As visionaries of the future, Black people are skilled at building flourishing families and communities, even when faced with systems intentionally designed to exclude and undermine them. This Juneteenth, we’re examining the past and present to understand how research and policy have defined and shaped Black family life and what is necessary—now and in the future—to ensure Black family well-being.
Join the Black Families Flourishing (BFF) team on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET for a live virtual panel discussion, “Exploring Research and Policy to Support Black Families and Strengthen Our Collective Future,” with BFF core advisors and other prominent scholars who engage in work to support Black family flourishing.
Panelists include:
- Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr., Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities
- Dr. Christina Cross (BFF Core Advisor), Harvard University
- Dr. William (Sandy) A. Darity, Jr., Howard University
- Dr. Deadric Williams (BFF Core Advisor), University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Facilitator: Dr. Chrishana M. Lloyd (BFF Principal Investigator & Project Lead), Child Trends
Grounded in research, this conversation will challenge participants to rethink the policies, narratives, and systems needed for Black families—and all communities—to flourish as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
We invite you to be part of this important conversation.
