Dr. Rema Reynolds Vassar is a leading advocate for educational equity and systemic transformation. Through her expertise in Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE), she champions a model that prioritizes Black children’s success by addressing historical inequities in education. CBCE is not just an academic initiative but a powerful force for social and economic change that fosters community-driven solutions, inclusivity, and sustainability.
What is CBCE?
CBCE stands for Centering Black Children in Education, a movement dedicated to reframing educational structures so that Black children are at the core of decision-making, curriculum development, and institutional policies. Dr. Vassar has been instrumental in shifting the narrative from assimilation to empowerment, ensuring that Black students’ experiences, cultural identities, and histories are acknowledged and celebrated.
The Social and Economic Power of CBCE
CBCE offers a blueprint for sustainable economic and social progress by reimagining education through a Black-centered lens. Dr. Vassar emphasizes that education is deeply connected to economic opportunity, and communities thrive when Black students are given equitable resources. CBCE’s approach includes:
- Empowering Communities – When schools actively center Black children, they uplift entire communities by creating better educational outcomes, reducing opportunity gaps, and fostering leadership.
- Strengthening Workforce Development – A well-supported Black student body translates into a skilled workforce, providing excellent economic stability and increased job opportunities.
- Reducing Systemic Barriers – CBCE dismantles policies that have historically excluded Black students from advanced coursework, leadership programs, and high-quality educational opportunities.
How CBCE Reshapes Education
Dr. Vassar believes that CBCE is not just about reforming schools—it’s about transforming education as a whole. Through initiatives like the CBCE Annual Conference, experts, educators, and policymakers collaborate to create systemic change. Some of the key strategies include:
- Culturally Relevant Curricula – Incorporating Black history, literature, and cultural contributions into everyday learning.
- Equity in Discipline Policies – Addressing racial disparities in school discipline that disproportionately affect Black students.
- Leadership Representation – Increasing the number of Black educators, administrators, and policymakers in decision-making roles.
Challenges and Strategies for Growth
Despite its potential, CBCE faces barriers such as regulatory restrictions, resistance to change, and lack of funding. Dr. Vassar emphasizes that overcoming these challenges requires:
- Strategic Partnerships – Collaborations between schools, businesses, and community organizations to secure funding and drive policy changes.
- Policy Advocacy – Working with legislators to eliminate policies that harm Black students and replace them with inclusive alternatives.
- Leveraging Technology – Utilizing digital platforms, AI-driven analytics, and social media to amplify CBCE’s reach and engage a broader audience.
The Future of CBCE: Creating Lasting Impact
Dr. Vassar envisions a future where CBCE is not an alternative model but the standard. CBCE lays the foundation for a stronger, more just society by prioritizing equity, ethical decision-making, and community-led initiatives. With sustained efforts, education can become a valid driver of economic and social change, ensuring that Black children are included and leading the way forward.