Who We Are

MISSION

For more than 50 years, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) has been at the forefront of engaging leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents around critical and timely issues that directly impact Black children and their families. We are a trusted partner in developing and delivering strengths-based, culturally relevant, evidence-based, and trauma-informed resources that respond to the unique strengths and needs of Black children around issues including early childhood education, health and wellness, literacy, and family engagement. 

With the support of our Affiliate network in communities across the country, we are committed to our mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and families through education and advocacy.” NBCDI, the National Affiliate Network, and our members advocate and inform policies at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure standards, regulations, and resource allocations support equitable systems for Black children and families. 

VISION

NBCDI envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all children.

HISTORY

From our inception, NBCDI’s focus has been on achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable children who suffer from the dual legacies of poverty and racial discrimination. NBCDI was launched by the Black Women’s Community Development Foundation, whose leadership, in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, was deeply concerned about the unsatisfactory social and economic conditions facing families determined to raise healthy Black children. By organizing NBCDI as a national advocacy group, these visionary women created a unified movement to develop strategies to improve the life circumstances of Black children through policy change.

Four years after NBCDI’s incorporation, our leadership launched the National Affiliate Network to mobilize volunteers at the grassroots level. Today, NBCDI’s Affiliates operate in more than 25 communities, operated by dynamic and diverse leaders who implement nationally driven programs for children and families on the ground.

Over the years, NBCDI’s mission has benefited millions of children and their families. As a leading organization working on behalf of Black children, our future is about growth and sustainability, forging new boundaries, and promoting strengths-based programs and policies that lift up our children in the context of their families, communities, and cultures.

LEADERSHIP

NBCDI’s first leader was Evelyn K. Moore, who led our organization for 38 years. Ms. Moore started her career as a teacher in the ground-breaking Perry Pre-school/High Scope program, which became the model for the federal Head Start early childhood education program. She has dedicated her entire professional career to improving outcomes for our society’s most vulnerable children. Dr. Carol Brunson Day, a renowned early childhood educator, writer and leader, headed NBCDI next, serving as President and CEO from 2007 to 2011.  Dr. Felicia DeHaney served as President and CEO from 2011 to 2014 when she joined the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan, as Director of Education and Learning Programs.

Cindra Taylor, former President of BCDI-Atlanta and a former member of NBCDI’s Board of Directors, served as Interim President and CEO before Tobeka G. Green took the helm as President and CEO in September 2014, serving until August 2020. Cemeré James, who previously led NBCDI’s policy team for four years as Vice President, served as our Interim President and CEO for a year. In August 2021, we welcomed Dr. Leah Austin as our new President and CEO.

Impact Report and Form 990

We invite you to review NBCDI’s Impact Reports and Form 990s, which detail our recent accomplishments and financial history.

2020 Impact Report

2017 – 2019 Impact Report 

2020 Form 990 (November 1, 2020  - October 31, 2021)

2019 Form 990 (November 1, 2019 – October 31, 2020)

2018 Form 990 (November 1, 2018 – October 31, 2019)

2017 Form 990 (November 1, 2017 – October 31, 2018)

2016 Form 990 (November 1, 2016 – October 31, 2017)