The Cultural MasterclassProgram
Black Family University is designed to operate either on school campuses or online, depending on the needs of the community. Our inaugural program launched in the Centinela Valley School District, establishing the foundation for our in-person model. In an age overwhelmed with information, we believe face-to-face learning creates the strongest outcomes—fostering connection, accountability, and the opportunity to build a true village of local support. When programs are hosted on a school site, they are delivered exclusively in person, giving parents, students, and families easy access to attend after school or on weekends in a familiar, community-based environment.
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.
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 ProgramsEmpowering 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
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.