Last weekend, the Black Education Expo (BEE), founded by Victoria Williams, drew attendees, presenters, and exhibitors from as far away as Toronto, Oceanside, Santa Clarita, Compton, Riverside, South Los Angeles, and everywhere in between. Co-presented by Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, the event was a powerful intersection of education, entrepreneurship, STEM, and community building, designed to uplift and empower K-12 students and families from communities of color.
The BEE program kicked off with a vibrant performance of African drumming and dance by a local family, setting the tone for a celebratory and culturally rich experience. The BEE is both a vital resource hub and a reunion, where educators, parents, and community leaders reconnect and share knowledge. With literacy as an ever-present theme, over 500 books were distributed, and tech giveaways provided students with tools essential for the digital world, ensuring their educational journeys are well-supported from an early stage. Three Southern California students — Carter Baker, Kendall Jones-Wright, and Paige Triplett — were honored as distinguished Black Education Expo Scholars as well as provided with certificates from U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblymember Chris Holden and Senator Anthony Portantino.
The event featured 10 diverse workshops for parents and teens, covering a wide range of topics, including parenting children with learning challenges, dual enrollment and transfer, scholarships, UC admission tips as well as student voter education in honor of National Voter Education Week and mental health resources in recognition of World Mental Health Day, ensuring participants left with practical and timely knowledge.
With over 60 curated, culturally relevant exhibitors from industries critical to the future, the upbeat BEE expo hall offered hands-on experiences, including Sphero robotics demos, golf pros of color showcasing their skills, exciting giveaways, and interactive trivia sessions.
Organizations like South LA Robotics, the University of California, Hidden Genius Project, Black College Success, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Black Math Collective, Psyches of Color, and the Institute for Educational Advancement connected students with a wide range of opportunities, from STEM to filmmaking, theater, dance, foster youth resources, and financial literacy. The intersection of education and entrepreneurship was also emphasized, with Kameale Terry, CEO of ChargerHelp!, leading an engaging teen workshop that inspired students to see themselves as future innovators and leaders in various fields.
At its core, the Black Education Expo fosters relationships, shares knowledge, and reinforces communal support. It’s a space where families and educators come together to build a future for youth anchored in both tradition and progress. Victoria envisioned the BEE as a vital hybrid platform to ensure resources are easily shared and communal ties are strengthened. The BEE movement exemplifies this vision, offering families a chance to plan for their children’s success while deepening their bonds with one another.
Workforce development was another key focus, with exhibitors like IBEW Local 11 highlighting career pathways that youth of color may not have considered before. The Bridge Builders Foundation brought over 50 scholars from their Youth Leadership Council. With the support of over 40 community organizations—from NCNW, NAACP, members of the Divine 9, and a variety of clergy groups—collaboration was key to contributing to the strong sense of community and empowerment that defined the day.
Looking ahead, the Black Education Expo will expand this Winter with a virtual series, the next in-person event on February 22, 2025, and pop-up BEE expos across Southern California, ensuring that these vital K-12 resources reach even more families in the future.
The event’s success was made possible through support from Pasadena City College,
Pasadena Unified School District, Black College Success, IBEW Local 11, Los Angeles Urban League, and Bridge Builders Foundation. The Black Education Expo isn’t just an event—it’s a movement that fosters education, opportunity, and centers communities of color to create lasting impact.
BEE is actively seeking additional partners and supporters to help keep the movement going and expand its reach. For more information, visit www.blackeducationexpo.com or email [email protected].
