By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
CULVER CITY — The Black Education Expo will return to West Los Angeles College Feb. 28 to close out Black History Month.
Founded by Victoria Williams, the expo has grown into a platform connecting students, parents, educators and community leaders with culturally relevant educational resources, literacy tools, wellness support and early workforce development pathways designed to strengthen long-term success.
The expo is centered on uplifting and investing in Black children and aligns with Black Children’s Book Week, which celebrates academic excellence, creativity, and wellness.
“In a time where many families are navigating real uncertainty,” Williams said, “we’re making sure students can still meet a college recruiter, access mental health support, explore a robotics or trade program, or find literacy and workforce development resources that prepare them for what’s next.
“The Black Education Expo is a movement that creates shared value — for families, for educators, and for partners who understand that equity, innovation and access are essential to building strong communities.”
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ended affirmative action, which was believed to be a barrier to college admissions. However, according toa report from the Common Application, students who identified as Black or African American who applied to college in the United States in fall 2025 grew by 11% compared to the year before.
Students who identified as two or more races were the second-fastest-growing group of college applicants, with applications rising 8% year over year. Applications from Asian and Latino students also rose, each by 5%, according to the report.
Organizations rooted in supporting Black students have made it their mission to ensure they have the resources they need to enter higher education by removing barriers and providing more opportunities to learn about educational opportunities that exist.
Compton school board President Micah Ali co-founded the California Association of Black Educators, which brings educators from around the country to semi-annual educational institutes that focus on ways to empower Black youth.
“As we dissect the de-education of young Black students in our education systems, we have an opportunity to not just look at it from the university and collegiate lens, but then we have an opportunity to lean into the practitioner space and look at various forms of delivery, which will yield best practices as well as results,” Ali said.
The Black Education Expo will take place on the West Los Angeles College Graduation Lawn from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free.
The event is powered by the Black Freedom Fund and the Wright Law Firm.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
