Black Is Brilliant National Education Summit

The Black Is Brilliant National Education Summit is a powerful national gathering designed to affirm, empower, and elevate Black education. Hosted by BE NOLA, this four-day experience brings together educators, youth, community leaders, artists, activists, and scholars to honor Black New Orleans, reflect on its global impact, and move forward in strength and solidarity.

From commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina to exploring the future of culturally affirming education, this summit offers a vibrant mix of deep discussion, cultural celebration, and visionary action.

With a foundation in Black love, legacy, and liberation, the Summit combines national thought leadership and local genius to reimagine what’s possible in education, leadership, and community building.

• Registration + Check-In @ The Barnett Hotel
• Black Is Brilliant Happy Hour Hosted by New Orleans Restaurateurs Connect with Black educators, creatives, and changemakers at our welcome celebration featuring:
• Cocktails
• Live DJ Set
• Black Is Brilliant merchandise
• BE NOLA-curated gallery exhibit celebrating Black art, history, and legacy

• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Black Is Brilliant Brunch + Film Screening
• Screening of Katrina Babies
• Conversation with Director Edward Buckles Jr. & Ciera Chenier
• Grounding breathwork with Ajax of Magnolia Yoga Studio

• 3:00 PM – Excursions & Cultural Tours (Optional Add-On)Explore the heart of Black New Orleans through curated tours:
• Hidden History Education Tour
• African Heritage French Quarter Tour
• Vue Orleans Magnolia Yoga Experience

Note: These are optional experiences and not included in the general admission ticket.

• 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Summit Programming
• Morning Panel: A national conversation on post-Katrina public education and its impact on Black educators
• Art & Lunch at The Black School Art Village
• Breakout Sessions built around the Black Is Brilliant Syllabus, featuring topics such as:
• Belonging
• High Expectations with Love
• Cultural Exposure
• Legacy
• Rigorous Sight

• 8:00 PM – Closing Celebration @ The Barnett HotelJoin us for an R&B Sing-Off + Celebration in the iconic former Three Keys lounge. A night to release, reconnect, and dance it out.

• Morning: Breathing & Wellness with Ajax
• All Day: Explore at Your Own PaceEnjoy a soft landing — roam the city, visit hidden gems, reflect, and carry the brilliance forward.

• Local Educators – Early Bird: $200 | Final Call: $250
• National Attendees – Early Bird: $300 | Final Call: $350
• Add-On Excursions: Sold separately

BE NOLA is dedicated to uplifting Black educators and Black-governed, Black-led schools in New Orleans. With programs like the BE NOLA Collective and the Black Is Brilliant Institute, the organization reclaims the legacy of Black educational self-determination through culturally affirming, community-rooted programming.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Barnett - JDV by Hyatt, 600 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, United States