Preschool to Prison Film Screening – February 2026 | Education & Justice

The ongoing effort to address systemic inequities within the American education system continues to gain momentum, with several initiatives focused on dismantling what advocates call the “school-to-prison pipeline.” A key event highlighting this work, “Black Out Loud: Our Culture & Contributions Will Not Be Silenced,” is scheduled for February 28, 2026, at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA in North Carolina.

This free event, presented by the Education Justice Alliance, aims to celebrate Black history and contributions to education, particularly in the face of attempts to diminish or erase them. The event will feature activities, games, prizes, and food from Lornett’s Southern Kitchen for the first 50 registered attendees. Attendees are also encouraged to donate canned goods or hygiene items for raffle entries.

The broader movement for education justice, as championed by organizations like Advancement Project and the NEA, has been building for decades. Advancement Project began its work in this area in 1999, initially focusing on understanding and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. Today, the organization envisions a “liberatory education system” for Black, Latine, and other students of color, one characterized by self-determination, power, dignity, and freedom. Their approach involves “movement lawyering” to support grassroots organizing groups working to abolish carceral approaches within schools.

A significant initiative led by Advancement Project, in collaboration with the Alliance for Education Justice, is the national Police Free Schools campaign, launched in 2017. This campaign supports over 30 local, youth-led efforts to end policing in schools and promote genuine safety for students. Currently, the organization is specifically focused on abolishing school policing infrastructure, including student surveillance, and advocating for abolitionist mental health supports and youth defense against school police violence.

The NEA (National Education Association) is also actively involved in growing the movement for education justice, emphasizing that all students deserve the opportunity to learn and pursue their dreams, regardless of race, background, or zip code. The NEA is building a community of activists committed to advancing social justice policies in public education, recognizing that the strength of public schools depends on addressing systemic inequities. Their work includes providing toolkits to advocate for student and educator rights and supporting racial justice initiatives within schools.

The NEA’s efforts extend to defending LGBTQ+ inclusion and protecting immigrant students and families, ensuring all children have a safe and affirming learning environment. They are actively advocating for fair and safe immigration processes for all families and working to protect LGBTQ+ youth and educators.

Beyond advocacy and campaigning, resources are also being directed towards direct support for individuals impacted by the system. The Education Justice Project, through Friends of the Education Justice Project (FEJP), is currently offering emergency grants to individuals recently released from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) – specifically, those released within the past six months. This highlights a recognition of the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking educational opportunities.

The Partnership for Educational Justice is also working to reclaim the promise of public education, empowering local communities to strengthen their schools through common-sense policy changes. They provide resources and support to families seeking to improve their schools.

The “Black Out Loud” event in Raleigh represents a localized expression of this broader national movement. The event’s theme – “Our Culture & Contributions Will Not Be Silenced” – underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the impact of Black voices on education and society, even in the face of ongoing efforts to marginalize them. It’s a moment to honor the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black contributions that continue to shape the world.

The focus on education justice reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between educational opportunity and broader social justice issues. Organizations like Advancement Project and the NEA are framing education not simply as a pathway to individual success, but as a fundamental component of a just and equitable society. The initiatives underway, from grassroots organizing to policy advocacy and direct support, demonstrate a multifaceted approach to addressing systemic inequities and creating a more liberatory education system for all students.