Advocating While Black™:
From Barriers to Breakthroughs event
Join us for the official launch of the Advocating While Black™ research report
a year-long study led by Dr. Kathryn E. Wiley (Howard University) in partnership with Advocating 4 Kids Inc
This groundbreaking research explores how systemic inequities in Virginia’s schools impact Black neurodivergent students.
At this event, we’ll unveil the findings, highlight powerful family stories, and share tools designed to help communities push for meaningful change.
Date
Saturday
October 25, 2025
Time
Doors Opening From:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location
When and where is the event? 520 E Main St, Suite 4, Norfolk, VA 23510
STARTS IN
Why This Matters
The Advocating While Black™ study, a year-long collaboration, exposes how systemic inequities undermine the education of Black neurodivergent students in Virginia. This work is grounded in the belief that public education is more than buildings and policies; it's about creating spaces of belonging, healing, and justice.
Families describe barriers such as:
Lowered academic expectations that limit growth
Exclusion from decision-making that erases parent voices
Disproportionate discipline that feeds the school-to-prison pipeline
"In their best light, schools are meant to be places of hope, belonging, community, and possibility."
— Ruth Idakula, Program Director for the Dignity in Schools Campaign
“This study is more than research—it is the lived truth of Black parents who refuse to be silenced. This report is a call to action for schools, policymakers, and communities to stand with us in protecting and empowering our children.”
— Cheryl A. Poe, Executive Director, Advocating 4 Kids Inc.
Event Highlights
The groundbreaking first public unveiling of Advocating While Black™ findings, where powerful data meets lived stories that inspire action and demand change.
Interactive Workshops
Five "Teach-In" sessions covering topics from knowing your rights to understanding your child’s disabilities.
Parent Panel
Hear from Black parents on the front lines, sharing their lived experiences and advocacy journeys.
Networking
Connect with a network of parents, advocates, and organizations.
National Solidarity
Join the National Week of Action Against School Pushout, linking our local fight to a nationwide movement.
Call to Action
Leave with a shared vision and action plan to create schools that are sanctuaries of liberation.
Speakers and times are subject to change
Detailed Agenda
09:00 – 10:00 AM
Doors Open and Registration Begins: Networking -Lite refreshments
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome to our event, hosted by Black Brand, and Grounding The Space with Cheryl Poe.
10:15 – 11:00 AM
Panel Research Team Panel –Advocating While Black™: Lived Experiences & Lessons
Featuring Research Team, Dr. Wiley, Cheryl Poe, Leah Valdes, Tibuanna Jones, and Jamela Joseph, will discuss the findings of the research and lessons learned.
11:00 – 11:45 AM
Parent Panel-
Featuring community advocates and parents sharing personal stories, struggles, and successes, Mr. and Mrs. Goins, Mrs. Amber Blanketship and Ashley Boulden
11:45 – 12:30 PM
Alternatives to Public School
Exploring private, charter, homeschooling, and other education pathways.- Cori Fonville Foster
12:30– 12:45 PM
Networking Break: Time to mingle and meet new people
12:45 – 1:30 PM
Knowing Your Rights:
Knowing Your Rights: School Discipline – Protecting your child from discriminatory discipline practices. Cheryl A Poe
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Lunch Break: Boxed Lunches Provided
2:30 – 3:15 PM
Understanding Your Child’s Disabilities (Including Autism)
Equipping parents with knowledge to better support learning and life skills.- Maria Davis-Pierre
3:15 – 4:00 PM
Becoming Your Child’s Advocate
Practical steps to show up powerfully in every school interaction. Cheryl A Poe and Maria Davis-Pierre
4:00 – 4:15 PM
Networking Break #2
4:15 – 4:30 PM
Final Reflections by Event Host Black Brand
4:30 – 4:45 PM
Announcement:
Culture of Advocacy Collection-Building A Black Neurodivergent Advocacy Community
4:45 – 5:00 PM
Informal Networking, Vendor Tables, Resource Sharing, Book Signing
Detailed Agenda
TIME
ACTIVITY
09:00 – 10:00 AM
Registration & Networking
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome to our event, hosted by Black Brand, and Grounding The Space with Cheryl Poe.
10:15 – 11:00 AM
Panel Research Team Panel –Advocating While Black™: Lived Experiences & Lessons
Featuring Research Team, Dr. Wiley, Cheryl Poe, Leah Valdes, Tibuanna Jones, and Jamela Joseph, will discuss the findings of the research and lessons learned.
11:00 – 11:45 AM
Parent Panel-
Featuring community advocates and parents sharing personal stories, struggles, and successes, Mr. and Mrs. Goins, Mrs. Amber Blanketship and Ashley Boulden
11:45 – 12:30 PM
Alternatives to Public School
Exploring private, charter, homeschooling, and other education pathways.- Cori Fonville Foster
12:30– 12:45 PM
Networking Break: Time to mingle and meet new people
12:45 – 1:30 PM
Knowing Your Rights:
Knowing Your Rights: School Discipline – Protecting your child from discriminatory discipline practices. Cheryl A Poe
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Lunch Break: Boxed Lunches Provided
2:30 – 3:15 PM
Understanding Your Child’s Disabilities (Including Autism)
Equipping parents with knowledge to better support learning and life skills.- Maria Davis-Pierre
3:15 – 4:00 PM
Becoming Your Child’s Advocate
Practical steps to show up powerfully in every school interaction. Cheryl A Poe and Maria Davis-Pierre
4:00 – 4:15 PM
Networking Break #2
4:15 – 4:30 PM
Final Reflections by Event Host Black Brand
4:30 – 4:45 PM
Announcement:
Culture of Advocacy Collection-Building A Black Neurodivergent Advocacy Community
4:45 – 5:00 PM
Informal Networking, Vendor Tables, Resource Sharing, Book Signing
Speakers and times are subject to change
Our Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advocating While Black™: From Barriers to Breakthroughs event?
This is the official launch event for the year-long Advocating While Black™ research report. The study, a collaboration between Dr. Kathryn E. Wiley (Howard University), an Old Dominion University Intern, and Advocating 4 Kids Inc., exposes how systemic inequities in Virginia undermine the education of Black neurodivergent students. The event will release the findings, share real stories from families, and provide practical tools to fight back.
When and where is the event?
The event will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location :520 E Main St, Suite 4, Norfolk, VA 23510
Why is this research and event so important?
Because the public education system is failing our children. Black neurodivergent students are facing:
Lowered academic expectations that limit their future.
Exclusion from decision-making that silences parent voices.
Disproportionate discipline that feeds the school-to-prison pipeline.
This event is a call to action to equip parents, advocates, and policymakers with the truth and the tools needed to transform schools into places of belonging, healing, and justice.
What are the main features of the day?
The day is packed with essential information and community connection, including:
The first public release of the Advocating While Black™ research findings (data + narratives).
Five Interactive Teach-In Workshops on topics like School Discipline Rights, Advocacy Skills, and Alternatives to Public School.
A powerful Parents’ Panel featuring Black parents sharing their lived experiences.
Networking Opportunities with vendor/resource tables and community connections.
Who should attend this event?
If you are a Black parent of a neurodivergent student, a community advocate, an educator dedicated to equity, or a policymaker focused on education justice, this event is for you. This is where we unite to protect and empower our children.