September 5th 2025.
In a city still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one organization is leading the charge to rebuild the learning environments of New Orleans. Black Education for New Orleans (BE NOLA) was established after the devastating hurricane resulted in a sharp decline of educators, particularly Black teachers. The Guardian reported that the number of Black teachers dropped by over 20%. This significant decrease, combined with the fact that Black educators were no longer the majority, prompted BE NOLA to take action.
BE NOLA is dedicated to not only retaining and strengthening Black teachers, but also amplifying their voices in Crescent City. As New Orleans is often referred to as a "chocolate city" due to its predominantly Black population, it is crucial for educators to reflect the demographic of their students. BE NOLA's mission is to ensure that every generation of students has access to a quality education, while also uplifting their identities and intelligence.
Through their advocacy and programming, BE NOLA has set long-term goals to rebuild the Black teacher population in New Orleans. They also aim to research and develop culturally specific curricula that celebrates and supports Black students in the classroom. Co-led by Adrinda Kelly and Stevona Elem Rogers, BE NOLA has gained significant traction, leading to their fifth annual "Black is Brilliant" Summit.
This year's summit, taking place from October 2-5 at the Barnett Hotel and Xavier University of Louisiana, will bring together Black academic leaders, educators, and advocates to discuss the achievements and challenges surrounding equitable education. As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the summit will also address the ongoing education issues that continue to impact New Orleans schools.
While the focus is on educating New Orleans' future, the summit will also celebrate the city's vibrant artistic legacy. Film, music, and visual arts will be central to the programming. In addition to conversations on advancing educational opportunities, attendees can look forward to line dance sessions, art galleries, and an R&B sing-off. The summit will even feature a "504-style" block party to keep the culture at the heart of the event.
On October 3, the summit will screen "Katrina Babies," a 2022 film that highlights the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the city's youth. The evening will conclude with a post-film discussion with the director, Edward Buckles Jr., and writer, Cierra Chenier. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in tours of the city's rich history.
The following days will feature fireside chats with renowned educators and scholars, including civil rights activist and academic Dr. Howard Fuller and critical race theorist Dr. Camika Royal. The summit will also include virtual panels on reclaiming Black education and a unique "Reading with a Rapper" experience that combines hip-hop with academic initiatives. The Black is Brilliant Summit is a holistic approach to the fight for Black education.
BE NOLA's Founding Visionary and Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships, Stevona Elem Rogers, shared in a statement, "The Black is Brilliant Summit, marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, brings together educators, artists, and community leaders to honor Black New Orleans and its global impact. It's a space where national insight meets local genius, full of honest conversation, cultural celebration, and meaningful connection. By grounding ourselves in the land of Bulbancha and its layered history, the Summit invites us to reflect, imagine, and move toward what's next in Black education and leadership."
With a focus on Black educational excellence, BE NOLA and the Black is Brilliant Summit are committed to reshaping New Orleans schools to uplift Black students as they become the next generation of scholar-leaders. Tickets for the "SOULcial" summit are still available.
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