Lift Every Voice, Love Every Child: Celebrating National Black Child Development Week in Ohio

By Crystal Hall, Community Engagement Officer | Black Child Development Institute - Ohio 

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From June 8–14, 2025, the Black Child Development Institute-Ohio (BCDI-Ohio) invites families, advocates, and local leaders across the state to join us in celebrating National Black Child Development Week. This year's theme, “Lift Every Voice, Love Every Child,” is a call to care for and invest in the well-being of children and families through practical support and meaningful connection.  

As a community health worker and early childhood advocate, I see the potential in every child, as well as the challenges many families face. From navigating early learning systems to securing support for healthy development, it’s clear that our children thrive best when surrounded by steady guidance, strong relationships, and access to essential services.  

At BCDI-Ohio, we believe the foundation for strong communities starts with strong families. This week-long observance serves as a reminder that everyday people, parents, educators, service providers, and neighbors can come together to ensure children have the tools they need to grow and succeed.  

Why This Week Matters  

National Black Child Development Week is an opportunity to:  

• Promote Awareness of the everyday challenges that affect the healthy development of young children,  

• Encourage Collaboration between families and the programs that serve them,  

• Support Strong Foundations in health, learning, and home life,  

• Inspire Action through shared solutions and open dialogue.  

Throughout the week, BCDI-Ohio will host discussions, family-centered activities, and informational events designed to bring people together. From parent chats to community meetups, each gathering is meant to equip families with knowledge, support, and encouragement.  

Week at-a-Glance: June 8–14, 2025  

• Sunday, June 8 - Sips & Stories: Coffee, Culture, & Community  

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM   

Join us for a morning of storytelling and connection over coffee, celebrating the voices and experiences of our community.  

• Monday, June 9 - The Power of Us: Conversations with BCDI (Bilingual)  

Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM  

Kick off the week with changemakers as we focus on education, advocacy, and community engagement.  

• Tuesday, June 10 – Building Bridges: A Lunch & Learn – Youngstown, OH  

Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM  

Join us over lunch as we share our statewide vision for BCDI-Ohio, explore membership opportunities, and discuss ways to engage in collective action. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate, your voice matters—join the table and be part of the change.  

• Wednesday, June 11 - Legacy & Liberation: An Intergenerational Panel Experience – Cleveland, OH  

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM  

Join us at the historic Karamu House for a community reception featuring a cash bar, intentional networking, and a powerful panel of speakers representing voices across generations. Together, we’ll explore how our past, present, and future intertwine to shape a more equitable tomorrow. Come connect, reflect, and raise your voice for change in an evening grounded in community, conversation, and the shared pursuit of justice.  

• Thursday, June 12 – Pop-up Family Night at MAGNET  

Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM  

Parents and caregivers join us for an evening of connection and support at Family Pop-Up Night. Engage with community professionals on topics like family resilience, back-to-school prep, early childhood mental health, and find quality programs for your child. Enjoy children’s activities and a light dinner while gathering helpful information in a welcoming, in-person setting. BCDI-Ohio is proud to walk alongside families, offering resources that build strong foundations for our children.  

What You Can Do  

• Attend an Event: Whether virtually or in person, your participation matters,  

• Lend Your Voice: Share your experiences and ideas to help improve services for children and families,  

• Partner with Us: If you are part of an agency, school, or service organization, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate.  

We also invite you to take the next step by becoming a member of BCDI-Ohio. Your membership helps us continue providing outreach, resources, and advocacy that truly make a difference. Join us here.  

The Power of Community  

When we work together, we make real change. National Black Child Development Week is a reminder that families are not alone and that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Their future depends on the foundation we help build today.  

Visit bcdiohio.org to learn more about upcoming events and how you can get involved. Together, we lift every voice and love every child. 

Crystal Hall is a seasoned community strategist and outreach supervisor dedicated to advancing equity in maternal and child health, education, and advocacy. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Officer for BCDI-Ohio and is a proud co-chair of First Year Cleveland’s Community Advisory Committee. With a background in digital marketing, early childhood education, and nonprofit leadership, Crystal champions initiatives that empower families, support underserved communities, and build sustainable, culturally responsive systems of care.