Be Nola - Black Education for New Orleans

“We’re Not Done Yet: Twenty years after Katrina, we need an educational reset.” Our Executive Director of BE NOLA, Adrinda Kelly just penned a crucial perspective in The Lens NOLA , examining 4 lessons offered by the post-Katrina education system in New Orleans. Twenty years later, it’s time to reassess and prioritize an inclusive education framework rooted in community accountability and Black educational excellence. Read the full op-ed to understand why she’s calling for an educational reset. https://lnkd.in/ecXgknTA

On behalf of the Center for Black Educator Development, we’re excited to share this $2500 scholarship opportunity for a HBCU athlete/future teacher! They’re partnering with the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFPF) and Dr. Pepper to award $2500 to a HBCU student-athlete who is committed to teaching upon graduation. The student-athlete nomination form can be found below: https://lnkd.in/eYTV8fbD and will need to be completed by a university staff member.? Apply by December 1, 2024!

On Tuesday, November 12, our very own Stevona Elem-Rogers will sit down with Glory Edim at the Black-owned Baldwin & Co. Bookstore?in New Orleans. As the founder of the?Well-Read Black Girl?community, Edim has crafted a heartfelt memoir that celebrates the books that have shaped her journey. "Books are not just a refuge; they're a revolution, a way for Black women to see and be seen," Edim writes, capturing the spirit of "Gather Me"?as a tribute to stories that reflect, uplift, and empower. Join us for an inspiring and unfiltered sister-friend discussion on Edim’s memoir, the books that nourish us, and why these stories matter now more than ever. https://lnkd.in/ezAGF3tQ

We're thrilled to welcome?Avione Pichon?to BE NOLA’s Board of Directors! A New Orleans native, Avione has been a steadfast supporter of our mission, partnering with and championing BE NOLA’s work for years. With a distinguished career in education and law, she brings invaluable expertise and commitment to our board. Avione has served as COO in a charter merger, as Chief External Affairs Officer for NOLA Public Schools, and led strategic innovations at Teach For America – New Orleans. Alongside being a proud graduate of St. Mary's Academy, she holds a B.S. in Psychology from Howard University, an M.S. in Elementary Education from Joseph’s University, and a J.D. from Tulane Law School. An attorney, advocate, and parent, she now owns?a practice?dedicated to helping small businesses and individuals. We're excited about the insights and leadership Avione brings to our mission!

We were thrilled to participate in a mainstage panel at the?Education Leaders of Color (EdLoc) Network’s National Summit?in Baltimore, exploring how people of color reclaim space and create culturally affirming experiences. Moderated by?Heather Harding, Executive in Residence of?EdLoC,?the panel drew inspiration from our Co-leader and Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships,?Stevona Elem-Rogers'?Essence cover story,?"A Love Letter To New Orleans."?Harding opened with an excerpt from the love letter before Stevie joined panelists?Sheena Collier, Victor Ruiz, and?Celine Ferjan. #EdLoc

This week marked SIX incredible years with Stevona Elem-Rogers! As our Chief of Community Programs & Partnerships, Stevie sets the vision and design for all of our programs and curates strategic partnerships that keep us forward-thinking and free. Her passion and spirited creativity fuel the joyful, community-centered experiences that define BE NOLA. When you show up to our Black Is Brilliant Summit or hear about the #brilliance that is brewed through our Institute, know that those experiences and so much more come from the dedicated, midnight-hour hands of Stevie at work. Stevie, your leadership has helped shape BE NOLA into the organization it is today, and we are beyond grateful to have you as our co-leader. #WorkAnniversary #Leadership #BlackIsBrilliant #CommunityBuilding #BlackEducation #BENOLA

As we closed Black Philanthropy Month, our Executive Director Adrinda Kelly had the honor of joining Chastity Lord and Ruth Richardson on the stage at the #MomentumSummit in Martha's Vineyard. What an incredible experience it was to connect with leaders committed to social good and exchange powerful ideas about how our organizations can thrive. The theme, "Investing in Black Futures," explored the essential roles Black women in philanthropy play in holding our communities up. #BlackPhilanthropyMonth #InvestInBlackFutures #SocialGood

There’s A Black Teacher Shortage. Here’s Why It Matters: In a compelling?Forbes?article, journalist?Maya Richard-Craven?delves into the critical shortage of Black teachers in American schools. She highlights the personal experiences of several Black women educators, including Stevona Elem-Rogers's, to humanize this issue. Read the article full here: https://lnkd.in/dpruUEGq

We are thrilled to announce that two truly amazing individuals, Dr. Talé D. Lockett and Mischell Davis have joined BE NOLA’s incredible Board of Directors! Each of them brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to the BE NOLA family. Their addition to the board signifies an exciting next step in our organization's journey. A career educator, Dr. Lockett brings on-the-ground insight to help advance our school support efforts; Mischell is a parent advocate and early childhood educator. Both have deeply engaged in several BE NOLA programs, signifying our commitment to being led by the community we serve. ? We also want to sincerely thank Ashana Bigard for 7 years of loving, committed service as a founding board member. #BlackEducation #BENOLA #BlackIsBrilliant #NOLAEd

BE NOLA’s Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships and co-leader Stevona Elem-Rogers will be on the main stage at the?Education Leaders of Color National Convening?in Baltimore, Maryland, from September 9th to 11th! Stevie will join a lively panel discussing how BIPOC leaders create and nurture authentic cultural spaces. Joyful, strength-based, Black-centered development is #BENOLA's superpower so this promises to be a great convo. Hope to see you there! #EdLoc #BlackEducation #BENOLA #BlackIsBrilliant #NOLAEd