• About

BENOLA builds the capacity of Black-led efforts to advance educational progress in New Orleans

Mission

The mission of BE NOLA is to ignite the Black Brilliance that exists throughout schools and neighborhoods to assure Black children thrive.

Vision

Every Black student in New Orleans will have a real opportunity to receive an equitable, quality, culturally-affirming education in schools where they are loved, cared for, and able to realize their full potential.

Theory of Action

IF we research and codify the Black and community-centered practices that help Black children in New Orleans thrive. . .

THEN we can advocate with and for schools, educators, parents and community partners to embody and support them. . .

THUS creating the policy and practice environment to incentivize, scale and fund those approaches . . .so every child in New Orleans has a chance to thrive!

Core Beliefs

  • 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 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 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.