Who speaks for kids when lawmakers, the government, and elected officials are making decisions about their education, health and safety?
You do! Children need our collective attention and voice.
You’ve found Speaking of Kids…, a podcast series from First Focus on Children that examines how laws and public systems impact kids — not just in theory, but in real life. We’re here sorting out who’s actually for kids and who’s just kidding.
Join our host, Messellech “Selley” Abebe, as she gathers voices from every corner of the kid-policy world: congresspeople, public health leaders, political organizers, parents, and the dogged advocates doing the hard work of imagining something better.
Selley explores the ‘kid angle’ in policy and politics. What’s working? What’s not? And how can we take action to create a better future for the next generation?
Listen and discover the hidden power that each of us has as an ambassador for children. We believe that kids matter. Their lives are worth protecting, their joy is worth preserving, and their futures are absolutely worth fighting for.
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Who speaks for kids when lawmakers, the government, and elected officials are making decisions about their education, health and safety?
You do! Children need our collective attention and voice.
You’ve found Speaking of Kids…, a podcast series from First Focus on Children that examines how laws and public systems impact kids — not just in theory, but in real life. We’re here sorting out who’s actually for kids and who’s just kidding.
Join our host, Messellech “Selley” Abebe, as she gathers voices from every corner of the kid-policy world: congresspeople, public health leaders, political organizers, parents, and the dogged advocates doing the hard work of imagining something better.
Selley explores the ‘kid angle’ in policy and politics. What’s working? What’s not? And how can we take action to create a better future for the next generation?
Listen and discover the hidden power that each of us has as an ambassador for children. We believe that kids matter. Their lives are worth protecting, their joy is worth preserving, and their futures are absolutely worth fighting for.
Maria Davis-Pierre and Cheryl Poe Empower Black Neurodivergent Kids!
Speaking of Kids...
41 minutes
3 months ago
Maria Davis-Pierre and Cheryl Poe Empower Black Neurodivergent Kids!
In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe chats with Maria Davis-Pierre and Cheryl Poe to explore what it means to be a culturally responsive advocate for Black neurodivergent children. Both mothers and passionate advocates, Davis-Pierre is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the President & CEO of Autism in Black INC, and Poe, who holds an M.A. in Urban Education and Counseling, is the Founder and Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc. Together, they discuss the challenges that Black families face in education and health care, the emotional toll of advocacy, and how they transformed their frustration into a movement—creating spaces where parents, professionals, and advocates can connect, stay informed, and feel empowered.
To learn more about Maria Davis-Pierre’s work, visit the Autism in Black website, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. To learn more about Cherly Poe’s work, visit the Advocating 4 Kids website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently:
Cuts to School Mental Health Funding and Threats to MEDICAID/CHIP: A Growing Crisis for Children
MEDICAID, CHIP, and Budget Reconciliation: One Choice Will Save Children’s Lives
MAHA Moms: What Say You?
To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org
Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus
Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.
Speaking of Kids...
Who speaks for kids when lawmakers, the government, and elected officials are making decisions about their education, health and safety?
You do! Children need our collective attention and voice.
You’ve found Speaking of Kids…, a podcast series from First Focus on Children that examines how laws and public systems impact kids — not just in theory, but in real life. We’re here sorting out who’s actually for kids and who’s just kidding.
Join our host, Messellech “Selley” Abebe, as she gathers voices from every corner of the kid-policy world: congresspeople, public health leaders, political organizers, parents, and the dogged advocates doing the hard work of imagining something better.
Selley explores the ‘kid angle’ in policy and politics. What’s working? What’s not? And how can we take action to create a better future for the next generation?
Listen and discover the hidden power that each of us has as an ambassador for children. We believe that kids matter. Their lives are worth protecting, their joy is worth preserving, and their futures are absolutely worth fighting for.
