BLU NOTE NEWSLETTER: QUARTER 1 2025

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO DINA WALKER

For the past 15 years, BLU Educational Foundation has been committed to empowering students and families, developing leaders, and building pathways to higher education and economic success. Our work has always been about more than programs—it has been about creating a movement, a network of support that uplifts and inspires.

I am honored to share that this commitment is now captured in my new book, Black Girls Up! A Real-Life Mentoring Guide for Schools and Communities. This book is a deeply personal and practical reflection on what it takes to guide, support, and champion Black girls as they navigate a world that too often underestimates them. It’s a love letter to every mentor, educator, counselor, parent and community member who has ever invested in the success of Black girls—and a call to action for those who will.

At BLU, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and intentional community-building. From our college access programs to leadership development initiatives, our work is rooted in the belief that when we invest in young people, we invest in the future. Black Girls Up! is an extension of this mission, offering real-life strategies and inspiration to deepen the impact of mentorship in schools, churches, and community organizations.

This is not just my story—it’s our story. It’s the story of the village that has raised and continues to raise the next generation of leaders, scholars, and change-makers. And I want you to be part of it.

As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to join us in spreading the word about Black Girls Up! and using it as a resource in your own work. Together, we will continue building a legacy of excellence, ensuring that every Black girl knows herself, her value, and her power.

With gratitude and purpose,

Dina Walker

President & CEO, BLU Educational Foundation

Author, Black Girls

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The time for transformative change in education is now. The Inland Empire Black Education Congress brings together the Inland Empire community to formulate bold, actionable plans to close achievement gaps and create a thriving educational environment for Black students. 

The top 5 priority areas identified by over 1,100 individuals across the Inland Empire include:

1. Academic Success

2. Black History

3. College & Career Access

4. Effective Teachers

5. Graduation Rates

This is our opportunity to push for policies and programs that truly serve our students. Let’s take action together–join us at the Inland Empire Black Education Congress on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

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This summer, BLU’s bringing you two incredible internships and two action-packed camps designed to build skills and make an impact! Stay tuned for the full details—this is a summer you won’t want to miss!