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About Us

Our Story

The Black Education Strategy Roundtable (BESR), began as an advisory group to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA). CAAA formed a group of stakeholders that would become The Black Education Strategy Roundtable. Starting as an advisory group to the CAAA, recruiting subject matter experts, including parents, advocates, teachers, school administrators, college professors, and academicians in the education field, researchers, and key community leaders to advocate for new policies and programs to improve educational attainment among Black learners at all levels in Washington State.

From 2006-2015 BESR Function as a community-based volunteer led advisory group. And from 2015 upon earning 501c3 non-profit status recognition through to today, BESR continues in the work of making movement in toward educational justice in Washington State.

The Challenge

While there has been meaningful progress in our State’s journey toward equitable public education, Black Students in WA still experience systemic inequities in our public education system. These inequities are not accidents of circumstance—they are the predictable result of systemic underinvestment, structural racism, and policy choices that prioritize efficiency over education justice.

  • Schools too often deny Black learners the literacy supports, math instruction, and culturally affirming environments necessary to thrive.
  • Disciplinary practices remove Black learners from classrooms at more than twice the rate of their white peers—evidence of systemic bias, not student behavior.
  • Structural barriers and misidentification drive the overrepresentation of Black students in special education and IEPs.
  • Access to advanced coursework and postsecondary pathways is restricted by inequitable systems, closing doors that should be open.
  • State policies continue to value compliance and administrative ease rather than bold transformation designed to deliver justice for Black learners.

Our Approach

We know that Strong Schools Undergird Strong Communities. Therefore, we organize students, families, stakeholders, and policymakers to:

  • ADVOCATE for the systemic success of Black Students in Washington State through student, family, stakeholder, and policymaker coalition power targeting key areas affecting Black student achievement across the K‑16 continuum
  • ACTIVATE Black Student inherent strength through, caring, culturally relevant education of Black students will improve health, wealth, and happiness of the students, our community, and our state.
  • AMPLIFY Black Communities Voices community-based and equity centered data and research analysis.

Through this strategic framework, BESR is strengthening its ability to more effectively realize its mission and vision and mission of advocating for systemic change in public education that closes the achievement and opportunity gaps for Black students at all levels.

Making Meaningful Movement toward Educational justice

we Advocate.

Advocate for the systemic success of Black students 

Influence Education Policy and Legislation

We develop and implement an annual advocacy agenda that targets key policy areas affecting Black student achievement across the K‑16 continuum. We cultivate strategic partnerships with students, families, coalitions, and educational organizations to ensure that the policies we promote reflect the lived realities of Black communities in Washington State. To ensure student agency, we establish a Black Student Advisory Council, comprising K-12 and postsecondary students, to co-develop policy recommendations and provide input on advocacy priorities. Additionally, BESR enhances its role as a thought leader by providing expert testimony, publishing policy briefs, and organizing coordinated advocacy events.

We facilitate collaborations among schools, families, and community organizations to create culturally responsive educational environments. We advocate for integrative models that combine academic support, mental health services, and family engagement to holistically address the needs of Black students.

We coordinate action teams to mobilize community advocates and develop effective grassroots educational justice strategies. We integrate student-led advocacy training within these teams, equipping Black students to lead campaigns and represent their communities in policy discussions. We also expand the BESR network by actively engaging with local and state organizations committed to educational equity.

we Activate.

Activate Black Student Inherent Strengths 

Provide Holistic Academic and Personal Support

We collaborate with NGOs and coalitions to provide resources that cultivate positive identity development for Black students. Rooted in our rich cultural heritage, BESR’s community stewardship initiatives strengthen student networks by connecting them with professionals in STEM, the arts, and other fields and markets. Through this approach, we establish clear pathways to postsecondary education and economic sustainability, ensuring that every Black student has the opportunity and support to achieve their goals.

We partner with NGOs and community agencies to deliver vocational, academic, and personal development resources. By connecting Black students with mentors and professionals in fields such as STEM and the arts, we create clear pathways to postsecondary education and counter historical trends of under-enrollment.

We organize workshops, resilience training sessions, and cultural enrichment programs that recognize and uplift the strengths and identities of Black students and educators. We develop and execute a multimedia strategy that spotlights success stories and inspiring community narratives, showcase our rich, deep, and expansive culture.

we amplify.

Amplify Black Community Voices Through Data and Research

Robust Research and Data Platform

We produce an annual report on Black education in Washington State that highlights educational successes, disparities, and areas needing intervention. In addition, we create an accessible community data portal that provides insights and resources for Black students’ academic outcomes and well-being.

We implement participatory action-research projects that involve students, families, and educators in diagnosing challenges and co-developing solutions for Black student futures. We partner with stakeholder community organizations, data centers, state entities, and research institutions to evaluate the educational health of Black students and disseminate findings through local, academic, and state and federal channels.

We leverage our data-informed advocacy through research insights to push for systemic reforms in public education. We use continuous data analysis to refine BESR’s advocacy and programmatic efforts, ensuring they remain responsive to the evolving needs of Black students in Washington State.

Join Us

Empower the Future with Your Voice!

Through this strategic framework for systemic change and providing targeted support, we aim to create an educational landscape where Black students can thrive and achieve their full potential. We invite you to join us in this important work, as we believe that the success of Black students is integral to the success of our society.