Dismantling Linguistic Oppression:

The Path Toward Language Justice for Black Children in Early Care and Education

About The Event

Our first event welcomed nearly 150 ECE professionals, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders committed to ensuring California’s early care and education system is culturally affirming while policies, practices, and resource allocation are not only equitable but are pro-Black and anti-racist. Building off of our successful inaugural event, we are eager to celebrate the beauty of African American Vernacular English, expose how Black English is oppressed in early education, and offer solutions to affirming the language of many Black children, families, and early educators.

Black Language Passion and Power Speakers:

Sunn m'Cheaux

Dr. Jamila Lyiscott

Featured Panelists:

Micah Bournes

Dr. Aisha White

Dr. Jerell Hill

Dr. Tonia Durden

AGENDA

Thursday August 14, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Lift Every Voice Anthem

9:10 AM – 9:30 AM

Welcome

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Chop It Up (Panel Discussion)

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Chillax (Break)

11:15 AM – 12:45 PM

Spill the Tea (Keynote)

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM

Lunch

1:45 PM – 2:00 PM

Black Joy Presentation

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Chop it Up (Panel Discussion)

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Sankofa (Table Discussion/Reflection)

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Run Tell Dat (Group Action Planning)

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Close Out

Friday August 15, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Welcome

9:10 AM – 9:20 AM

BlackECE Poem

9:20 AM – 10:00 AM

Chop it Up (Panel Discussion)

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Black Joy Presentation

10:15 AM – 11:45 AM

Spill the Tea (Keynote)

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 1:00 PM

Black Joy Presntation

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Chop it Up (Panel Discussion)

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Sankofa (Table Discussion/Reflection)

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM

Black Joy Presentation

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Run Tell Dat (Group Action Planning)

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Close Out

Thursday August 14th –

Friday August 15th, 2025

The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda St,

Los Angeles, CA