07/13/2026
A California advocacy group is calling for Black English to be officially recognized in preschool classrooms alongside other language programs.
Supporters say recognizing African American English (AAE), also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), would help reduce language-based bias and ensure children who speak the dialect feel respected in school. The group has trained educators and is urging the state to include Black English in its early language-learning initiatives.
Supporters argue that Black English is a rule-based dialect that deserves the same educational support as other language backgrounds. The proposal follows California's expansion of early bilingual education, with advocates saying Black English speakers should also benefit from those efforts.
Do you think Black English should be formally recognized and supported in California's preschool classrooms?