Pasadena’s Black Education Expo Paves New K-12 Pathways

Victoria Williams (in green shirt) surrounded by CM Tyron Hampton and PUSD Trustees Michelle Richardson Bailey, Jennifer Hall Lee and PUSD Chief Academic Officer, Helen Chan Hill (Photo – Staff)

On Saturday, October 12, the Black Education Expo (BEE) at the Pasadena Convention Center, drew attendees, presenters, and exhibitors from as far away as Toronto, Oceanside, Santa Clarita, Compton, Riverside, South Los Angeles, and everywhere in between.

By News Desk

At its core, the Black Education Expo fosters relationships, shares knowledge, and reinforces communal support. Founded by Victoria Williams, and co-presented by Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, the event was a powerful intersection of education, entrepreneurship, STEM and community building, designed to uplift and empower K-12 students and families from communities of color.

The BEE program kicked off with a vibrant performance of African drumming and dance by a local family, setting the tone for a celebratory and culturally rich experience. The BEE is both a vital resource hub and a family reunion, where educators, parents, and community leaders reconnect and share knowledge. With literacy as an ever-present theme, over 500 books were distributed, and tech giveaways provided students with tools essential for the digital world, ensuring their educational journeys are well-supported from an early stage. Three Southern California students—Carter Baker, Kendall Jones-Wright, and Paige Triplett—were honored as distinguished Black Education Expo Scholars.

The Expo featured diverse workshops for parents and teens, covering a wide range of topics, including

• parenting children with learning challenges,
• dual enrollment and transfer,
• scholarships,
• UC admission tips,
• student voter education in honor of National Voter Education Week, and
• mental health resources in recognition of World Mental Health Day.

With over 60 curated, culturally relevant exhibitors from industries critical to the future, the upbeat BEE expo hall offered hands-on experiences, including Sphero robotics demos, golf pros of color showcasing their skills, exciting giveaways, and interactive trivia sessions.

South LA Robotics, the University of California, Hidden Genius Project, Black College Success, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Black Math Collective, Psyches of Color, and the Institute for Educational Advancement connected students with a wide range of opportunities, from STEM to filmmaking, theater, dance, foster youth resources, and financial literacy. The intersection of education and entrepreneurship was also emphasized, with Kameale Terry, CEO of ChargerHelp!, leading an engaging teen workshop that inspired students to see themselves as future innovators and leaders in various fields.

At the Black Education Expo, families and educators come together to build a future for youth. Victoria Williams envisioned the BEE as a vital hybrid platform to ensure resources are shared and communal ties are strengthened. The event exemplified this vision, offering families a chance to plan for their children’s success while deepening their bonds with one another.

Workforce development was another key focus, with exhibitors like IBEW Local 11 highlighting career pathways that youth of color may not have considered before. With the support of over 40 community organizations—from NCNW, NAACP, members of the Divine 9, Bridge Builders Foundation, and a variety of clergy groups—collaboration was key to contributing to the strong sense of community and empowerment that defined the day.

Looking ahead, the Black Education Expo will expand this winter with a virtual series. The next in-person event will be on February 22, 2025, and pop-up expos across Southern California will ensure that these vital K-12 resources reach even more families in the future.

The event’s success was made possible through support from Pasadena City College, Pasadena Unified School District, Black College Success, IBEW Local 11, Los Angeles Urban League, and Bridge Builders Foundation.

BEE is actively seeking additional partners and supporters to help keep the movement going and expand its reach. For more information, visit blackeducationexpo.com or email info@blackeducationexpo.com.