We believe that Black students, families and community members are the experts on their experiences and a source of creative, innovative solutions to address the academic issues and social-emotional needs of our children.

We believe Black educational excellence has always existed in this city and that the contributions of quality Black educators are essential to ensure a quality education for every child in New Orleans.

We believe that the improvement of the overall living conditions and the economic and political empowerment of our children’s families and communities must be an explicit part of any serious long-term strategy to improve their education.

We offered expert support for the four schools in our BE NOLA School Support Collective. These Black-governed, Black-led School partners (BGBLS) convened for peer-to-peer learning, leadership coaching, and professional development through the unique lens of what it means to be a Black school leader in New Orleans.

In late March, BE NOLA Collective School Leaders visited New York City. This was part of a four-month-long BE NOLA School Support Program in which participants received development from nationally-recognized experts In fundraising and school leadership. The program consisted of three main components: Fundraising Accelerator, School Leader Convenings, and 1:1 Leadership Coaching.

While in New York, the BE NOLA Collective School Leaders attended two powerful learning sessions that allowed each individual to engage in both a professional and personal development opportunity centered around financial management. The experience was centered around professional development and dialogue that takes place in Black-owned spaces, with leaders committed to preserving, showcasing, celebrating, and resourcing Black brilliance through the forums and spaces they hold close.

The energy from our annual Black is Brilliant Summit inspired us too. The Summit provides a space at the start of the school year to affirm the connection and shared purpose of our Black education community in New Orleans, examine timely education issues from a strength-based lens, and connect educators to resources and support organizations in the broader "village." This was our biggest year yet with nearly 600 registrants, five viewing locations across the city, and an in-person Black educator hub where we “learned by doing” with some of our city’s most beloved culture bearers and community educators.   

The Black is Brilliant Summit officially launched our Black is Brilliant Institute, a 6-month paid fellowship that serves as a space of wellness and learning for New Orleans Black educators in pursuit of liberation, wholeness, and preparation as they mold Black futures. 

The Institute will focus on five pillars: Black Educational History, Health and Wellness, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Holistic Curriculum, and Communal Infrastructure Building. 

It is further supported by a local advisory council, a joyful, intergenerational group of New Orleans-rooted community members who bring expertise in culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching and learning, youth development, education policy, environmental justice, arts and culture and much more. Applications for the pilot cohort just closed and we couldn’t be more thrilled by the incredible applicant pool, representing 37 schools across New Orleans!

Under the leadership of Co-leader, Stevona Elem-Rogers, our signature program reached a record number of registrants nationally and internationally who are deeply invested in holistic Black educational advancement. Building on the momentum from the summit, which was studied by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stevona also served as the Founder of our newly launched Black is Brilliant Institute, which addresses both the structural and pedological challenges Black educators face from a strengths-based lens. She also grew her team with the addition of Whitney Watson as our Program Operations and Project Manager, who is a former teacher that understands firsthand the importance of this work. Through our various programs, we are thrilled about the coalition building that will further strengthen our ties to Black educators and the schools they govern in New Orleans and beyond.

Executive Director, Adrinda Kelly's leadership was recognized this year by The 1954 Project, who named her one of their Luminaries and awarded BE NOLA $1 million in unrestricted funds. BE NOLA also received $200,000 from the Goldman Sachs Black Women Impact grants in recognition of our work to create more opportunities for Black women educators. Both of these grants represent tremendous possibilities for our efforts to improve the educational experience of Black children in New Orleans.

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The wins we’ve had this year buoy our spirits for the year ahead. In fact, we just completed our strategic plan for 2023-2026, which entails exciting ideas, partnerships and programming to bring our vision for Black education in New Orleans to the next level. We are so thankful for your past support, and we hope you will consider making a donation to BE NOLA as we continue our impactful work.

Together, we can build our momentum for transforming education and letting Black brilliance shine!

With gratitude,

Adrinda Kelly

Your investment in strong futures for Black children, Black educators and Black-governed, Black-led schools in New Orleans truly means the world to us. 

If you're excited about what we're doing and what to know how you can support, please consider making a small recurring donation that will help us increase our impact in 2023.

Positive thoughts and new connections are welcome too. We appreciate you!