Carrying Forward a Legacy of Justice and Community Power

As FIERCE Advocates celebrates 20 years of uplifting Black and Latinx families, we are reminded that the strength of our work comes from deep roots in community partnership. Since 2005, what began as Building Blocks for Kids (BBK) has grown into a vibrant movement rooted in equity, justice, and healing. Our impact has always been guided by the families and communities who walk alongside us, shaping solutions and leading the way.

Recently, Joyce Roys-Aguilera, Program Manager at The California Endowment, reflected on FIERCE’s role in this moment. With over 15 years of experience in health and education justice, Joyce has seen firsthand how community-led organizations make a difference and why FIERCE is uniquely positioned to create lasting change.

Joyce points to one of FIERCE’s greatest strengths: trust.

“FIERCE is deeply embedded in community and a trusted resource for Black and Latinx families with young children,” she said. “They cultivate folks from where they are at, see their potential, and elevate that in the work they do.”

This is the heart of our mission. For two decades, we have walked with families, not only holding space for healing and advocacy but also equipping parents and caregivers with the tools, leadership, and confidence to step into power. The result is a growing network of resident leaders advancing equity, building wealth and knowledge within their communities, and shaping systems change that will ripple across generations.

As Joyce beautifully reminds us, “This is legacy work, empowering resident leaders and building collective power that transforms systems.”

Our 20th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past. It is a recommitment to the future: to continue investing in families, cultivating leaders, and partnering with communities to ensure justice and opportunity for all. This legacy belongs to every parent, caregiver, and ally who has stood with us and believed in the power of collective action.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, we will honor this milestone together at our 20th Anniversary Block Party, a joyful day of culture, connection, and celebration! We invite you to join us as we reflect on two decades of impact and look ahead to the generational change still to come.

Register today to join the celebration and be part of this historic moment!

Because when we invest in community, we invest in a future where every family can thrive.