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
Founder
Marc Clarke Media Group
-

Kimberly Perry
Executive Director
DC Action
-

David C. Miller, Ph.D
Social Work Expert & Author
-

Christina Hanson
Instructional Coach & Special Education Teacher
-

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.
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.