Building Beloved Community for Children and Families in South Carolina

Based in Berkeley County, South Carolina, the Berkeley Early Education and Care Collective (BEE Collective) and its network of partners are working to create a system of care for social and emotional development that can support the wellbeing of families and communities at large. In our sixth episode, we speak with members of the BEE Collective and learn about the powerful efforts they are leading to advance equity, align systems, and build Beloved Community, including their work to address the disproportionate exclusion and expulsion of Black and brown boys in early learning settings, as well as the barriers Black mothers face in accessing quality and culturally responsive services. Guests share their personal stories -- as mothers, doulas, and community members -- and reflect on the importance of community-driven solutions, women-of-color led safe spaces, and authentic truth telling for community transformation. 

Guests include:

• Alexa Stephens, Project Coordinator, Berkeley County First Steps 
• Richie Simone Lee, Doula and Community Champion, Berkeley Early Education and Care Collective
• Adrienne Troy-Frazier, Executive Director, Berkeley County First Steps

Produced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing
Music By: Morgan Breland