• About

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

Mission

The mission of Black Education For New Orleans (BE NOLA) is to support Black educators and schools to ensure an education that creates better outcomes and opportunities for Black children in New Orleans as a critical factor in building a thriving Black community.

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

BE NOLA achieves impact by helping to bring resources to Black-governed and Black-led schools, providing professional development, disseminating information to inform schools, policy makers, and the larger public about outcomes for students, and when necessary serving as a convener for Black educators and the families they serve.

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.