Following State Capitol Advocacy Day, Black Educators Advance Statewide Policy Push to Strengthen the Educator Pipeline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 22,2026 jjevans@blackeducatorsadvocate.org
Sacramento, CA — On April 7, 2026, 55 Black educators, organizers, and education leaders from across California convened at the State Capitol for Black Educator Advocacy Day—a powerful day of action dedicated to advancing policies that support the recruitment, retention, and well-being of Black educators. Organized by The Aya Education Coalition, the convening comes at a critical moment as state leaders make key decisions about education funding and policy priorities that will shape the future of California’s educator workforce. Amid ongoing political and funding challenges impacting Black-led education efforts, the Advocacy Day served as both a policy intervention and a public demonstration of collective power.
“This was more than a convening—it was a coordinated effort to ensure Black educators are shaping the policies that impact our profession and our students,” said Jalisa Evans, CEO of the Black Educator Advocates Network. “Despite political and funding barriers, we are building a statewide movement grounded in collective power and policy change.”
A Day of Action with Statewide Impact
Throughout the day, participants engaged in coordinated advocacy and capacity-building efforts, including:
Meeting with 20 legislative offices to advance key policy priorities, including ACA 7, the Golden State Teacher Grant, and the Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI)
Participating in policy briefings and advocacy trainings to strengthen educator-led organizing and policy engagement
Convening with statewide partners, including the California Federation of Teachers and the California Department of Education, who will partner with The Aya Education Coalition to establish a statewide workgroup focused on strengthening and sustaining the Black educator pipeline across California.
Afternoon programming featured a keynote from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, followed by a panel discussion with Assemblymember Corey Jackson, Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison, and Dr. Stefanie Phillips. Educators also participated in interactive breakout sessions focused on leadership pathways, advocacy, and educator sustainability, led by the Diversity in Leadership Institute, the Black Educator Advocates Network, and the Black Teacher Project.
Advancing Critical Policy Priorities
During Advocacy Day—and in ongoing follow-up with legislative offices—participants called on the Governor and State Legislature to:
Reinvest in and sustain initiatives like the Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) to expand equitable leadership pathways
Increase funding for Black educator recruitment and retention by investing $100 million in the Golden State Teacher Grant Program in the 2026–27 State Budget
Support ACA 7, which will allow race-conscious policy making to close the persistent student opportunity and achievement gaps.
Since the convening, coalition partners have continued follow-up conversations with legislative offices to advance these priorities and ensure continued visibility for the needs of Black educators across the state.
What’s Next
Building on the momentum of Advocacy Day, The Aya Education Coalition will expand its statewide organizing efforts, deepen partnerships with educators and policymakers, and continue advocating for sustained investments in the Black educator pipeline. This month’s Black Educator Advocacy Day marks a significant step toward a coordinated, statewide movement rooted in the leadership, expertise, and lived experiences of Black educators—at a time when their voices are more critical than ever in shaping the future of education in California.
About The Aya Education Coalition
The Aya Education Coalition is a collective of organizations and advocates dedicated to enhancing educational experiences for students across California by strengthening the Black educator pipeline. Grounded in the belief that Black educators have a transformative impact on all students—especially Black and Brown students—the coalition works to advance policies, build educator power, and influence systems change statewide. Inspired by the Adinkra symbol Aya, representing endurance and resourcefulness, the Coalition embodies resilience, innovation, and collective responsibility. The Aya Education Coalition is anchored by the Black Educator Advocates Network and the Brotherhood of Elders Network.
