Elevating Voices: The Vital Work of the Black Village Network
At FIERCE Advocates, we believe in the power of community-driven solutions to foster growth, empowerment, and collective healing. This belief inspired the creation of the Black Village Network (BVN) in March 2022, a collaborative initiative that brings together Black parents, youth, and community leaders across West Contra Costa County to envision and co-create solutions for Black students and families to thrive.
BVN is a dedicated, culturally authentic space where Black community members can connect, share experiences, and work together to solve pressing challenges. At the heart of the initiative is the promotion of intergenerational connections that foster healing, recreation, and joy. As Jasmine Jamison, organizer of the BVN, puts it:
“Joy and healing are foundational to the Black Village Network’s approach to community empowerment. These values have allowed us to create a space where participants not only find support but also recognize their own capacity to contribute back to the community. The joy and healing in our activities stem from co-creating experiences with participants, ensuring that everyone feels valued and engaged.”
What Makes BVN Unique?
The BVN is distinct because:
Intergenerational Collaboration: Black youth and adults work together, guided by principles like "small is good, small is all" and "move at the speed of trust."
Leadership Development: Both youth and adults develop project design and leadership skills while working toward solutions that benefit their community.
Celebrating Black Empowerment: BVN leaders—youth and adults alike—are passionate about prioritizing Black liberation, healing, and community empowerment.
Key Areas of Focus
Throughout 2022, BVN leaders engaged in community conversations and collaborated to design solutions that reflect the needs and values of their community. They prioritized the following:
Creating Dedicated Spaces: Safe, culturally authentic environments for Black community members to connect, heal, and find joy.
Promoting Multigenerational Mental Health: Fostering emotional well-being for Black families by focusing on healing across generations.
Increasing Support for Black Youth: Expanding access to social-emotional support and academic resources like tutoring.
Addressing Gun Violence: Exploring community-based solutions to mitigate the effects of gun violence on youth.
Prioritizing Joy and Healing
BVN’s activities have focused on creating spaces for Black joy and healing as a foundation for future advocacy efforts. Jasmine Jamison emphasized this transformative approach:
“Many individuals who initially joined BVN as community members, seeking community or connection, have experienced firsthand the transformative power of joy and healing through capacity building and have chosen to channel that energy back into the network.”
Some key events included:
Pizza and Paint Party: A relaxed space for families to connect over food and creativity.
Game Day: A day of classic board games, building community through play.
Back to School Jam: A celebration with over 200 participants, providing entertainment, free backpacks, and new shoes for students to start the school year on the right foot.
These events not only provided resources but also nurtured a sense of connection and joy within the community.
The Birth of Black Family Sanctuary
In spring 2023, BVN launched the Black Family Sanctuary, a healing and liberatory space for leadership development, community building, and individual healing. This initiative brings together Black families from Contra Costa and Alameda counties, creating a foundation for power-building and future advocacy efforts.
Reflecting on her time with BVN, Jasmine Jamison highlighted one of the most meaningful outcomes:
“Some participants who started out as community members have taken on leadership roles in organizing events, mentoring newer participants, or leading discussions on critical issues.
This transformation highlights the true purpose of BVN: creating a sustainable ecosystem where individuals empower themselves and each other.”
Looking Ahead: Monthly BVN Meetings
BVN remains committed to convening Black community members through monthly meetings, where participants can:
Engage in discussions on issues that matter most to them.
Build meaningful connections in culturally authentic spaces.
Cultivate Black joy while sharing meals together.
As BVN continues to grow, these gatherings will serve as both a space for healing and joy and a platform for community-driven advocacy.
To learn more about the Black Village Network, email Jasmine Jamison at jjamison@fierceadvocates.org.
