Last Day to Register for the 4th Annual BFHES Virtual Teach-In


Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 20, 2024, as Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars, LLC (BFHES) embark on a transformative day of insightful sessions centered around the theme, “Preparing Our Children for the Future.” Today is the last day to register.

About the Teach-In: Black families have long been pioneers in the realm of homeschooling, a legacy that predates the global pandemic. The BFHES Annual Virtual Teach-In is a unique gathering that brings together Black home educators to set our own agenda and discuss issues vital to Black families. It serves as an excellent starting point for new homeschooling families. Register here.

Who Should Attend:

  • Black Homeschooling Parents
  • Educators Serving Black Homeschooling Families

Why Attend: Participate in a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the growth of a powerful network of Black home educators. Whether you’re a homeschooling newbie, a seasoned parent, an educator, or a researcher, this teach-in is your chance to be part of a supportive community dedicated to preparing our children for a bright future.

Registration Details: Registrants have the option to purchase an all-day pass to the teach-in for $30 or buy individual access to each session for $10 each.

Date and Time:

  • Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
  • Time: 12pm-6pm EST

Platform: Virtual via Zoom (Link will be provided the day before the teach-in registration)

BFHES History: BFHES, established in April 2020 by Black homeschool researchers Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman and Dr. Cheryl Fields-Smith, has evolved into a groundbreaking educational research group. Dr. Ali-Coleman’s journey from defending her doctoral dissertation on dual-enrolled African American homeschooled students to creating an anthology of voices on Black homeschooling reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding the research literature and amplifying Black voices.

In summer 2020, BFHES organized its inaugural Virtual Teach-In, attracting over 200 participants for a seven-day event. The event also coincided with a call for submissions for the book, “Homeschooling Black Children in the US: Theory, Practice & Popular Culture,” which was released in 2022. The BFHES organization became the editorial team managing the Information Age Publishing series, “Contemporary Perspectives on Black Homeschooling.”

Since the parting of ways with Dr. Fields-Smith in late 2021, Dr. Ali-Coleman is the sole owner and managing director of BFHES, formally registered in Maryland but with a national reach. The organization continues to engage the community through its podcast, “Contemporary Perspectives on Black Homeschooling,” and a thriving Facebook community with over 3000 members.

Mission Evolution: BFHES has shifted its focus since January 2022, aiming to train Black parents in homeschooling best practices and youth development theory. The organization seeks to connect families with resources and opportunities to optimize their homeschooling practice. As the first US-based research and education group dedicated specifically to the topic of Black family homeschooling, BFHES is at the forefront of empowering Black families in their homeschooling journey. Learn more at BlackFamilyHomeschool.org

Saniya Pearson Named 2024 Prince George’s County, Maryland Youth Poet Laureate


Saniya Pearson, 2024 Youth Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, MD

On Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, a captivating evening at Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville was held showcasing the vibrant and talented 2024 cohort of youth poets gathered for the grand finale of the Prince George’s County Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) competition. The event showcased the extraordinary creativity and community activism of five outstanding young poets, each vying for the coveted title. Saniya Pearson emerged as the new 2024 Youth Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The poetry performances were a testament to the depth, diversity, and craftsmanship of these young voices, covering a wide range of impactful topics. The stage at Newton White Mansion came alive with the powerful narratives and artistic expressions of these talented individuals.

Finalists for the title of 2024 Youth Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, MD

More than just a competition, this event marked the culmination of a rigorous selection process to determine who would represent the youth voices of Prince George’s County throughout the year. The chosen Youth Poet Laureate will engage the public in various forums, including an exciting 2024 reading tour in collaboration with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS).

The evening was not only filled with impressive poetry but also featured special performances by the 2021 YPL, Sainey Ceesay, a heartfelt parting poem by outgoing 2023 Prince George’s YPL, Precious Foreman, and a memorable appearance by the current Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed figures like poet and activist Pi-Anir the Poet, and the inaugural Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Joy Alford, added to the prestige of the occasion.

Saniya Pearson, 2024 YPL of Prince George’s County, MD and Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, MD

Reflecting on the earlier phases of the competition that took place during the fall, applicants underwent a comprehensive process involving application submissions documenting their poetic and community engagement. The interview phase allowed these young poets to share their influences and articulate the initiatives they would pursue if selected as the Youth Poet Laureate.

In addition to the crowned laureate, four exceptional finalists were appointed as Youth Poet Ambassadors for their respective areas. Arianna Bosley from Brandywine, Angie Castellano and Chimwekele Okoro from New Carrollton, and De’Juan Ouzts-Williams from Capital Heights will collaborate on creating and implementing an awareness campaign for youth-related issues.

The PGC YPL Program, a collaboration between Urban Word of NYC, DIALECT of Prince George’s, and Lyrikal Storm, received generous support from the Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council, M-NCPPC Dept of Parks & Rec, and partners at the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations. The success of this program is a testament to the thriving literary community and the commitment of county residents to nurturing and celebrating the artistic endeavors of their youth.