Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy: Miami-Dade Takes a Stand to Advocate for Universal Early Learning Access

As the nation commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his fight for equality and opportunity remains as relevant today as it was during the civil rights movement. Dr. King’s dream of a just and equitable society resonates deeply with the urgent need for universal access to early childhood education—a key to unlocking the potential of every child, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

The 2nd Annual Keeping the Dream Alive Policy Forum, hosted by the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) and partners, will take place in honor of MLK Day on Wednesday January 15, 2025 at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church – 2001 NW 35th St., Miami, FL 33142 to honor his vision through action. This year’s theme, “Why We Can’t Wait: The Childcare and Early Learning Imperative,” draws directly from Dr. King’s 1964 book, “Why We Can’t Wait,” underscoring the critical need to address systemic inequalities that hinder progress for marginalized communities.

The event will feature an inspiring keynote by David Lawrence Jr., Founder of The Children's Movement of Florida, who will share his insights on the importance of early childhood education. Attendees can also expect engaging discussions on childcare, innovative policy solutions, and successful models from neighboring states. The forum will provide opportunities to take meaningful action and collaborate on shaping a brighter future for Miami-Dade’s youngest residents.

Miami-Dade is at a crossroads. While places like New Jersey and New York City have made strides with universal pre-kindergarten programs, Miami-Dade County struggles to keep pace, leaving families—especially in communities of color—facing overwhelming challenges.

Dr. King called on us to take urgent action against injustices, and today, we are answering that call. “Access to childcare in the 1980s and 1990s was significantly more attainable, with programs like the YMCA and community park initiatives. Today, even dual-income families struggle with the average cost of $140 per week”, said Margarita Rosario, Universal Child Care Committee Member at Power U Center for Social Change, “leaving single parents in even more dire situations. Where has the funding gone?”

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever:

Decades of research confirm the benefits of early childhood education for cognitive and social development, better educational outcomes, and long-term economic impacts. New York City and New Jersey have set a standard, showing how universal access can lead to more equitable communities. Many other US States have implemented successful universal pre-kindergarten programs, but Miami-Dade continues to lag behind. Miami-Dade’s lack of funding and accessible programs widens the achievement gap, disproportionately affecting communities of color while limiting opportunities for the next generation.

Join the Movement to Keep the Dream Alive:

 The childcare crisis in Miami-Dade County mirrors the systemic inequities that Dr. King fought to dismantle. The forum will bring together community leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore actionable solutions, learn from successful models in other states, and rally for change.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM EST – 8:30 PM EST
• Location: Ebenezer United Methodist Church – 2001 NW 35th St., Miami, FL 33142

Partnering Organizations:

• Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust
• Power U Center for Social Change
• NAACP South Dade Branch
• NAACP Miami-Dade Branch
• Law By Action
• Men of Tomorrow

Dr. King believed that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” By prioritizing universal access to quality early learning, we can build a more equitable future where every child has the chance to thrive.

Free RSVP Here: https://MLKDayForum.eventbrite.com  

Join us in making history and investing in our children's futures. For more information on the 2nd Annual Keeping the Dream Alive Policy Forum, please contact Danielle Jeter at 305-588-6278 or [email protected]. Members of the press are invited and welcome to attend. Please confirm attendance in advance as well as requested media interviews.