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.

Learn MoreView Syllabus
Past Speakers

Joseph Cullier III and Shani Peters (The Black School)

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October 3, 2025 4:00 PM

Mack Terrance Sr.

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October 2, 2025 7:00 PM

Polo Silk

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October 4, 2025 2:30 AM

Tank & The Bangas

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October 3, 2025 3:45 PM

Elliot Hutchinson

Derrick Tabb

Denissea Taylor

Cynthia and Tayo Giwa

Chipo Kandake

Marc Lamont Hill

Dr. Yaba Blay

PJ Morton

Cleo Wade

BMike

Brittany Packnett-Cunningham

Shantrelle Lewis

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.

Thursday

Arrive & Revive
Barnett Hotel (formerly Ace Hotel)

Arrive & Revive | 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm


4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
‍Welcome Gallery (open throughout) featuring:
     •Photography by Ashley Lorraine
     •Archival materials
     •Altar honoring ancestors & elders

‍4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
‍Guest check-in
Cocktails & DJ set

‍5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
‍Opening remarks from Stevona Elem-Rogers & Adrinda Kelly
Sponsor welcome

‍5:15 PM – 5:30 PM
‍Special Guest Appearance in the Welcome Gallery

‍5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
‍Zydeco line dancing with the New Orleans
Zydeco Festival

‍5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
‍Mingling, cocktails, and continued gallery viewing
Register

Friday

STORIES & SOUL
Barnett Hotel & 504 Streets

Morning | 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

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

Breathwork + Prayer 

Brunch
‍Buffet-style with mimosas, light music, and mingling.
‍
‍Framing for the Day.Katrina Babies Film Screening
Directed by Edward Buckles Jr.

Afternoon | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Artist Talk
‍On Katrina Babies with Edward Buckles Jr. and Cierra Chenier, moderated by Shantrelle P. Lewis.
‍Community Exploration – Black-led tours, galleries, restaurants, and historic sites.
‍

Evening | 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Evening Vibes: R&B Karaoke Social
(Obvi, “Can We Talkkkkkkk” is on the list!)
‍
Register

Saturday

LEGACY & LIGHT
Xavier University of Louisiana

Morning | 9:00 am - 12:05 pm

Welcome & Grounding

Fireside Chat
Dr. Camika Royal + Dr. Howard Fuller on legacy and the future of Black educational leadership.

Virtual Panel: UNDISTRACTED X BIB SUMMIT
Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr. David J. Johns, Dr. Brittney Cooper, and Dr. Yaba Blay on reclaiming Black education.

Reading With a Rapper Demo
Featuring DJ Jubilee blending hip-hop and learning.
Register

Afternoon | 12:05 pm - 3:15 pm

BBQ Lunch + Block Party – DJ, Anita Baker bounce, spades, double dutch, and Twerk Nola.

‍Teaching in the Black Creative Tradition
curated by Ryan “phlegm” Gilbert + Black cultural institutions.

Schoolin’ Life: What Black Women Have Always Known
curated by Stevona “Stevie” Elem-Rogers + Black women visionaries.

What the 1811 Slave Revolt Taught Us
curated by Mr. Leon Waters + Adrinda “Drin” Kelly + Black governed-Black-led organizations

Evening | 5:00 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 | 9:15 am - 11:00 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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