Symposium
BLACKECE
We are the Return:
Culture, Capital & Economic Justice in Early Care and Education
Thursday, August 6, 2026 -
Friday, August 7, 2026
About the Event
We Are the Return: Culture, Capital & Economic Justice in Early Care and Education convenes educators, families, policymakers, cultural workers, and funders to advance a reparative vision for California’s early care and education system. Grounded in Black cultural knowledge and collective liberation, the symposium explores how policy, funding, and infrastructure can repair historical harm, sustain cultural identity, and build economic power for Black children, families, and early learning professionals.
This gathering affirms that we are not beginning anew—we are carrying forward ancestral wisdom to reclaim what was stolen and imagine what is possible.
Known for his acerbic wit and unflinching reporting, has served as a columnist for The Guardian, The Grio, and The Root, shaping everything from presidential politics to pop culture. As the originator of the phrase “invited to the cookout,” his viral social media threads contextualizing Black history have reached millions, earning him the unofficial crown as “The King of Black Twitter.” He co-created the award-winning podcast Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History alongside Pharrell Williams, and his journalism has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The New York Times—and, as he likes to note, his mother’s refrigerator. His work has been recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists, the Emmy Awards, the Webby Awards, and the American Library Association.
Harriot holds degrees in mass communications and history from Auburn University and a master’s in macroeconomics and international business from Florida State. Today, he serves as founder and lead columnist at ContrabandCamp and is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers on the intersections of race, history, politics, and media.
Speakers
Michael Harriot
When CNN wanted to trace the origins of the word woke, they called Michael Harriot. When MSNBC needed someone to unpack critical race theory, they called Michael Harriot. And when the culture needed a name that captured the collective voice of Black Twitter, Michael Harriot was the runaway answer.
Michael Harriot is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, celebrated poet, and public historian hailed as “one of the most eloquent writers in America.” Since its 2023 release, his New York Times bestseller, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America, has been the top-selling Black history book in the country since it's. He is the 2024–2025 recipient of Harvard University’s Nyhan Prize for Public Policy Journalism and the founder of the Black journalism collective ContrabandCamp.com.
Testimonials
Symposium 25' Attendee
Run Tell Dat
“I’m educated, informed, emotional, and highly inspired to go run and tell dat.”
Symposium 25' Attendee
Experience
“This experience shifted my perspective on so many fronts. I will definitely be here next year.”
Symposium 25' Attendee
Education
“Every time I attend, I gain more knowledge to take back to my classroom and community.”
Symposium 25' Attendee
Speakers
“The speakers were fantastic—so full of wisdom and brilliance.”
Frequently asked questions