Biddy Mason Ethnographic Timeline

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Within the LAC foster system African Americans make up 24% of the overall population but only 10 % of the general population. The BMCF has chosen to address the effects of disproportionality within this system in a unique way. We believe by exposing current and former foster youth to a wide range of African American History the self-image of current and former foster youth can be enhanced. We believe these youth and to a larger degree the general population are orphans to their own history.
African American foster youth often feel they have no real history and consequently no real worth within the larger community. When these feelings of low self-worth are combined with the traumas of foster care, the child/ adult that often emerges is fractionated and disillusioned. It is our hope that by introducing African American foster youth first to Biddy Mason and her remarkable story followed and supported by other stories of Black achievement the pattern of disillusionment can be reversed.

Named after the pioneering philanthropist Biddy Mason, who rose from slavery to become a landowner and community leader, our foundation focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals and families by providing access to education, healthcare, housing, mentoring and financial literacy. Through its various initiatives, the foundation strives to honor Biddy Mason's legacy by uplifting those in need and promoting social justice and equality. A unique aspect of bridging this historical social divide are the town halls that we host which are designed to bring the larger community together with current and former foster youth. This pairing allows the Center to educate both foster youth and the community to African American History, art and to each other.
Development of our ethnographic timeline will enhance the existing programs and town halls that we already offer to current and former foster youth. The town hall sessions allow the community and foster youth to come together around topics of mutual interest such as FAFSA applications, DCFS resources, student-moms and parenting, legal challenges, housing issues, career choices, etc. Our CEO and President participates in off-site speaking engagements across LA County approximately 20 times annually including universities, congregations, public schools, real estate groups, etc. To date in 2025, locations are: Fresno State Univ, St. Agatha Catholic Church, Realest Group, DTown LA Rotary, Annenberg Center, & First AME Church.

Expected outcomes include education and clarification of misconceptions regarding the culture and customs of African American slave-life, migration, settlement history, and the freedom process. Jackie, CEO and President, will incorporate the timeline during presentations in/around L.A.C. sites since the timeline will be portable. This project will benefit the former and current foster youth who utilize the BMCF’s programs as well as the general public. Both on-site and off-site education will be enhanced by this project.
Los Angeles County former/current foster youth will be stronger and better prepared as they vet their post secondary education choices, select colleges, prepare for their majors, and focus on potential career interests. Additionally, these youth will build a better L.A. Community by understanding that starting, building, and maintaining a strong family is key to eliminating foster care so that foster care will not be a part of their next generation.