UPCOMING EVENTS
Reading Volunteers Needed
BCDI-Iowa is thrilled to continue our Volunteer Reading Program at King Elementary School—and this year, we're expanding! We’ll now be supporting students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade, reaching even more young learners during these critical years of literacy development.
To our dedicated volunteers from the past two years: Thank you! Your time, care, and consistency have made a meaningful impact in helping students build confidence and improve their reading skills. But our work is far from over. Many of our children are still struggling to read at grade level, and this ongoing crisis calls for continued community involvement. At BCDI-Iowa, we believe that together, we can change the narrative—and we invite you to be a part of the solution.
Volunteers commit to just one hour, one day per week at King Elementary. During that time, you'll read to students—and they’ll read to you, building trust, skills, and a love for reading. Can’t commit weekly? No problem—we’re happy to work with your schedule.
The reading program will kick off on Monday, October 27th.
Ready to Volunteer?
Contact Elsie Jackson at: jackson_elsie@yahoo.com or bcdi.iowa@gmail.com (please include Reading Volunteer in the Subject line)
Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, your presence matters. You can be the reason a child falls in love with reading. Thank you in advance for your support and commitment to our children’s future. Let’s turn the page together—one story at a time.
PAST EVENTS
Banned Books Festival
BCDI-IOWA will participate in the Beaverdale book festival this Saturday, October 11th, at the Franklin Event Center, 4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310.
During Children's story time, BCDI Iowa member, Elsie Jackson, will be sharing the beautifully illustrated children’s book, I Am Enough, by Grace Byers. This book conveys an empowering and uplifting message of self-acceptance and self-worth; however, it is now on the banned book list.
Please plan to join us! Event details: https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/banned-books-festival-2025
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Events
BCDI Iowa is participating in the Plymouth Church and Community partners' banned book events. BCDI Iowa will participate in the book exchange, artist reception, and the banned book luncheon panel discussion.
Oct 4th - 12th: Book Exchange for Children and Youth
- Similar to a little free library, families are encouraged to bring new or used children’s and young adult books to Plymouth and then select books to take home.
- BCDI Iowa will provide banned children's books for the exchange.
Oct. 4, 2025: Artist workshop, 10:00 am to noon with artist Diane King
- Learn about her creative process and focus on social issues, and make a collage based on a banned book.
- BCDI Iowa will have a table displaying banned children’s books.
- The Artist Reception will be held at Common Grounds & Waveland Gallery, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Meet artist Diane King, tour the exhibit, and enjoy a reception with light refreshments. This event is family-friendly.
Oct 5th 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Censorship and Banned Books Panel
- Discussion on censorship and banned books
- Moderators: Kevin and Mollie Cooney.
Panelist include:
- Janet Petersen, Iowa State Senator
- Jacqueline Easley McGhee, Director, Community & Diversity Services for Mercy Medical Center, BCDI Iowa
- Sara Parris, Executive Director, Annie’s Foundation
- Mark Stringer, Executive Director, Iowa ACLU· Registration Link https://plymouthchurchdsm.churchcenter.com/.../3083109
NATIONAL BLACK CHILD DEVLOPMENT WEEK
JUNE 9TH - JUNE 13TH
Our annual celebration of the power, purpose, and potential of Black children.
What is NBCDW?
National Black Child Development Week (NBCDW) is a yearly initiative led by the National Black Child Development Institute. Each year, we activate classrooms, families and national platforms to uplift Black children as visionaries, leaders, and architects of systems change.
This year our theme is: "Afrofuturism: The Future Looks Like Us"
NBCDW will showcase:
- Daily videos and creative storytelling
- Classroom spotlights from our Village Network
- Real voices from children, educators, and communities
- Moments of joy and imagination centered on reimagining systems with Black children at the center
By centering children’s voices and ideas, we create space for Black children to reimagine thriving communities and dream up the futures they deserve.
- Download the Guide – NBCDW Children’s Activity: Instructor Guide
- Access the Video - NBCDI Afrofuturist Worldbuilding Video
- Post on your social media platforms - follow along on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube. Share your reflections and classroom moments using #NBCDW2025. Tag @NBCDI and help us amplify the movement
- Email and text your networks – Invite partners, educators, families, and stakeholders to read and watch.
Let’s make this week resonate far beyond the calendar. Your leadership and voice are powerful, and when we act together, our message is unstoppable.
WHY IT MATTERS
NBCDW is more than a campaign - it's a movement. It's a call to honor Black childhood as sacred, celebrate our children's creativity, and reimagine the systems that shape their lives.
Black children deserve systems designed with love, equity, and imaginations. That's how we build a future worthy of them.
2nd Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon
On Saturday, April 5, 2009 -- BCDI-Iowa hosted our second annual Read to Succeed Luncheon. Wow! What a major success! Seeing more than 100 King Elementary School students, their principal, Renita Lord, family, and community members at the Polk County Senior Citizens Center was heartwarming. Additionally, we were very pleased that elected officials attended: Our mayor, Connie Boesen; Iowa State Senator Izaiah Knox; Iowa House Representatives Heather Matson and Rob Johnson. Des Moines Public School Board members Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, Jenna Knox, and Maria Alonzo showed up to support and celebrate the children we serve at King. Finally, BCDI-Iowa reading volunteers who tutor King's third graders in reading supported the children.
- The community met and visited with our National Black Child Development Institute leaders, Rev. Terrance McKinley, Vice President of Movement Building and Strategy, and Kerron Kalloo, Director of Community Engagement, who spent three days with BCDI-Iowa members, stakeholders, and community members.
- The King Elementary School choir, a highlight of the event, delivered a stellar performance, beautifully singing three songs, including the Negro National Anthem.
- King's children played an interactive game, Who Am I? The audience had to guess the right book author based on the clues they gave. An adorable kindergartener recited the poem, "Hey, Black Child!” Two local Black children's book authors autographed books for students. The children took home books, toys, and gift cards.
- One of the highlights of the event was the healthy, nutritious meal served to all in attendance. This meal, complete with a variety of fruits and vegetables, not only nourished our bodies but also underscored our commitment to promoting health and well-being in our community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Plymouth United Church of Christ, whose generous donation was instrumental in making the Read to Succeed Luncheon a resounding success.
Photos from the 2nd Annual Read to Succeed Luncheon
Counted Out Community Film Screening
In celebration of Pi Day (3.14), BCDI Iowa presented a special screening of the documentary film "Counted Out". The viewing was followed by break out groups consisting of teens, parents and community leaders. The conversation focused on problems and challenges surrounding the overall feelings about math, how it is taught in schools and the barriers to success students face. Our discussion was facilitated by Author, columnist, and podcaster Rachelle Chase and our panelists were:
- Rev. Dr. Jonathan Whitfield, Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church
- Rob Johnson, Iowa State Legislator
- Greg Kehrier, Board president of You Discover Math, Houston, Texas
- Dwana Bradley, Former teacher and DMPS school board member, Publisher of Urban Experience Magazine
- Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, DMPS school board member
The Film “Counted Out” investigates the biggest crises of our time — racism, political polarization, economic inequity, a global pandemic, climate change — through the unexpected lens of math.
Counted Out Film Trailer: https://youtu.be/M5a2la9WTtY?si=E7vSsulJpNpGJinP
Learn more: www.countedoutfilm.com
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Here's what you can do:
- Learn to use your voice to effect change
- Prepare to advocate at school board meetings
- Learn to de-bunk myths about math literacy
Learn ways to support:
- math students
- parents of math students
- math teachers
- Join BCDI Iowa!
- For more information , please go to our membership page.
Additional Resources:
Winter Wrap Drive Success!
Thank you to everyone who donated money, hats or gloves for our 3rd annual Winter Wraps Drive. We gifted 307 sets of hats and gloves to King Elementary students. BCDI-Iowa members not only donated hats and gloves, they were at King bright and early to sort and distribute the wraps.
BCDI-Iowa’s founding president, Dr. Anita Fleming-Rife, and member, Robin Jenkins, were among the village leaders who attended NBCDI’s National Network Training Institute in Atlanta, GA October 16th - 19th.
