2026 State of the Black Child DC Inaugural Summit

Where expertise meets impact & community engagement

Join us at Martha's Table for a powerful summit on the state of Black children hosted by the Black Child Development Institute-DC

Join us at Martha’s Table at The Commons on March 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) for a powerful and inspiring day at the Black Child Development Institute–DC State of the Black Child Summit—a community-centered gathering focused on the well-being, brilliance, and future of Black children and families in the District of Columbia.This event will bring together parents, educators, advocates, community leaders, and partners for meaningful conversations and practical strategies that support Black children and families. Together, we will reflect, heal, learn, and take action.What to expect:

  • Engaging keynote and community conversations

  • Interactive breakout sessions with topics centered on healing, learning, and advocacy

  • A special guest Author Chat

  • Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build community

This summit is designed to be a welcoming space where voices are heard, stories are shared, and solutions are shaped collectively. Come be part of the movement to uplift and invest in the future of Black children.

Community Empowerment

Economic Equality

Environmental Justice

Policy Reform

Education

Health & Well-Being

Community Empowerment Economic Equality Environmental Justice Policy Reform Education Health & Well-Being

Meet Our Panel Speakers & Facilitators

  • Dr. Marla Dean

    Founder and Chief Learning & Innovation Officer

    Dean’s List Consulting

  • Marc Clarke

    Marc Clarke

    Founder

    Marc Clarke Media Group

  • Kimberly Perry

    Kimberly Perry

    Executive Director

    DC Action

  • David C. Miller, Ph.D

    David C. Miller, Ph.D

    Social Work Expert & Author

  • Christina Hanson

    Christina Hanson

    Instructional Coach & Special Education Teacher

  • Lucy Recio

    Lucy Recio

    Entrepreneur & Author

  • Tanya Wright

    Actress, Author & Founder

    Learn with Hairiette

Program & Agenda

Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:30 AM – 9:40 AM

Black Child Development Institute–DC Leadership: Ihkeem Ma’at, Board Chair, and Rahshita Lowe-Watson, President. 

Opening Plenary: The State of Black Children in Washington, DC

9:40 AM – 10:45 AM

A data-informed conversation highlighting opportunities, challenges, and pathways forward for Black children and families in the District. 

Panelists: Marc Clarke, Marc Clarke Media Group; Dr. Marla Dean, Dean’s List Consulting; Kimberly Perry, DC Action 

Moderator: Kathy Hollowell-Makle, Principal Consultant, BCDI-DC

Breakout Sessions I

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Partner Room A: The Health and Healing Round Table with Lucy Recio

Partner Room B: Reclaiming Families: Engaging and Supporting Fathers with David C. Miller, Ph.D

Lunch

12:00 PM - 12:25 PM

Opportunity to connect with partners, educators, advocates, and community leaders.

Catered by The Village Cafe DC

Breakout Sessions II

12:00 PM - 12:25 PM

Partner Room A: Hair Comes the Sun with Author Tanya Wright

Partner Room B: Empowered Parenting for Resilience, Pride, and Success with Christina  Hanson

Closing and Call to Action: Advancing Equity for Black Children in DC

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

A facilitated discussion highlighting policy priorities, community engagement opportunities, and collective next steps.

BCDI-DC Leadership: Rahshita Lowe-Watson, Ihkeem Ma’at, and Dr. Herman I.Pryor, Jr., Member-at-Large Board Member

This website, 2026 Summit program & supporting materials were thoughtfully designed and created by our Research & Data Consultant, Diamondnia Mack.


Interested in her work? Connect with her on LinkedIn or reach out to learn more about her research, policy, and consulting services.