This past Saturday, I had the honor of representing SCORE as both a participant and panelist at the Inland Empire Black Equity Initiative (BEI-IE) Conference, held at Riverside City College. As the Founder and President of SCORE, it was deeply meaningful to contribute to a gathering of dedicated leaders, organizers, educators, and change agents who are committed to building lasting systems of equity for Black communities in the Inland Empire.
The conference was a dynamic and inspiring space—filled with powerful conversations, strategic workshops, and collective visioning.
Sharing the SCORE Mission on the Main Stage
During the Capacity Strengthening Panel, I had the opportunity to reflect on the work SCORE is doing to support students, families, and Black-led organizations across the High Desert and beyond. I shared insights about our mission to eradicate racial and social injustice, empower underrepresented youth through education and media, and build sustainable pathways for success through scholarship funding, professional development, and industry partnerships.
I also reflected on my personal journey—the lived experiences that fuel our mission—and how BEI has helped sharpen SCORE’s focus around capacity building and long-term sustainability.
Real Tools for Real Impact
The conference offered valuable workshops on budgeting, grant writing, nonprofit infrastructure, and more—tools that are often under-resourced yet essential to the growth of Black-led organizations. These sessions were practical, empowering, and tailored to help organizations strengthen their operational foundations while staying grounded in cultural values and community-centered practices.
Collective Strategy and Action Planning
One of the most impactful parts of the day was the breakout sessions dedicated to shaping action plans for the five BEI focus areas. These sessions weren’t just talk—they were work. Leaders rolled up their sleeves to align visions, identify challenges, and set clear next steps for advancing equity across the Inland Empire.
The commitment in the room was tangible. You could feel the momentum.
Looking Ahead: The Role of SCORE in the BEI Ecosystem
What stood out most to me was the genuine culture of collaboration BEI has cultivated. Since becoming part of this ecosystem, SCORE has formed new partnerships, accessed vital resources, and deepened our own leadership capacity. The conference was a powerful reminder that no single organization changes the system alone—it takes all of us.
Looking ahead, I believe BEI is uniquely positioned to accelerate change by investing deeply in Black-led leadership, creating more intergenerational learning opportunities, and centering cultural truth in every solution we design.
Gratitude & Continued Commitment
I’m grateful to the entire BEI Leadership Team for curating such a rich and meaningful experience. The connections made, ideas shared, and commitments declared will no doubt shape the future of our work—at SCORE and across the region.
As we continue to uplift students, develop young leaders, and tell stories that matter, SCORE remains committed to the shared vision of Black excellence, equity, and liberation.
Let’s build the future together.
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