September 18, 2026

To improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and families through powerful education and advocacy initiatives.

Dear BCDI-Nashville Village,

With the beginning of the new school year, we have the hope, promise and excitement of the start of something new. But I find myself feeling like we are right back where we’ve been before. A place that we thought we would never see again. This realization had me returning to a book I read in high school Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? With so much unfolding around us and what feels like attacks from all sides, we must take a moment to breathe, pause, and recommit to the work that our ancestors started, building the future our children require and deserve.

Across Tennessee, democratic decisions are shaping the daily conditions of Black children’s lives—from representation and public voice to early learning investments and family supports. Gerrymandering, the removal of Democratic representatives from committees, and efforts to silence community advocates are not abstract political events; they determine whose needs are heard and whose futures are protected. At the federal level, proposed changes to Head Start threaten one of the very supports that helps Black children and families thrive. If policy is where power is exercised, then civic action is where our community must answer.

Protect Head Start

Register for the Family Empower Program

Explore the NBCDI documentary: The Care Next Door

October 13, 2026

7:30 PM-8:30 PM CST

on Zoom

Register below to receive the Zoom link

NBCDI is leading a national call to action to protect Head Start because every child deserves a strong start, caring learning environments, and the support they need to grow and thrive.

Across Tennessee, Head Start helps young children build a strong foundation for school and life while strengthening the communities that support them.

Take action today. Contact your members of Congress and make your voice heard in support of Head Start.

REGISTER FOR THE FAMILY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM ORIENTATION

BCDI-Nashville invites parents and caregivers of Black children in Nashville and Memphis to register for the Family Empowerment Program, a 10-week educational program designed to strengthen families' knowledge, leadership, and advocacy skills.

Participants will explore the schools, public policies, and systems that shape their children's lives, build practical advocacy skills, connect with other parents and caregivers, and strengthen their ability to lead change for their families and communities. Participants who complete the program will also receive a stipend.

Join an upcoming Family Empowerment Program orientation in Nashville or Memphis to learn about the program, what to expect, and how to participate.

Register for the Family Empowerment Program Orientation happening on October 3 ^rd from 10AM to 12PM in Nashville below:

Register for the Family Empowerment Program Orientation happening on October 3 ^rd from 10AM to 12PM in  Memphis below:

WATCH THE NBCDI DOCUMENTARY: THE CARE NEXT DOOR

BCDI-Nashville is proud to be a partner in NBCDI’s new documentary, The Care Next Door: An Afrofuturist Celebration of Black Family, Friend and Neighbor Care. The film uplifts the grandparents, relatives, neighbors, family friends, and other trusted caregivers who have long played an essential role in caring for Black children and strengthening our communities.

Through NBCDI’s Reimagining Child Care initiative, Black parents and Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers in Nashville, Detroit, Iowa, and Philadelphia shared their experiences, values, and visions for a future where this care is recognized, respected, and resourced.

Explore The Care Next Door, learn more about the stories and research behind the film, and discover ways to share the film, host a community screening, and support this work

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BCDI Nashville
P.O. Box 281771
Nashville, TN 37228
United States