ABOUT BCDI-MIAMI
The Black Child Development Institute-Miami (BCDI-Miami) is one of 26 Affiliates under the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) established in 1970. NBCDI is the only national organization focused solely on Black children’s attributes and needs from birth through age eight. In 1990, the BCDI-Miami Affiliate was established to utilize volunteers at the grassroots level to implement programs, engage in advocacy, and provide services that improve the quality of life for children and families within the Miami-Dade County communities.
BCDI-Miami continues to implement culturally relevant and research-based programs promoting literacy, health, parent engagement, and college readiness while advocating for better, stronger, and more effective policies for all children at the local, state, and federal levels.
Who is BCDI-Miami?
BCDI-Miami's efforts are focused on achieving the Eight Essential Outcomes through research, policy, and advocacy, fostering systemic change. We mobilize our participants, members, and partners to support our initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
BCDI-Miami's focus is to foster a supportive community where Black and Brown children are cherished and supported. Leveraging our network, we magnify the talents of Black and Brown children and engage local advocates to address their needs. As conveners, we bring together stakeholders who align with our vision and mission, uniting advocates, practitioners, policymakers, and others committed to creating a better future for Black and Brown families.
Grows up in a secure uplifting community where they can play, discover the world around them, and flourish without any fear.
When Balck Children grow up in a secure and loving community that is both physically and socially supportive, they develop a positive sense of belonging to a community. This sense of belonging promotes long-term resilience.
Comes into the world at a healthy weight and has a good start in life.
When Black Children are born within the weight range of 5.5 to 8 pounds, they are more prone to living healthy happy lives.
Attends a school that nurtures his potential and expands his understanding of himself and the world around him.
When Black Children engage in schools that accept who they are and embrace their identities, their potential for who they can grow to become gets highly expanded.
Is viewed and treated as a child who deserves care, respect, and opportunities.
When Black Children are seen and treated as kids, their ability to express themselves and explore their imagination is improved and protected.
Enjoys having meals that contain different nutritious vegetables.
When Black Children can enjoy culturally relevant meals that nourish them while honoring their cultural heritage, they become more able to sustain their health and overall welfare.
Breathes clean air and has access to clean drinking water.
When Black Children consistently have access to clean air and clean drinking water, they become more able to grow into strong and healthy adults.
Owns books and toys that better match their identity and support their mental and physical growth.
When Black Children engage with stories and encounter characters that reflect who they are, their self-identity, self-esteem, empathy, and understanding of their own and other cultures get enhanced and improved.
Spends time on safe and appropriate internet websites that support their development and growth.
When Black Children can interact with online content that is safe and supports their development in a creative fun way, their learning experience becomes more enjoyable and their digital skills get developed.
why are we here?
Throughout history, it has been evident that individuals from marginalized communities face fewer opportunities compared to their white counterparts, particularly within the education system.
In 1964, under the Civil Rights Act, the Department of Education was charged with investigating the disparities in educational opportunities within elementary and secondary education across the United States
In 1964, under the Civil Rights Act, the Department of Education was charged with investigating the disparities in educational opportunities within elementary and secondary education across the United States
This investigation, known as the Coleman Report, revealed that minority students, on average, achieved less and were more affected by the quality of their schools compared to white students.
Since then, efforts have been underway to bridge this gap, known as the Achievement Gap, which represents a significant division in educational scores among students from diverse backgrounds.
The National Education Association identifies several groups as particularly impacted by this gap, including racial and ethnic minorities, English language learners, students with disabilities, boys/girls, and students from low-income families.
For over 40 years, our commitment has been to close the achievement gap in our community. We continue to be intentional in our programming, enthusiastic in our outreach and focused on our goals to help the underserved. We believe our children can soar to greatness simply by giving them the support they deserve.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve and advance the quality of life for Black and Brown children and families in Florida through education and advocacy.
