Vision, mission & values

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Black Education Strategy Roundtable (BESR) is the only Washington based organization with a specific focus on the education of Black/African American students. Through advocacy in coalition with others we work to improve public education from early learning through higher education.

OUR VISION: 100% of Black/African American students will graduate with a meaningful high school diploma, exceptionally prepared for college, work, productive citizenship and life.

OUR MISSION: To achieve systemic changes in education that result in excellence and equity for Black/African American students at all levels of the education continuum and raise the bar for all students.

IN SERVE OF: All Black/African American students attending education institutions in Washington State through early to post secondary learning.

Our constituency includes those families, parents, educators, caregivers, friends, and other interested adults, children, and youth who want better educational outcomes for African Americans.

OUR VALUES: The education of Black/African American students is the most important and urgent matter facing our community. Specifically, we value:

Accountability. We believe parents of Black/African American students play a critical role in the education of their children and that Black/African American students are accountable for their learning.
Community Engagement. The resources that exist within our communities are necessary to make needed improvements in our students’ learning.
Teamwork, collaboration and participation by all. We all have a role to play in educating our students.
Sustainability. Staying the course is a necessity until long-term outcomes are achieved.
Differences. Honesty, integrity and mutual respect for differing opinions are required for this work.
Innovation. We engage in “out-of-the-box” thinking.