Over the past few months, I have been immersed in an inspiring journey of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of equity in education. I am thrilled to share the exciting news about my ongoing work on an educational grant for the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES). This leading organization funds groundbreaking educational research. This grant is more than just funding—it is a beacon of hope, a step towards equity, and an opportunity to finally bring culturally responsive social and emotional learning (SEL) to the forefront of early childhood education.
For those who have been following this journey, you know that this is not my first time applying for an IES grant. This is my fifth attempt. As the saying goes, "If at first you do not succeed, try, try again." And I am not trying…I am doing, and I have! This time, however, I am armed with an incredible team of researchers who bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and commitment to creating a brighter, more inclusive future for our children.
I am honored to collaborate with the brilliant Dr. Iheoma Iruka, a tenured full professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Dr. Iruka is also a faculty fellow at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the founding director of the Equity Research Action Coalition. She is a true trailblazer in early childhood education and racial equity, and when she told me, "Miss Karen, this is exactly what we need for our children," it filled me with hope and determination. This kind of affirmation makes every "No" we've encountered worth it.
Two amazing scholars, Dr. Fantasy Lozada from The University of Virginia and Shri Walton, from UNC-Chapel Hill join Dr. Iruka and me on the research team. Together, they are committed to researching the comprehensive and culturally relevant Feeling Friends SEL curriculum that addresses the needs of Black children and, by extension, all children. With their support and expertise, I am confident that this is the year we will finally secure the grant that will transform our vision into reality.
Our research is further strengthened by an exceptional advisory board comprising some of the most distinguished voices in the field: Dr. Marva Lewis from Tulane University, Dr. Valerie McMillian from North Carolina A&T, Dr. Megan Lyons from North Carolina Central University, and Dr. Sherika Hill from Duke University Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. These brilliant women are more than just advisors; they are champions for equity and inclusivity, each bringing invaluable insights to ensure our work is grounded in Black children's lived experiences and needs. This is truly Black-Girl-Brilliance coming together!
This grant is so crucial because, for years, Black researchers like myself have struggled to secure funding to develop SEL curricula that are culturally relevant and grounded in equity. Most of the funding in this field has historically gone to white institutions, resulting in SEL products that reflect a singular, often exclusionary perspective. The market is flooded with social and emotional learning tools designed by and for white people. This lack of diversity perpetuates a form of systemic bias that fails to address the unique needs and experiences of Black children and other marginalized communities.
But with this grant, we have the chance to change that narrative.
The Feeling Friends program is a culturally responsive SEL curriculum that embraces equity and inclusivity. It offers children tools to navigate their emotions in ways that resonate with their experiences. Our program is built on "targeted universalism"—the idea that if a program works well for Black children, it will work well for everyone. This is not just about creating an SEL product; it’s about setting a new standard for equitable, inclusive education.
The IES grant will enable us to conduct rigorous research on The Feeling Friends program, validating its effectiveness in enhancing children's neuroplasticity, cultural understanding, and emotional growth. We will continue to build a program incorporating everything from music to brain science, creating an enriching environment where all children, especially Black children, can thrive.
This is about more than just research. It’s about reshaping the educational landscape to reflect our children's diverse voices and experiences. It's about teaching love—the most important feeling—and ensuring every child has the tools to succeed emotionally, academically, and socially.
Working with these phenomenal women is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and faith. We are claiming, declaring, and decreeing that this grant is ours. We will get this work done, and it will all be done in love—because love is the foundation of everything we teach our children.
This grant is not just a possibility; it is a promise that we can create a better, more inclusive future for all children, a promise that Black Girl Brilliance will shine brightly and illuminate the path forward. We are ready, determined, and filled with joy as we move towards a future where every child’s feelings are seen, valued, and celebrated.
This is our time. Join us on this journey to bring love, equity, and Black-Girl-Brilliance to the forefront of education!
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