Following one of the region's most significant Juneteenth traditions, the Liberty Hill Juneteenth Parade, families, early educators, community leaders, and advocates are invited to gather for "From Parade to Policy: The Early Childhood After Party" on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Charity Baptist Church in North Charleston. Registration is free at BEEParadetoPolicy.eventbrite.
Hosted by the BEE Collective and the Tri-County Play Collaborative, the family-friendly event will offer a space for celebration, connection, and community action following the annual Liberty Hill Juneteenth Parade, a cherished North Charleston tradition that honors the history, resilience, and contributions of African American communities while commemorating the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice. The Liberty Hill celebration is widely recognized as one of the oldest continuously observed Juneteenth commemorations in the South, carrying forward a legacy of remembrance, cultural pride, and collective empowerment.
Families with babies and young children are encouraged to stop by after the parade to cool off, enjoy free ice cream and refreshments, connect with community resources, and learn about issues affecting young children, families, and South Carolina's early childhood workforce.
The event will feature a Community Data Walk highlighting findings from a recently released Early Education Policy Brief, a community-led research initiative supported by the National Women's Law Center, Ubuntu Research, and the South Carolina Sparking Change Storytellers. Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in conversations about strengthening support for children, families, and educators, while enjoying family giveaways, including swim lesson scholarships through Gullah Swim Academy.
The policy brief underscores urgent challenges facing South Carolina's early childhood workforce. Findings reveal that early educators earn a median wage of just $10.94 per hour, while 43 percent rely on public assistance despite working full-time. Every educator surveyed reported that increased wages and benefits are necessary to remain in the field, and 99 percent said their current pay does not adequately support their families.
"The people who care for our youngest children are the workforce behind every workforce," said Stephanie McFadden, Early Care Community Champion with the BEE Collective. "From Parade to Policy is an opportunity to celebrate community resilience and Juneteenth while also elevating the voices of the educators and caregivers who make it possible for our children to thrive. We believe community wisdom should inform public policy, and this event invites families to be part of that conversation."
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that freedom requires more than remembrance—it requires action. Organizers hope the event will inspire community members to engage in advocacy efforts that advance economic opportunity and support for families and early childhood educators.
"As a parent and community organizer, one of the most powerful parts of this work has been sitting with early childhood educators and listening to their stories," said Kiana Linen-Stacey, Parent Champion and Digital Organizer with the BEE Collective. "Through our participatory research process, child care providers in North Charleston shared not only the challenges they face, but also their deep commitment to children and families. Too often, the people doing this essential work are overlooked in policy conversations. This project gave educators an opportunity to document their own experiences and help shape solutions. It is important that we continue to lift up their voices, honor their expertise, and advocate for the investments they need to thrive."
Organizers encourage families, educators, elected officials, and community members to attend and learn how community-driven research and storytelling can shape policies that support children, caregivers, and the workforce that sustains them.
Registration is available through Eventbrite: BEEParadetoPolicy.eventbrite.