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…