BMEF & MSJ Informational Session
Learn how Montessori for Social Justice and the Black Montessori Education Fund are advancing equity and liberation through Montessori education—and how you can be part of the work.
Montessori for Social Justice (MSJ) was founded in 2013 after an impromptu gathering at the AMI International Montessori Congress sparked relationship-building and resource sharing among national Montessori community members committed to public Montessori and social justice. The group began with a listserv to share research, narratives, and support, quickly growing in size. In 2014, the first “Montessori unconference” was held at City Garden Montessori in St. Louis, followed by a 2015 gathering at Westminster University in Salt Lake City. After the success of the 2015 (un)conference, MSJ formally committed to social justice, racial equity, and an anti-bias, antiracist application of Montessori pedagogy, forming committees to lead conference planning, community engagement, visioning, and accountability to People of the Global Majority.
In 2017, the founding Board was elected and convened at the MSJ conference in Houston, Texas. The following year saw the introduction of day-long pre-conference retreats, including “De-Centering Whiteness” and a gathering for Montessorians of Color of the Global Majority. Between 2017 and 2019, the Board finalized MSJ’s mission, vision, and founding documents, and the organization achieved 501(c)(3) status. Today, MSJ is working to expand its impact by bringing resources, workshops, and presenters to the broader Montessori community.
The Black Montessori Education Fund (BMEF) believes that true global harmony, as envisioned by Dr. Maria Montessori, is only possible when all people are included—especially those who have historically been excluded. We are here for Black children, families, and communities.
We see Montessori education as a powerful pathway to liberation for the Black diaspora in the U.S. and around the world. The BMEF is committed to closing the opportunity gap by expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive Montessori programs and resources that affirm and uplift Black identity and experience.
Born from the urgent need for intentional, equity-driven support, BMEF is cultivating a vibrant pipeline and network of well-trained, well-supported Black Montessori educators, school leaders, alumni, and advocates. Through this work, we aim to nurture social, emotional, spiritual, and economic liberation—empowering individuals and strengthening communities through the transformative power of Montessori education.
