BE NOLA’s annual summit, “Black Is Brilliant,” is an exclusive space for Black educators and visionaries in the education landscape to gather and dream a future that is uniquely for us, by us.
During this summit, we will highlight Black brilliance in our community that dares to shine in the face of direct and indirect systemic oppression and allows our children to shine brighter as a result of deep care and unyielding work.
The brilliance we see in our servant-leaders has no air of respectability politics. It thrives among those making this world a better place in the hood just as much as those who sit in high seats. We hold high their Black gaze, which asserts the centrality of our humanity as a people.
The Black Is Brilliant Summit gathers visionaries who make space to see into the heart of us as people, raw and untapped. They are the ones who push us to tend to places where we have full governance and autonomy while advocating for a more just society wherever we are planted. We believe that Black brilliance offers an answer to every challenge we face if we look close enough.
The 2023 summit will take place on New Orleans' Black Wall Street, Bayou Road, and be broadcast via specialized installations at beloved Black-owned spaces across the city. From barbershops to art studios, these high-traffic “viewing venues” will provide an opportunity for the general public to learn, understand, engage, and advocate alongside BE NOLA for the support and development of Quality Black Educators (QBEs) for New Orleans children.
This is not a moment, this is a movement. Black education is a lifestyle and we honor it as such. By exploring and discussing the state of Black education and our community from a strengths-based lens, we will build on existing bright spots to articulate the next paradigm shift in education.
The idea for BE NOLA’s annual education Summit grew from community conversations with Black teachers, parents, artists, social workers, and activists across New Orleans. The first Black Is Brilliant Summit was conceptualized and curated by BE NOLA’s Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships, Stevona Elem-Rogers, in 2020 and launched as a fully virtual experience produced by Saint Josephine Consultants. In 2021 Elem-Rogers expanded the Summit program to include an in-person programming experience for educators and viewing hubs at Black-owned businesses across the city.
The Summit is Black-centered, rigorous in thought, intimate, and joyful. Sessions explore the idea, so central to the history and practices of Black education, that “education is a lifestyle” and doesn’t just happen within the four walls of a school. Ultimately, the Summit helps Black educators expand their connections to community assets, strengthen networks, and deepen their reservoir of sustainable practices.
Watch a recap of the 2022 Summit and take a peek at these photos to catch the vibe!
The Black Is Brilliant Summit's virtual and in-person events have been managed and produced by a local, Black, woman-owned business, Saint Josephine, since 2020.
On Friday, August 18th, BE NOLA’s inaugural cohort of "Black Is Brilliant Institute graduates will gather in an intimate community of friends and supporters to kick off the summit with a happy hour and official launch of their Ezine, featuring A Collective Prayer to the Black Future. This will be an evening to share, socialize, network, and give and receive joy. Enjoy a DJ, light refreshments and free drinks. Attendance is invitation only.
On Saturday, August 19th, plug into the summit by attending virtually, registering for the in-person experience on New Orleans’ Bayou Road, and/or stopping by a viewing venue at one of several curated Black-owned spaces across the city. The combination of virtual and in-person locations enables educators and the general public who live in all corners of the city to experience the event. The Summit schedule is Black-centered, rigorous in thought, intimate, and joyful - created to move mind, body and spirit. Participants will enjoy unfiltered, honest conversations, hear from dynamic Black artists, activists and thought leaders, and lean into key themes important to our community. Register early to secure your access.
(The BENOLA Community App is only accessible to Summit registrants at this time.)
Take a peek into the worlds of select #BLACKISBRILLIANT summit guests.
Ashley Lorraine is a New Orleans based photographer and a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana. Having worked professionally in the communications field, she now turns to photography to document moments. Ashley focuses on Lifestyle and Event Photography. Her interest in the emotional connection between her subjects and the present moment is what brings her photography to life.
David "Dave" Dennis Sr. interrupted his collegiate experience during his freshman year in 1961 at Dillard University in New Orleans LA to work in the 60s civil rights movement in the South, particularly Mississippi and Louisiana, where he was arrested over 30 times in relation to his activities to register disenfranchised voters. He was on the first freedom bus ride from Montgomery AL to Jackson MS in 1961. He served in both states as field secretary for CORE (Congress of Racial Equality). He co-directed a COFO (Council of Federated Organizations) committee from which later evolved Freedom Summer 1964. He worked closely with Mickey Schwerner and James Chaney who were murdered along with Andrew Goodman as Freedom Summer began. Dave spoke in Mississippi at the funeral for James Chaney, delivering a eulogy that will long be remembered.
He returned to Dillard University in 1965 and graduated in 1968. Continuing his education, Dave left for law school at the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1971. In 1972, he was an organizer of a successful challenge to the Louisiana Democratic Party structure that resulted in a majority African American delegation with an African American chairperson being sent to the national convention, the first time since Reconstruction. Dave’s practice of law gave way in 1991 to his work with Bob Moses—a fellow veteran of the civil rights movement in Mississippi—and the Algebra Project. Dave became committed in the early 90s to the pressing need of quality education as necessary for first class citizenship, joining Bob in his work to increase participation of low-performing students in the gatekeeper course Algebra I by or before the eighth grade.
Today, Dave is active with two organizations: The Southern Initiative Algebra Project, Inc. and Dave Dennis Connections. Dave has been interviewed and recorded in numerous documents, articles, books, newspapers, magazines, and documentaries over the years. He has also received many recognitions and awards.
Hot 8 Brass Band is a twice Grammy-nominated New Orleans based brass band, whose sound draws on the traditional jazz heritage of New Orleans, alongside more modern styles including elements of funk, hip hop, rap, and its local variation, “bounce.”
Transcending genres and trends, Hot 8 have performed and collaborated with the likes of Jon Batiste, Blind Boys of Alabama, Basement Jaxx, Alice Russell and George Ezra, provided live support for Mos Def, Lauryn Hill and Mary J Blige and have decade long affiliations with actor/BBC 6Music DJ Craig Charles, among other tastemakers, DJs and journalists around the world. Their second album ‘The Life and Times Of…’ was nominated for a Grammy in 2013 and the band have since had a second Grammy nomination in 2021 for their work on ‘Album of the Year’ nominee, Jon Batiste’s ‘WE ARE’. Further acclaimed releases such as ‘Vicennial…’, ‘On The Spot’ and “Take Cover”, continue to exemplify their ability to honour their city’s musical traditions while forging their own powerful legacy. Mixing an old school street brass approach with funkier currents and hip hop vocals, Hot 8’s magnificent originals are juxtaposed with fresh versions of Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, The Specials, and of course their anthemic take on Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”.
Justen Williams is a commercial, Lifestyle and documentary photographer based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Like the city of New Orleans from which he hails, Justen is defined by his musicality. Music producer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, Justen’s credits include placements with HBO and Ford Motor Company as well as album production for Kourtney Heart (Jive records) and Dee-1 (RCA records), including production credits on Dee-1's viral hit single for “Sallie Mae Back.”
Outside of music, Justen has been fortunate to find a real passion with photography and nurture that passion. Williams is the founder and CEO of his own production company where he produces and composes for a national roster of artists and creatives.
Our Voice Nuestra Voice is a nation-building organization, anchoring ancestry while building Black and Brown solidarity in New Orleans. We remember our shared culture and language, reconnect to the land, and organize our community around collective action. We build the capacity of community members, parents, and families to act as advocates in order to create a more equitable city, focusing on a number of issues including education, criminal justice, and immigration.
Hi! My name is Terrylyn Dorsey, well known as Secondlineshorty. I am a New Orleans Second Line Grand Marshall. I love what I do because I can motivate others to show their talent around the world .
Stevona Elem-Rogers is a womanist writer, educator, and orator with a passion for innovative examination and advocacy of Black culture and womanhood. Stevona received her B.A. from The University of Alabama in English and African-American Studies. In 2007, she began her teaching journey by way of Teach For America - New Orleans and received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Louisiana College, with a concentration in Culturally Responsive Teaching, a pedagogical theory created and advanced by Black women scholars.
In spring 2016, education became the foundation of Black Women Are For Grown Ups, a digital campaign she launched alongside an ever-popular t-shirt to celebrate — and heighten the visibility of — the full, complex narratives of Black women. This idea continues to inspire tangible projects and collaborations exclusively for Black women under the platform Project BWAFGU. Whether it’s curating Black women-centered spaces or getting sticky palms for a raw, guerrilla art campaign, the idea behind her work is that it is artistic, intellectual, and accessible for all Black women.
Stevona who is celebrated as "The Writer" on Refinery29 list 20 Black Women You Need To Know Right Now has been invited to interview artists, lecture, conduct workshops, and share her written works at various institutions including, but not limited to, The New York Times, Saint Heron, Ace Hotel, The Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, Xavier University of Lousiana, and The Schomburg Center for Arts and Culture.
Her chapbook appeared on the "Black Girl Magic Across Time and Space" syllabus at Louisiana State University and is archived at Amistad Research Center.
She currently co-leads as the Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships at Black Education for New Orleans, a non-profit committed to building the capacity of Black-governed, Black-led efforts to advance educational progress in New Orleans.
Watotos of Kumbuka is a New Orleans based African dance company founded by Nailah Smith. She is the daughter of Mama Ausettua AmorAmenkum (Big Queen Washitaw) who is the founder and director of KUMBUKA African Drum and Dance Collective. They are dedicated to the preservation of African and African-American folklore through the medium of dance, music and song. Kumbuka is a Swahili word that means “remember.”
ANTWIGADEE!, born and raised in New Orleans as Antoine Barriere is an arranger and musician that uses a DJ controller as his instrument. He is no ordinary DJ but a GROOOVE!MASTER instead. The GROOOVE!MASTER bonds with his crowds by collaborating in dance, by entrancing them in his awe-inspiring transitions, and immersing them in music from various decades and genres. His electrifying sets capture the pure sound of energy and diversity when everyone's grooving in unison. He is ANTWIGADEE!
Dasjon Jordan is an organizer, designer, and planner from New Orleans. He has worked with public agencies, cities, community-based organizations and the private sector on place-based economic development strategies in the U.S., South Africa and Mexico. Dasjon specializes in commercial district revitalization focusing on small business financial and marketing ecosystems, restorative design strategies, and neighborhood cultural planning.
Prior to returning to Broad Community Connections, Dasjon was the Strategy and Development Officer for the Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation. Also, Dasjon was a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) CoLab (Community Innovators Lab) post-graduate fellow. His work focused on growing the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT, student engagement in racial and economic justice in practice and pedagogy through CoLab. Dasjon returns to lead BCC, after working as the Commercial Revitalization Coordinator at Broad Community Connections in 2016. He holds a master’s of city planning from MIT and a bachelor’s of architecture from Louisiana State University.
Dasjon believes in people and trusting relationships to forge civic power and make things happen. BCC’s future with Dasjon is rooted in relationships and driven by bold imagination.
In March 2022, Dr. Avis Williams was selected to serve as superintendent of the Nola Public Schools. She is the first woman to be permanently appointed to this role. Her core values are Equity, Excellence and Joy and she is known for her ability to drive innovation while improving organizational culture and climate.
An award-winning educator and sought-after speaker, she is a native of Salisbury, NC. A product of poverty, Williams dreamed of being a teacher from an early age. As a first generation 4-year college student, she followed the path of her older siblings and joined the Army right after high school. While in the Army, she was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC, Yongsan, Korea, and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. Before becoming an educator, Williams owned a fitness center and worked as a personal trainer. She was a popular local personality on T.V. and radio promoting fitness and wellness.
Determined to become a teacher, she worked fulltime as a personal trainer while putting herself through community college and earned her undergraduate degree from Athens State University. She went on to earn a master’s degrees from Alabama A&M and Jacksonville State Universities, education specialist degree and her doctorate from the University of Alabama.
During her first two years as a teacher beginning in 1998, she taught Advanced Placement English and Physical Education and coached dance team and track. She later taught English Composition and English inclusion classes where she focused on closing the achievement gap in reading proficiency and writing. Dr. Williams has had the unique privilege to serve as an elementary, middle and high school principal, giving her a full perspective of what it takes to lead effectively at all levels.
In 2013, she sought district roles focused on improving curriculum and instruction for all scholars. As the executive director of secondary curriculum and instruction in Greensboro, North Carolina she led instruction for over 60 schools, served on the Equity Leadership Team and led strategic planning teams. Prior to moving to Selma, she was the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Tuscaloosa City Schools in Alabama where she led the development of the instructional framework and helped implement a $160M capitol project.
Prior to her historic appointment to lead NOLA Public Schools, Dr. Williams served as superintendent of Historic Selma City Schools in Selma, AL for five years.
A graduate of Leadership Alabama Class XXIX, she is a Rotarian, president of the ASCD board of directors, a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators (AL ABSE) and the Selma Chapter of the Links, Inc. Williams has created and delivered dozens of professional development and motivational sessions at national conferences and to churches, student groups, educators and leaders across the U.S. Dr. Williams is a member of Cohort 6 of Future Chiefs for Change. Her awards include the Marbury Technology Innovation Award by the AL State Department of Education in 2011 as a principal and in 2019 as superintendent, the 2020 AL Black School Educators Superintendent of the Year, a 2019 finalist for Alabama State Superintendent of the Year, and one of two 2022 superintendent finalists for AASA’s Women in School Leadership Award. The University of Alabama selected her for the 2021 Harold L. Bishop Alumni Award of Leaders and the National School Public Relations Association identified her as one of the 2022 Superintendents to Watch for her dynamic leadership with strong communication at its core. With a heart to serve, Dr. Avis Williams is an optimistic, strategic, visionary leader determined to provide a high quality education to all scholars in her charge.
Dr. Dwight McKenna, a physician, surgeon and former Orleans Parish school board member, and Beverly Stanton McKenna founded the New Orleans Tribune in 1985, along with Kermit Thomas and James Borders — two young men who shared the McKennas’ vision for an editorially substantive, graphically pleasing publication geared to New Orleans middle – class African-American population. Borders and Thomas, who served as the publication’s founding editor and publisher respectively, left the company to pursue other ventures after The Tribune’s first year of operation.
Beverly Stanton McKenna, who has been the constant in overall direction and day-to-day operations of McKenna Publishing Co., says she has been preparing for her role as publisher/editor all of her life. As a young girl, McKenna dreamed of a career in journalism and communications. Limited opportunities for African-Americans in the field at that time, however, caused her to major in English instead of journalism at Indiana University. But McKenna continued to study and kept a close eye on the role and significance of the Black press in the African-American community. Prior to founding The Tribune, McKenna had been a high school English teacher in Washington D. C. She also was public information officer for the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
McKenna is particularly proud to have been able to provide employment and training opportunities for the many young African-Americans who have passed through the Tribune’s doors in the last 33 years. She is also pleased when readers label The Tribune as a true “voice of integrity” for New Orleans’ African-American community.
Jessica Robinson is the owner of Justini Cocktails, the hottest new bar in New Orleans.
Jessica uses her craft to fight for women’s rights. Many people come to the bar to recharge after a grueling day at work or at home. That mental strain is often compounded for African American women. To honor historic black women and women in general, she came up with two cocktails named after amazing and world-changing women of New Orleans.
Jessica's brown sugared old fashioned is named after Oretha Castle Haley, the late activist who was part of C.O.R.E, the NAACP, and a freedom rider. Many don’t know that she was also a bartender. Her lavender French 75 is named after Leah Chase because she gave a gentle touch, but she was very powerful, using her cooking and her restaurant as a meeting place for the civil rights movement.
Today Jessica aspires to keep inspiring young women of color who want to be business owners. She is a proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College.
Ken Jones was born on the south side of Chicago. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Radio and Television Journalism. Ken has worked for seven news operations across the country; the last was WDSU from 1996 to 2010 as a weekend anchor and reporter.
Ken left TV in 2010 to become Director of Communications for the Recovery School District. He also worked at Shell in Norco as an External Relations Advisor. Ken and his wife, Kelda Summers, are the proud owners of Whiskey and Sticks, a high-end bar nestled in the heart of the Bayou Road cultural corridor.
Lauren E. Turner (she/her) is a director, performer, producer, & community facilitator. Listed by American Theatre Magazine as one of “6 Theatre Workers You Should Know,” she is the founding Producing Artistic Director of No Dream Deferred NOLA. She is driven by her interest in equitable, place-based, culturally relevant theatre, with her work thriving at the intersection of storytelling, community building, and politics.
Lauren is an artEquity trained Equity, Diversity & Inclusion facilitator as well as the recipient of countless grant awards. She received her MFA in Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi and B.A. from North Carolina Central University. Lauren lives joyfully in New Orleans with her partner Jason, and their children Austyn, Elijah, and Nia.
Community Book Center was founded in 1983 by Vera Warren-Williams and is a cultural and literary hub that specializes in books, educational materials, art and gifts by and about people of African descent. The mission is to “highlight the contributions African people throughout the diaspora have made to world civilization; debunking the myth that our history began with slavery.” More than a bookstore, CBC is a gathering and meeting place for individuals and grassroots organizers dedicated to addressing educational and social justice issues impacting the community.
In the early 1980s, Warren-Williams, a substitute teacher, saw her students struggle to identify with heroes or historic figures who did not look like them. When she brought in books from home, she found that students were fascinated by them, because they featured African-American narrators, scientists and pioneers of all kinds and renowned historical kingdoms in Africa.
So, using $300 of her personal savings, she began to respond to the need she’d seen, by selling books written by and about people of African descent from her parents’ house in the Lower 9th Ward. Growing up, her quest had been inspired by her godmother, public school principal Mildred Lyons Reese; by the Black store owners and entrepreneurs she knew growing up in the Lower 9th Ward; and by classmates at McDonogh 35 Senior High School, who helped her form a Black student union at the school to push for reforms such as an English curriculum that included black authors.
Since its formation, Community Book Center has moved around, from Poland Avenue in the 9th Ward to Ursulines Avenue in Treme to two different locations in the Broad Street corridor, including the center’s home of 14 years, a two-story building at 2523 Bayou Road where she sells books, art, clothing and fabric that reflect the culture of black New Orleans.
At 25 years old, Prince Lobo is one of the youngest award-winning small business owner chefs and winemakers in New Orleans. Prince serves as the General Manager of Addis NOLA, a highly rated and recognized Ethiopian restaurant founded by his mother and his father and he is the creator of their specialty Honey Wine.
Director, social justice consultant, organizational coach and racial equity advocate. Strong professional and community leader from New Orleans.
Kelda Summers, formerly one half of the Home Team Morning Show with LBJ and Kelder, Midday Host at 92.3, HOT 103.7