national summit
oct 2 - 5

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About Us

Black Education for New Orleans (BE NOLA) is a Black-led nonprofit committed to supporting Black-governed schools and Black educators in New Orleans. We work to build a future where Black children thrive through culture-based education, community partnerships, and collective care. By uplifting local wisdom and leadership, BE NOLA honors the legacy of Black education while shaping bold, brilliant futures rooted in justice and joy.

Speakers

Joseph Cullier III and Shani Peters (The Black School)

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October 3, 2025 4:00 PM

Dr. Yaba Blay

Brittany Packnett-Cunningham

Edward Buckles Jr.

Cierra Chenier

Dr. Camika Royal

Dr. Howard Fuller

Dr. David Johns

Dr. Brittney Cooper

Shantrelle P. Lewis

Leon A. Waters

Ashley Lorraine

Daphney Landry

Nesby Phips

Secondlineshorty

Ryan “phlegm” Gilbert

Adrinda "Drin" Kelly

Stevona "Stevie" Elem-Rogers

Jasmine "Jazz" Johnson

Blair Dottin-Haley

Nailah M. Smith

Adrianne "Ajax" Jackson

DJ Jubilee

Jeremy Gant

Jarren Small

Douglas K. Johnson Jr.

Mecca

Jimi Clever

DJ Legatron Prime

Gabrielle Deculus

Stephanie Willis

Sunni LeBeouf

Sadat Aarabi

DJ Rakimbeau

David W. Robinson-Morris, PhD

Black is

Brilliant

Summit

OCTOBER 2–5 | New Orleans, LA

The Black Is Brilliant Summit is a 4-day celebration of Black education, culture, and care. This national gathering brings educators, artists, and leaders from across the country to move through New Orleans with the people who live and organize here. Expect powerful sessions, second lines, and joy. We honor history, embrace the present, and imagine the future our children deserve.

Traveling from out of town? To reserve your room in our room block at the Barnett Hotel visit: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/MSYJD/G-BRIL 

View our PROGRAM here.
Here's our full SCHEDULE

Thursday

Arrive & Revive
Barnett Hotel (formerly Ace Hotel)

Arrive & Revive | 4:00 pm - 10:30 pm

4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Welcome Gallery (open throughout)
featuring Photography by Ashley Lorraine
Archival materials
Altar honoring Black Education, ancestors & elders

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Guest check-in + Cocktails & DJ set

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Opening remarks from Stevona Elem-Rogers & Adrinda Kelly and Honoring the New Orleans Four

5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Gallery viewing, mingling, drinks, hors d'oeuvres

6:15 PM – 6:45 PM
Zydeco line dancing with GameOva Skip & Gabrielle Deculus (Nola Zydeco Fest)

6:45 PM – 7:15 PM
DJ Legatron Dance Set + Toast to Teachers

7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
R&B Night with Mecca Notes & The Velvet Sessions (Obvi, “Can We Talkkkkkkk” is on the list!)
Closing Groove – DJ Rakim
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Friday

STORIES & SOUL
Barnett Hotel & 504 Streets

Guest Arrivals & Opening Rituals | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Mimosas, light music and mingling

Breathwork + Prayer

The Black National Anthem
Bamboula Drum + African dance procession
Blessing the space through rhythm, movement, and ancestral joy.

Film Screening & Artist Talk | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Brunch Buffet-style with Mimosas

Welcome Remarks
from Stevona Elem-Rogers & Adrinda Kelly
Sponsor Greeting
from Sunni LeBeouf, Cox Communications

Framing for the Day
Katrina Babies
Film Screening Directed by Edward Buckles Jr.
Artist Talk On Katrina Babies with Edward Buckles Jr. and Cierra Chenier, moderated by Shantrelle P. Lewis.

Award Presentation -
Mary L.H. Laurie

Closing Remarks
from Stevona Elem-Rogers & Adrinda Kelly

Gallery Tour + On-Your-Own Community Explorations | 2:00 pm

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Saturday

LEGACY & LIGHT
Xavier University of Louisiana

Morning | 8:30 am - 12:15 pm

Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Opening Rituals Prayer, Breathwork & Libations

Welcome Remarks –
Stevona Elem-Rogers & Adrinda Kelly
Sponsor Greeting from Stephanie Willis, Entergy Corporation
Fireside Chat
- Dr. Camika Royal + Dr. Howard Fuller on legacy and the future of Black educational leadership.
Award Presentation - Dr. Howard Fuller
Virtual Panel: UNDISTRACTED X BIB SUMMIT - Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr. David J. Johns, Dr. Brittney Cooper, and Dr. Yaba Blay on reclaiming Black education. Framing remarks by Dr. Melanie Askew
Cultural Demo: Reading With a Rapper ft. DJ Jubilee
Award Presentation - DJ Jubilee
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Lunch + Afternoon Breakout Sessions | 12:30 pm - 3:40 pm

BBQ Lunch + Block Party – DJ Legatron, Anita Baker bounce, spades, double dutch, and Twerk Nola. Featuring “I Work for Children” Desk Activation
Spotlight in the Art Village Award Presentation -
Makayla Howard, The Leah Chase School
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
• Teaching in the Black Creative Tradition
curated by Ryan “phlegm” Gilbert
• Schoolin’ Life: What Black Women Have Always Known
curated by Stevona “Stevie” Elem-Rogers
• What the 1811 Slave Revolt Taught Us
curated by Mr. Leon Waters + Adrinda “Drin” Kelly
Reflections & Closing Remarks – Stevona Elem-Rogers & Adrinda Kelly

Evening | 4:00 pm

National Fried Chicken Festival - Complimentary entry for music, food, and celebration to close the day.

Sunday

JOY ON THE MOVE
Barnett Hotel & 504 Streets

Morning | 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Arrival & Breakfast Bites
Light breakfast available as guests gather.

Breathwork & movement with Ajax (Magnolia Yoga)
Followed by a reflection circle and open mic.


Afternoon | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Family Ties Second Line Parade
Hit the streets with the city for an afternoon of music, movement, and community celebration.

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