Building Literacy, Empowering Futures
Celebrating the Power of Literacy to Transform Lives Across Wisconsin
Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of literacy through our gala, "Building Literacy, Empowering Futures." BCDI Wisconsin is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that Black children and families across Wisconsin have access to the vital opportunities literacy provides. Literacy is more than just a skill—it is a crucial element that strengthens thriving communities and opens doors to endless possibilities and brighter futures for our children.
Event Details
Thursday, May 1, 2025
5pm-8pm
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Hilton Milwaukee Center
509 W. Wisconsin Ave.Milwaukee, WI
Event Schedule
5-6 PM | Welcome Reception
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Guest arrival and check-in
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Welcome reception with light refreshments
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Networking and photo opportunities
6-8 PM | Community Impact Celebration and Literacy Showcase
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Welcome address and introduction of gala theme
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Acknowledgment of partners and sponsors
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Inspirational remarks, testimonials, storytelling, and keynote address
Special Guests
We are thrilled to have the support of the amazing duo Maya and Shaka Smart this year. Maya Smart, renowned literacy advocate, educator, and author of *Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan from Birth to Six*, dedicates her efforts to empowering caregivers and communities to nurture early literacy. Her featured appearances on CBS Mornings, TIME, and PBS echo her unwavering commitment to building literacy, aligning perfectly with our mission.
Shaka Smart, head coach and community empowerment leader, stands with Maya in advocating for equitable opportunities for children and families. Their combined dedication amplifies the urgency and importance of our work today.
A Celebration of Unity and Growth
Our gala is more than an ordinary event; it's a vibrant celebration of our shared determination to promote literacy and learning throughout Wisconsin. It serves as a reminder of the shared goals that unite us: embedding literacy deeply into our mission to offer children the chance to thrive despite facing challenges.
Building on last year’s theme, "Expanding Our Village," which celebrated our communal growth, this year we continue by integrating literacy into our efforts. We are committed to shaping a future where opportunities expand for children and families across the state.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to align your organization with a cause dedicated to making a transformative impact on the lives of Black children and families across Wisconsin. Your contribution is not just a gesture of support and partnership, it is an investment in the future, one that empowers communities and fosters opportunities for generations to come.
As a sponsor of the BCDI Wisconsin Gala, you will contribute to educational initiatives, community advocacy, and empowerment programs that extend your philanthropic reach and create meaningful connections with diverse communities across the state.
In helping us “Build Literacy, Empower Futures,” you are taking a vital step in advancing our mission to improve the quality of life for Black children and families. Your sponsorship will become a cornerstone of a movement that champions early literacy, educational equity, and family empowerment, leaving an enduring legacy on the landscape of child development in Wisconsin.
Click on image to view proposal
