Cultural Masterclass Program

Our on-site programs are often delivered directly at school sites, bringing the BFU experience to parents and families in an accessible and convenient way. Our programs are structured across three stages, with each stage building upon the next to support families throughout their journey.
Each program site selects BFU Ambassadors who represent their school community and continue the work of BFU beyond the training. We also offer ad hoc specialized training, including sessions focused specifically on special education and other community needs.
Every program culminates in a graduation ceremony celebrating the commitment, growth, and accomplishments of participating families. Each session is designed to be engaging and practical, with take-home tools and resources, raffles, and a complimentary BFU T-shirt for participants.
Interested in bringing BFU to your school or district? Reach out to us through the inquiry form below.

Stage 1: Builidng the Black Family Foundation

Stage 1 of Black Family University empowers parents to actively support their children’s academic and personal growth.

Through ten sessions, parents explore foundational parenting principles, learn to connect with schools and communities, understand their legal and parental rights, and become strong advocates for their children.

They develop goal-setting strategies, build healthy parenting habits, and practice self-care to manage stress. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and equips parents with tools to navigate school systems, track progress, and prepare children for graduation. Stage 1 lays the foundation for informed, confident, and engaged Black parents who can strengthen both family and community success.

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Stage 2:Healing the Black Family, Pre-Leadership Training

Stage 2 prepares parents to transform themselves and their families.

Through ten sessions, parents explore building Black wealth, conscious parenting, and developing intentional, growth-minded relationships. They examine the impact of anti-Blackness, patriarchy, and generational trauma while learning tools for emotional healing, self-awareness, and mindfulness.

Participants also explore their heritage and identity, fostering deeper connection with themselves and their children. The program blends in-person and online sessions, providing practical strategies to strengthen family bonds, promote self-actualization, and equip parents to advocate, lead, and uplift their children and communities.

Stage 3: Leading the Black Family in Education

Stage 3 equips parents to take leadership in their children’s education and advocate for systemic change.

Across ten sessions, parents address reading and math proficiency, understand the impact of special needs on Black families, and learn how to engage in school leadership councils, committees, and PTAs.Participants explore school funding, politics, and curriculum, including ethnic studies, to ensure Black students’ needs and histories are fully represented.

The program culminates with a “Train the Trainer” model, providing accreditation for parents and community leaders to deliver BFU programming, expand impact, and create lasting change in schools and communities.

New to BFU

Special Needs

New to BFU Special Needs

Our Special Needs Programs

Empowering Black Families for Special Needs Success

This program equips parents of Black students with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate special education and advocate for equitable outcomes. Across ten modules, parents learn about IDEA, 504, and ADA rights, IEP processes, assessments, inclusion, and services, all through a lens of racial equity and cultural responsiveness. Participants practice conflict resolution, goal-setting, and self-advocacy with their children, while building collective parent leadership and advocacy skills. The program emphasizes empowerment, community-building, and high expectations, ensuring parents can champion their child’s needs, engage in meaningful school decision-making, and create pathways for academic, social, and future success

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American Sign Language Training & Black Family Support

This program gives families, paraeducators, and students a strong foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance communication and build meaningful connections. Over ten weeks, participants learn the ASL alphabet, essential vocabulary, sentence structure, and everyday expressions while practicing skills through family-centered activities, role play, and real-life applications. The curriculum integrates SPED supports, visual routines, and connection practices to make learning accessible and engaging. By the final week, families demonstrate their skills in a showcase, fostering confidence, collaboration, and advocacy, while strengthening communication within the home, school, and community.

BFU Ambassador Program

Lawndale HS | Charles Moody

Leuzinger HS | Takiana Mines

& Pshyra Richardson

One of the most vital and influential parts of our BFU on-site programs is our BFU Ambassadors. Selected at each program site, BFU Ambassadors serve as a bridge between the parent community, school site staff, and BFU trainers. They help promote the program, keep families informed about upcoming sessions, and communicate the needs and experiences of families back to the BFU team.

After completing the program, these trained ambassadors become a lasting resource within their school community, continuing to support and connect families long after the training ends.

This year, we introduced our first Youth Ambassador, expanding our vision to include student leadership alongside parent leadership. We plan to continue building our student community through the development of BFU Black Student Unions, creating spaces where Black students can connect, lead, advocate, and shape their own educational experiences.