Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, Spence-Chapin is excited to highlight some of the many Black individuals, professionals, celebrities, and families who have contributed to the history of adoption in America, as well as to share some of the stories and perspectives that make up the Black Adoption Experience today. This page provides some educational, informative, and fun resources, videos, and blog posts that explore the past, present, and future of the Black Adoption Experience.

Featured Event

cumbe dance workshop 1

Join us for a Black History Month culminating event jointly hosted by the African American Parents Advisory Council (AAPAC) and Spence-Chapin at 12:30pm on Saturday, March 4th where we welcome families to meet and mingle while kids can enjoy an engaging dance workshop and free time with snacks and refreshments. RSVP today!

Cumbe is a home for African and Diaspora dance and music. Through classes and cultural programs, they invite everyone to feel the joy and vitality of rhythms rooted in Africa. Cumbe champions African and Diaspora culture as a vibrant legacy for people of African descent and as an exuberant source of power, spirit and knowledge for all. All ages are welcome to participate!

Community Events

Little Movers Storytime by New York Public Library

Pelham Bay Library

Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 11 – 11:30 AM

Little Movers Craft

Pelham Bay Library

Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 11:30 AM – 12 PM

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 11:30 AM – 12 PM

Storytime at The Met—Black is Beautiful

At The Met Fifth Avenue – Art Study Room, Uris Center for Education

Thursday, February 2
10:30–11:00 A.M.

Art Trek—Black is Beautiful

At The Met Fifth Avenue – Carson Family Hall, Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education

Saturday, February 4
11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M.

Start with Art—Black is Beautiful

At The Met Fifth Avenue – Carson Family Hall, Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education

Thursday, February 16
3:30–4:30 P.M.

Black History Month: Children’s Book Reading & Dance Party

Scholars Of Tomorrow Publishing 

Fri, February 17, 2023, 
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EST

Black History Month: Planet Explorers – Family Program 

Connetquot River State Park Preserve

Fri, February 17, 2023
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST

Black History Month: Pioneers in Science – Family Program

Connetquot River State Park Preserve

Fri, February 24, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST

Our Relationship to Race Workshop by Brooklyn Public Library

Central Library, Dweck Center

Sat, February 25 
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm 

Rooted in Plants: Celebrate Black History Month

Everett Children’s Adventure Garden

Tuesdays – Sundays
10 am – 5 pm through Feb. 28

PARENTING ACROSS RACE: THOUGHTS, REFLECTIONS, AND THE FUTURE

Racism is a systemic problem that touch all aspects of our lives, including adoption. In June 2020, Spence-Chapin staff held an event which created a space for adoptive parents to talk about race and racism after the murder of George Floyd. From there, the series “Parenting Across Race” was created for transracial families to continue the conversation about race, racism, prejudice, and discrimination and to include adult adoptees voices and experiences. Talking about race, racism, and identity are ongoing conversations that will continue to evolve with society, current events, and as families go through their own personal development and experiences. We invite you to join us in March 2022 as we continue this important series.

Adopting Across Race

Featured Videos

Here and Now ABC 7 Interview

Antoinette Cockerham, Ian Rowe, and Latoya Sinclair discussing Spence-Chapin’s history in finding permanent homes for African American children for adoption.

Black Lives Matter: With Black Families, For Black Families

In this facilitated conversation with Kristin J. Carothers, Ph.D., Black families discuss the challenges they face because of institutionalized racism, the tools they use to cope, and how they can support and encourage one another to move forward in these trying times. This video was part of a Black Lives Matter Town Hall series presented by Spence-Chapin in response to the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, as a way for families to come together in support and understanding. 

Black Lives Matter: How to be an Ally to the Black Community

As part of the Spence-Chapin Black Lives Matter Town Hall Series in May and June of 2020, this video presents a discussion moderated by Deborah Zicht, LSCW-R, CASAC, that addresses the ways in which white families can be effective allies to the Black community: How can I become an effective ally? How do I learn to recognize and confront the micro-aggressions that Black people deal with every day? How do I educate my children, my family members, and friends? 

Brooklyn Savvy: Transracial Adoption Revisited

Antoinette Cockerham of Spence Chapin talks about the challenges of transracial adoption.

FEATURED BLOG POSTS

REFLECTIONS ON SPENCE-CHAPIN HISTORY DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This month as we celebrate Black History Month, I have found myself taking time to reflect on the history of African American adoption, the role that Spence-Chapin has played in that history, and the many encouraging changes I have witnessed in my 25+ career working in adoption.

SOUTH AFRICA ADOPTION STORY: JENNIFER AND RYAN

A mother reflects on her family’s transition at home after adopting her daughter from South Africa.

SPENCE-CHAPIN, A LEADER IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND BLACK INFANT ADOPTION

In honor of Black History Month, we revisit the efforts made by those who have fought to break barriers, making African-American and Black children a focus and a priority.

RACE, RACISM AND ADOPTIVE PARENTING RESOURCES

Spence-Chapin has created a list of resources for adoptive families who are looking to explore the complexities of race, racism and raising a child of color in America.  

Calendar

Our History in Photos

Black History Month Media