Advocating While Black™:
From Barriers to Breakthroughs Event
Join us for the official launch of Advocating While Black™ — a powerful, year-long research journey led by Dr. Kathryn E. Wiley (Howard University) in partnership with Advocating 4 Kids, Inc.
This landmark study captures the voices, struggles, and hopes of Black parents navigating the special education system. It exposes the systemic barriers that too often silence their advocacy — and celebrates the resilience, love, and determination that keep them fighting for their children’s right to learn, belong, and thrive.
More than a research release, this event is a moment of truth and transformation — an invitation to stand together, learn together, and create lasting change for Black neurodivergent students and their families.
Saturday
October 25, 2025
Doors Opening From:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
520 E Main St, Suite 4, Norfolk, VA 23510
EVENT HIGHLIGTS
Why This Moment Matters
The Advocating While Black™ study — a year-long collaboration between Advocating 4 Kids, Inc. and Dr. Kathryn E. Wiley of Howard University — sheds light on the deep-rooted inequities shaping the educational experiences of Black neurodivergent students across Virginia.
At its heart, this work reminds us that education is not just about classrooms or policies — it’s about belonging, healing, and justice. It’s about ensuring every Black child feels seen, valued, and supported.
Through this research, families shared powerful truths about the barriers they face every day:
📉 Lowered academic expectations that limit growth
🚫 Exclusion from decision-making that silences parent voices
⚖️ Disproportionate discipline that feeds the school-to-prison pipeline
This moment calls on all of us — parents, educators, advocates, and allies — to turn awareness into action and rebuild systems where Black families can thrive.
From Barriers to Breakthroughs: The Day’s Journey
Join us for a day rooted in purpose, power, and connection. The Advocating While Black™ launch isn’t just an event — it’s a movement space where research meets real life, and stories become strategies for change.
SPEAKERS & TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Champions Who Make This Movement Possible
We are deeply thankful for the sponsors and community partners whose unwavering commitment makes this movement for educational justice possible.
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.
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?
f 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.