225T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260202T170938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174716Z UID:5048-1772024400-1772031600@blackece.org SUMMARY:Understanding Black English: What It Is and Why It Matters DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, February 25 | 1:00 PM (PT) \nThis session centers the historical roots of Black English and its deep connections to early literacy development. Grounded in community knowledge and parent–child relationships\, the conversation highlights how honoring home language is an act of cultural affirmation that shapes how young children understand language\, learning\, and themselves. \nThe webinar features a dynamic conversation with a special guest speaker\, moderated by Dr. Ashley Williams (BlackECE)\, and draws from family and community listening sessions to connect history\, language\, and early literacy. \nRegister here:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9l8iyT7vRfK1qRlsyoYkWA URL:https://blackece.org/event/understanding-black-english-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/ LOCATION:Virtual END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260311 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260315 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260316T234828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T234828Z UID:5150-1773187200-1773532799@blackece.org SUMMARY:Black Literacy Matters Conference DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nAbout the Conference\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Literacy Matters® Conference is a national professional learning convening dedicated to strengthening literacy outcomes through evidence-based instruction\, structured literacy practices\, and effective intervention for struggling readers. \nThe conference was founded in response to a measurable and persistent challenge: too many students across the country remain below proficient in reading. Among them are students who have historically experienced limited access to high-quality\, explicit literacy instruction — including students with learning differences\, students navigating language variation\, and students in communities where literacy outcomes have remained disproportionately low over time. \nThe Black Literacy Matters® Conference focuses on solutions. Rather than centering rhetoric\, the conference centers research. Sessions highlight the science of reading\, structured literacy implementation\, language development\, culturally responsive instructional alignment\, and practical classroom strategies that improve foundational skills and long-term achievement. \nBlackECE will be presenting at the conference! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLanguage as Identity: Supporting Early Literacy Through Black English and Black Languages \nPresented by Samantha Thompson & Lisa Wilson \nLearn More: https://blackliteracymatters.org/black-literacy-matters/conference/ URL:https://blackece.org/event/black-literacy-matters-conference/ LOCATION:Norfolk State University\, 700 Park Avenue\, Norfolk\, VA\, 23504\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260318 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260321 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260316T235245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T235245Z UID:5164-1773792000-1774051199@blackece.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual CAAASA PD Summit DESCRIPTION:BlackECE will be attending the 2026 Annual CAAASA PD Summit. URL:https://blackece.org/event/2026-annual-caaasa-pd-summit/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260322T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260322T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260317T001556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T001556Z UID:5172-1774202400-1774209600@blackece.org SUMMARY:Lift Every Voice Monthly Meeting DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to stand up for Black child care educators? Are you ready to take your voice to Sacramento\, your local community\, and maybe (maybe) nationally to fight the racial wage gap? Do you want to join a cohort of Black child care providers in community\, support\, fellowship and action? You must be able to: \n\nAttend virtual twice a month 1-hour gatherings/trainings with your fellow advocates\nBe willing to make phone calls and/or send emails to decision makers\nBe willing to travel to Sacramento to testify or provide public comment at hearings\, meet with legislators at least twice within a year\nWith training and support\, be able and willing to tell your story to legislators\, possibly present workshops at conferences or to other interested parties\nProvide your voice to help develop solutions to Black child care educators being paid .78 less on average than their white counterparts\n\nAll advocates will have travel expenses covered\, receive a $1500 annual stipend\, stipends for out of town advocacy\, and small stipends for the twice a month gatherings.\nAre you in? \n\nGo back Your message has been sent\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nWhat best describes you?(required)\n \n Child Care Provider\n Parent\n Community Member\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n\n\nMessage(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n \nWarning.\n \n \n \n \n \n Submit URL:https://blackece.org/event/lift-every-voice-monthly-meeting-7/ LOCATION:Virtual ORGANIZER;CN="Tonia McMillian":MAILTO:tonia@blackece.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260403T140453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T140453Z UID:5209-1776168000-1776175200@blackece.org SUMMARY:[Webinar] From Cradle to College: Helping Families Claim CalKIDS Accounts DESCRIPTION:  \n \nBringing Up California invites you to join our upcoming webinar:\nFrom Cradle to College: Helping Families Claim CalKIDS Accounts\nTuesday\, April 14\, 2026 | 12:00 PM PT | Virtual on Zoom \nCalKIDS is the nation’s largest state-run child savings account program\, and millions of California’s children already have money set aside in these accounts for their future. However\, most of these accounts remain unclaimed.  \nCalKIDS is not something families need to qualify for. It is an investment in our children’s future and a tool in a long tradition of community care and mutual support. You can help ensure children fully benefit from the resources already available to them. \nOur webinar is designed for trusted messengers and organizations like yours that work directly with families. This session will: \n\nIntroduce Bringing Up California \nShare the why behind early wealth-building initiatives in California\nProvide practical guidance on how families can claim their CalKIDS accounts\nAddress common barriers\, including digital literacy and data security concerns\nCenter lived experience and community voice\nExplore how spreading the word about CalKIDS is a form of community advocacy\n\nRegister Here\n  URL:https://blackece.org/event/webinar-from-cradle-to-college-helping-families-claim-calkids-accounts/ LOCATION:Virtual END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260317T002035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T002035Z UID:5175-1777226400-1777233600@blackece.org SUMMARY:Lift Every Voice Monthly Meeting DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to stand up for Black child care educators? Are you ready to take your voice to Sacramento\, your local community\, and maybe (maybe) nationally to fight the racial wage gap? Do you want to join a cohort of Black child care providers in community\, support\, fellowship and action? You must be able to: \n\nAttend virtual twice a month 1-hour gatherings/trainings with your fellow advocates\nBe willing to make phone calls and/or send emails to decision makers\nBe willing to travel to Sacramento to testify or provide public comment at hearings\, meet with legislators at least twice within a year\nWith training and support\, be able and willing to tell your story to legislators\, possibly present workshops at conferences or to other interested parties\nProvide your voice to help develop solutions to Black child care educators being paid .78 less on average than their white counterparts\n\nAll advocates will have travel expenses covered\, receive a $1500 annual stipend\, stipends for out of town advocacy\, and small stipends for the twice a month gatherings.\nAre you in? \n\nGo back Your message has been sent\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nWhat best describes you?(required)\n \n Child Care Provider\n Parent\n Community Member\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n\n\nMessage(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n \nWarning.\n \n \n \n \n \n Submit URL:https://blackece.org/event/lift-every-voice-monthly-meeting-8/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Lift Every Voice ORGANIZER;CN="Tonia McMillian":MAILTO:tonia@blackece.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260506T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260506T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260317T002452Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T002452Z UID:5178-1778072400-1778079600@blackece.org SUMMARY:Black English Webinar Series: Webinar #2 DESCRIPTION: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. \nGrounded 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. \nAbout the Webinar Series\nThis three-part webinar series brings together parents\, educators\, advocates\, researchers\, and community leaders to explore Black (English) Language as a rule-governed language and a powerful asset in children’s identity\, belonging\, and early literacy development. Through shared learning\, research\, history\, and policy dialogue\, participants will strengthen their ability to advance language-affirming practices that uplift Black children and families across early childhood systems. \nWebinar #2: Honoring Home Language: Black (English) Language\, History\, and Early Literacy Development \nThe second webinar deepens the series by examining the historical roots of Black (English) Language and its connection to early literacy development. Centering community knowledge and parent–child relationships\, this session highlights how honoring home language is grounded in the wisdom of families and cultural insiders and shapes how young children come to understand language and learning. Join us for a dynamic conversation with a special guest speaker\, moderated by Dr. Ash from Black Californians United for Early Care and Education (BlackECE). The session will draw from family and community listening sessions to connect history\, language\, and literacy\, offering grounded insights that support language-affirming practice across early childhood settings. URL:https://blackece.org/event/black-english-webinar-series-webinar-2/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Black English END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260518T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260518T180000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260316T235904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T235904Z UID:5167-1779120000-1779127200@blackece.org SUMMARY:BlackECE Wisdom Circle Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Wisdom Circle is a space where Black community members and industry professionals serve as cultural brokers—offering perspective and bringing lived experience\, knowledge\, and thoughtfulness to inform the BlackECE leadership team’s strategic decision‑making. \nIdeally\, the Circle includes the following perspectives: \n\nCo-founders\nStaff & Consultants\nChild development experts\nCommunity representatives\n\nIf you would like more information how you can contribute to the BlackECE Wisdom Circle\, please contact Samantha@blackece.org. \n\nGo back Your message has been sent\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nOrganization/Company(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nMessage\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n \nWarning.\n \n \n \n \n \n Submit URL:https://blackece.org/event/blackece-wisdom-circle-meeting-3/ LOCATION:Virtual END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260715T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260715T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260317T002818Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T002818Z UID:5180-1784120400-1784127600@blackece.org SUMMARY:Black English Webinar Series: Webinar #3 DESCRIPTION: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. \nGrounded 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. \nAbout the Webinar Series\nThis three-part webinar series brings together parents\, educators\, advocates\, researchers\, and community leaders to explore Black (English) Language as a rule-governed language and a powerful asset in children’s identity\, belonging\, and early literacy development. Through shared learning\, research\, history\, and policy dialogue\, participants will strengthen their ability to advance language-affirming practices that uplift Black children and families across early childhood systems. \n Webinar #3: From Recognition to Action: Policy\, Advocacy\, and Black (English) Language as a Language \nThe final webinar concludes the series by focusing on advocacy and policy pathways that support language-affirming systems. Participants will examine how Black (English) Language can be recognized within broader understandings of Dual Language Learners and why naming it as a rule-governed language matters for early childhood policy and practice. This session offers practical insights for educators\, administrators\, and advocates supporting providers\, children\, and families who speak Black (English) Language—while contributing to inclusive policy conversations at the local\, state\, and national levels. URL:https://blackece.org/event/black-english-webinar-series-webinar-3/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Black English END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260720T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260720T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20260317T000218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T000218Z UID:5170-1784563200-1784577600@blackece.org SUMMARY:BlackECE Wisdom Circle Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Wisdom Circle is a space where Black community members and industry professionals serve as cultural brokers—offering perspective and bringing lived experience\, knowledge\, and thoughtfulness to inform the BlackECE leadership team’s strategic decision‑making. \nIdeally\, the Circle includes the following perspectives: \n\nCo-founders\nStaff & Consultants\nChild development experts\nCommunity representatives\n\nIf you would like more information how you can contribute to the BlackECE Wisdom Circle\, please contact Samantha@blackece.org. \n\nGo back Your message has been sent\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nOrganization/Company(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n\n\nMessage(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Warning\n \n \n \n \n \nWarning.\n \n \n \n \n \n Submit URL:https://blackece.org/event/blackece-wisdom-circle-meeting-4/ LOCATION:Virtual END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260806T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260807T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T053122 CREATED:20250912T161715Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T011916Z UID:4725-1786005000-1786118400@blackece.org SUMMARY:2026 BlackECE Symposium: We are the Return DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n \n  \nSave the Date! \nThursday\, August 6\, 2026 – Friday\, August 7\, 2026 \nTsakopoulos Library Galleria \nJoin us for our Third Annual BlackECE Symposium: We are the Return: Culture\, Capital & Economic Justice in Early Care and Education. \nREGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY\, FEBRUARY 2\, 2026! URL:https://blackece.org/event/2026-blackece-symposium-we-are-the-return/ LOCATION:Tsakopoulos Library Galleria\, 828 I St.\, Sacramento\, 95814\, United States CATEGORIES:Symposium ORGANIZER;CN="BlackECE Symposium":MAILTO:symposium@blackece.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR