EVENTS
3rd Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon
The Black Child Development Institute-Iowa and Reach Out and Read-Midwest teamed up to host award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate and several other children's book authors, including 12-year-old Saily Bal, LaToya C. Hall, and Noemi Mendez, at the Third Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon on Saturday, April 11th. Both organizations are deeply committed to improving children's literacy rates and fostering a lifelong passion for reading among young children.
Our village came together in a heartwarming show of support, uniting parents, grandparents, educators, authors, and community leaders who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of readers. It was wonderful to see Des Moines Public Schools Interim Superintendent Matt Smith, Findley Elementary Principal Barb Adams, and faith representatives from Burns United Methodist Church, Corinthian Baptist Church, and Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, as well as many committed BCDI-Iowa members and Reach Out and Read-Midwest staff. This celebration of children's literacy reminds us all of the vital role we play in encouraging our little ones' love of reading, the importance of ensuring children have books in their homes, and the importance of having books that depict them and their culture.
Headliner - Don Tate
Iowa’s native son, and award-winning author Don Tate, headlined the event. He shared his journey from a child who loved drawing to a successful author, offering students three powerful lessons:
- Persistence: He shared how he turned many "no's" into "yes’s" through constant rewriting and practice.
- Natural Talent: He reminded students that everyone is born with their own unique gifts.
Creativity for Everyone: Through an interactive drawing activity, Tate showed how simple shapes and symbols can become art, even inviting student volunteers to draw alongside him. - Reading: He told students that reading grows their brain muscles, and he shared that as a kid, he liked reading non-fiction--like medical books.
Talented Authors
The luncheon also showcased a diverse lineup of talented authors who shared their stories and wisdom:
- Saily Bah (Age 13): The Urbandale student discussed her self-illustrated book, Rise Above: How To Turn A Negative Situation Into A Positive One.
- Noemi Mendez: Led an energetic bilingual reading of Because She Believed: The Reflection of Possibility, ending with a room-wide chant of the title.
- LaToya C. Hall: Shared her powerful poem-book, Dear Black Girl, encouraging children to dream big and walk proudly in their purpose.
Community
The King Elementary School choir moved the audience with a beautiful rendition of the Negro National Anthem. Beyond the music, the gathering fostered a sense of community, as attendees enjoyed a nutritious meal with fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to literary inspiration, every child went home with new books, toys, and gift cards, ensuring the celebration's impact continues long after the event ended.
This event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:
- Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club
- Plymouth Congregational Church
Would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Chick-fil-A and Hy-Vee for their generous food donations.
Event Photos by Rex Andersen and Reyna Wiederstein.
Additional coverage of Don Tate's visit may be found below.
Doug Burns of Iowa Mercury News: https://open.substack.com/pub/theiowamercury/p/black-child-development-celebrates?r=w9vqi&utm_medium=ios
Des Moines Public Schools - https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmps/albums/72177720333150489/
4th Annual Winter Wraps
Every donation made a meaningful impact. Many families cannot provide these essentials, and your support ensured our children had what they needed to stay healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn. Your kindness reminded our students that their community truly cares.
Thank you for showing up, giving generously, and helping us wrap our children in health, warmth, and love. Together, we strengthen our community—one winter wrap at a time.
Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Event
August 2, 2025
BCDI Iowa, in collaboration with NBCDI, recently hosted an interactive and innovative group conversation with families who use Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) child care. Reimagining Child Care brought together Black parents and child care providers to explore and reimagine the FFN child care landscape.
Throughout the event, we heard directly from Black families and FFN care providers, gaining deeper insight into the vital role trusted family members, friends, and neighbors play in the nurturance, care, and development of young Black children. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, shared powerful personal stories, participated in hands-on activities, and engaged in imaginative exercises that examined current narratives, policies, and lived experiences.
This project centered the voices and visions of Black communities by exploring:
• What FFN child care looks like in Black communities beyond research and data that often miss our true stories
• The cultural and social strengths that uniquely support Black children, families, and FFN providers
• Collective visions for a future where FFN care is valued, supported, and has the needed resources
Moving beyond traditional focus groups, we embraced Afrofuturist explorations—blending art, storytelling, and culturally rooted methods—to create space for sharing lived experiences as research. This event was a vibrant celebration of the legacy, creativity, and brilliance within Black Family, Friend, and Neighbor care.
NATIONAL BLACK CHILD DEVELOPMENT WEEK
JUNE 9TH - JUNE 13TH
National Black Child Development Week (NBCDW) is a yearly initiative led by the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) that centers Black children, uplifts their voices, and celebrates their brilliance.
This year's theme, "Afrofuturism: The Future Looks Like Us," invited communities to imagine bold, joyful, and limitless futures shaped by Black children themselves.
BCDI Iowa's Mary Daily Lange wanted to ensure our children's faces were seen and their voices heard—spotlighting the brilliance we witness every day and amplifying it during NBCDW. We interviewed each child about the future they envision, and they offered powerful insight into their dreams, hopes, and possibilities.
WHY IT MATTERS
NBCDW is more than a campaign - it's a movement. It's a call to honor Black childhood as sacred, celebrate our children's creativity, and reimagine the systems that shape their lives.
Black children deserve systems designed with love, equity, and imaginations. That's how we build a future worthy of them.
NBCDI Village Tour
Strengthening the BCDI-Iowa Connection
From April 3–5, 2025, BCDI-Iowa hosted the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) leadership team, Rev. Terrance McKinley and Mr. Kerron Kalloo. This "Village Tour" allowed national leaders to engage deeply with our local work, challenges, and community stakeholders.
Visit Highlights
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Community Reception: We kicked off the visit with a reception at the Embassy Suites, bringing together community leaders, nonprofit partners, and members to welcome our national guests. The purpose of the visit was for the national network to gain a better understanding of our village, including the work we do, the challenges, and our relationships with the community.
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Site Visit: The team toured King Elementary School, meeting with the principal to see firsthand where our impact begins.
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Strategic Dialogue: BCDI-Iowa and NBCDI leadership held an in-depth, three-hour strategy session to align our local efforts with national goals.
2nd Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon
The tour culminated in our Read to Succeed Luncheon at the Polk County Senior Citizens Center. Joined by the Mayor, school board members, and state representatives, we celebrated our young readers from King Elementary.
This visit reaffirmed the strength of our village and the vital importance of our mission to affirm and expand the potential of our children.
2nd Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon
On Saturday, April 5, 2025 -- BCDI-Iowa hosted our second annual Read to Succeed Luncheon. Wow! What a major success! Seeing more than 100 King Elementary School students, their principal, Renita Lord, family, and community members at the Polk County Senior Citizens Center was heartwarming. Additionally, we were very pleased that elected officials attended: Our mayor, Connie Boesen; Iowa State Senator Izaiah Knox; Iowa House Representatives Heather Matson and Rob Johnson. Des Moines Public School Board members Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, Jenna Knox, and Maria Alonzo showed up to support and celebrate the children we serve at King. Finally, BCDI-Iowa reading volunteers who tutor King's third graders in reading provided support to the children.
- The community met and visited with our National Black Child Development Institute leaders, Rev. Terrance McKinley, Vice President of Movement Building and Strategy, and Kerron Kalloo, Director of Community Engagement, who spent three days with BCDI-Iowa members, stakeholders, and community members.
- The King Elementary School choir, a highlight of the event, delivered a stellar performance, beautifully singing three songs, including the Negro National Anthem.
- King's children played an interactive game, Who Am I? The audience had to guess the right book author based on the clues they gave. An adorable kindergartener recited the poem, "Hey, Black Child!” Two local Black children's book authors autographed books for students. The children took home books, toys, and gift cards.
- One of the highlights of the event was the healthy, nutritious meal served to all in attendance. This meal, complete with a variety of fruits and vegetables, not only nourished our bodies but also underscored our commitment to promoting health and well-being in our community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Plymouth United Church of Christ, whose generous donation was instrumental in making the Read to Succeed Luncheon a resounding success.
Photos from the 2nd Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon
Counted Out Community Film Screening
In celebration of Pi Day (3.14), BCDI Iowa presented a special screening of the documentary film "Counted Out". The viewing was followed by break out groups consisting of teens, parents and community leaders. The conversation focused on problems and challenges surrounding the overall feelings about math, how it is taught in schools and the barriers to success students face. Our discussion was facilitated by Author, columnist, and podcaster Rachelle Chase and our panelists were:
- Rev. Dr. Jonathan Whitfield, Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church
- Rob Johnson, Iowa State Legislator
- Greg Kehrier, Board president of You Discover Math, Houston, Texas
- Dwana Bradley, Former teacher and DMPS school board member, Publisher of Urban Experience Magazine
- Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, DMPS school board member
The Film “Counted Out” investigates the biggest crises of our time — racism, political polarization, economic inequity, a global pandemic, climate change — through the unexpected lens of math.
Counted Out Film Trailer: https://youtu.be/M5a2la9WTtY?si=E7vSsulJpNpGJinP
Learn more: www.countedoutfilm.com
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Here's what you can do:
- Learn to use your voice to effect change
- Prepare to advocate at school board meetings
- Learn to de-bunk myths about math literacy
Learn ways to support:
- math students
- parents of math students
- math teachers
- Join BCDI Iowa!
- For more information , please go to our membership page.
Additional Resources:
BCDI-Iowa’s founding president, Dr. Anita Fleming-Rife, and member, Robin Jenkins, were among the village leaders who attended NBCDI’s National Network Training Institute in Atlanta, GA October 16th - 19th.
