4th ANNUAL BER CONFERENCE- The Power of Collaboration
By Guest Blogger: Cortland Jones
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
'Black Educators Rock is the BEST conference I have ever attended! It’s like all star weekend, a family reunion and homecoming all rolled in one! Thank you Dr. Melissa Noland-Chester for your vision and inviting me to your platform.' - Ronnie Thomas
The moment I heard Science educator and entrepreneur Mr. Ronnie Thomas from Atlanta, Georgia, by way of Birmingham, Alabama, express his thoughts about being at the Black Educators Rock Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, I explained my interest in wanting to use his quote as part of my article. I could not only hear the enjoyment expressed from the words chosen to explain his thoughts about the conference, but I could feel it in the passionate manner in which it was communicated from his heart. The camaraderie, networking, and ongoing celebrations and expressions of enthusiasm as each greeted the other with fist bumps, hugs, high fives, laughter, and affirmations could be felt throughout the duration of the 4-day event.
The sentiment of the BER Conference being like a family reunion is understood as you take the time to listen to how quickly attendees are quick to connect, share social media accounts, engage in spirited dialogue about what's been happening since the last time each was seen by the other, and so on. You never get the feeling titles, accomplishments, stature, or status matters being in the company of individuals highly sought after, celebrated, and successful in who they are and what they've achieved. Yet, there is a genuine mutual respect towards one another as people that allows you to feel as significant, accepted, and valued at the same time, much like a loving family.
At the same time, there is a sincere recognition and respect for who each person is and the value of their presence at the conference extended to anyone who has a genuine interest in sharing their knowledge, skills, and abilities to support the vision and mission of BER. Being able to meet someone as revered in the field of education as Principal Baruti Kafele, but feel as if he has as much respect for you and your voice, as others values his, speaks volumes to his person. The quality of the experience of being in attendance at this conference cannot be felt from reading or hearing about it.
Sitting shoulder to shoulder with distinguished African-American men in the field of education like Principal James Pressley and entrepreneur Fitch Larue while listening to them share openly and honestly about the work they put in to be successful and impactful creates a sincere endearment and respect for them as men and respect for what they do. You feel your chin rise a little higher and the need to straighten your back and square those shoulders, feeling a little more proud of who you are, exchanging thoughts with or listening to Dr. Marcus Jackson, Dr. Chike Akua, Carlos Johnson, J.R. Rivera, Dr. Shuan Woodly, Eric Cork and others. You feel more empowered and proud of your association with this diverse distinguished family of educators you may not see that often, but always look forward to the reunion just to connect and enjoy their company, even if only for a little while.
I can relate to that all-star weekend feeling expressed by Ronnie Thomas, whose infectious smile and personality makes you feel like family, being in the company of so many people as educators, authors, entrepreneurs, edupreneurs, speakers, and school/community leaders. Listening to them share their accomplishments and how they passionately involve and invest themselves to their craft, purpose, and people reinforces the principle of letting your light shine that others may see your good works and glorify God. Sitting amongst them I felt that sense of God's glory expressed through the lives of this great company of men and women who believe in the calling of serving and supporting youth.
'Are you walking in your why?' A question posed by Principal Kafele during an open candid discussion challenging us to consider why the talk associated with burnout occurs. His inquiry reinforces the understanding of why we need to take what we do personally and be passionate about what we do so when the storms rage, the winds blow, and the waters rise we can maintain course, direction, and press through in our role as educators arriving at our destination of triumph in helping youth thrive. The feeling and need to advance, achieve, and succeed can't help but be felt being in the company of all-stars and the great cloud of witnesses assembled that, by their presence, command you to run your race. When you take the time to really listen to what these celebrated men and women have accomplished, you should walk away motivated ready to inspire, influence, and impact the youth you serve.
The celebratory atmosphere of the conference is infectious and genuine that includes evening activities each night Thursday-Saturday, concluding with an awards scholarship banquet Saturday evening. Author, educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and annual attendee, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, was recognized and awarded as the member of the year for 2019. Kwame has faithfully attended all four conferences validating the efforts of the organization to make the attendees feel like they are a part of the organization. Dr. Melissa Noland-Chester, CEO of Black Educators Rock, Inc., emphasizes the importance of playing hard while working hard in life, as well as at the conference. Content from each day of the conference, including keynote presentations in the morning or during lunch consistently includes tips and strategies for personal/professional self-care maintenance. Her passion and energy seems boundless and you can see the 'family' that surrounds and supports her ensuring the work of BER continues to advance. Faith, love, and being invested are consistent principles that come to mind reflecting on the person of Dr. Chester. You appreciate even more, her ability to be open, honest, and fun-loving, too, carrying the mantle of leadership for education gracefully, the way she does, while still enjoying the journey inviting others to join her along the way.
Stephanie, an attendee and presenter Sunday morning on the final day of the conference, shared her thoughts, 'The conference was organized with high quality speakers and facilitators.' She added desiring to see more content presented on technology and STEM. She enjoyed the round table discussion involving the females that took place early Saturday evening before the scholarship banquet, appreciating the diverse scope of women in attendance who led the discussion feeling it made the moment relatable to all ages and fields within education. Her hope is BER can continue to broaden its influence involving policy and invite the presence of decision makers to engage them in conversations about those who have influence on a national, state, local level regarding schools and students. She also inquired about how could communication improve to ensure that school districts could assist in promoting the conference to educators to increase attendance at the event believing the conference is valuable in content for more presence from educators.
The power of collaboration is evident by the diverse group of professionals who come together annually in celebration of what it means to be a black educator. It is evident the emphasis on being positive minded, progressive, and proactive are at the core of what is presented. The mantra and refrain of 'If not us, who? If not now, when?' Was repetitiously repeated with the understanding we are no longer in a position where we can remain passive waiting idly by for others to help us do the work for us, but that we are, at this point in time, capable and able to bring about reform, change, and revival for our own, now. There is a momentum building, a wave, a revolution, a revival of activism within the community of the African-American, much like the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's, that is calling out to more individuals to rally together on behalf of our youth, schools, and communities. Black Educators Rock, Inc. is more than a Facebook group and invites you to join in being a champion and hero for our youth, schools, and communities.
The moment I heard Science educator and entrepreneur Mr. Ronnie Thomas from Atlanta, Georgia, by way of Birmingham, Alabama, express his thoughts about being at the Black Educators Rock Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, I explained my interest in wanting to use his quote as part of my article. I could not only hear the enjoyment expressed from the words chosen to explain his thoughts about the conference, but I could feel it in the passionate manner in which it was communicated from his heart. The camaraderie, networking, and ongoing celebrations and expressions of enthusiasm as each greeted the other with fist bumps, hugs, high fives, laughter, and affirmations could be felt throughout the duration of the 4-day event.
The sentiment of the BER Conference being like a family reunion is understood as you take the time to listen to how quickly attendees are quick to connect, share social media accounts, engage in spirited dialogue about what's been happening since the last time each was seen by the other, and so on. You never get the feeling titles, accomplishments, stature, or status matters being in the company of individuals highly sought after, celebrated, and successful in who they are and what they've achieved. Yet, there is a genuine mutual respect towards one another as people that allows you to feel as significant, accepted, and valued at the same time, much like a loving family.
At the same time, there is a sincere recognition and respect for who each person is and the value of their presence at the conference extended to anyone who has a genuine interest in sharing their knowledge, skills, and abilities to support the vision and mission of BER. Being able to meet someone as revered in the field of education as Principal Baruti Kafele, but feel as if he has as much respect for you and your voice, as others values his, speaks volumes to his person. The quality of the experience of being in attendance at this conference cannot be felt from reading or hearing about it.
Sitting shoulder to shoulder with distinguished African-American men in the field of education like Principal James Pressley and entrepreneur Fitch Larue while listening to them share openly and honestly about the work they put in to be successful and impactful creates a sincere endearment and respect for them as men and respect for what they do. You feel your chin rise a little higher and the need to straighten your back and square those shoulders, feeling a little more proud of who you are, exchanging thoughts with or listening to Dr. Marcus Jackson, Dr. Chike Akua, Carlos Johnson, J.R. Rivera, Dr. Shuan Woodly, Eric Cork and others. You feel more empowered and proud of your association with this diverse distinguished family of educators you may not see that often, but always look forward to the reunion just to connect and enjoy their company, even if only for a little while.
I can relate to that all-star weekend feeling expressed by Ronnie Thomas, whose infectious smile and personality makes you feel like family, being in the company of so many people as educators, authors, entrepreneurs, edupreneurs, speakers, and school/community leaders. Listening to them share their accomplishments and how they passionately involve and invest themselves to their craft, purpose, and people reinforces the principle of letting your light shine that others may see your good works and glorify God. Sitting amongst them I felt that sense of God's glory expressed through the lives of this great company of men and women who believe in the calling of serving and supporting youth.
'Are you walking in your why?' A question posed by Principal Kafele during an open candid discussion challenging us to consider why the talk associated with burnout occurs. His inquiry reinforces the understanding of why we need to take what we do personally and be passionate about what we do so when the storms rage, the winds blow, and the waters rise we can maintain course, direction, and press through in our role as educators arriving at our destination of triumph in helping youth thrive. The feeling and need to advance, achieve, and succeed can't help but be felt being in the company of all-stars and the great cloud of witnesses assembled that, by their presence, command you to run your race. When you take the time to really listen to what these celebrated men and women have accomplished, you should walk away motivated ready to inspire, influence, and impact the youth you serve.
The celebratory atmosphere of the conference is infectious and genuine that includes evening activities each night Thursday-Saturday, concluding with an awards scholarship banquet Saturday evening. Author, educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and annual attendee, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, was recognized and awarded as the member of the year for 2019. Kwame has faithfully attended all four conferences validating the efforts of the organization to make the attendees feel like they are a part of the organization. Dr. Melissa Noland-Chester, CEO of Black Educators Rock, Inc., emphasizes the importance of playing hard while working hard in life, as well as at the conference. Content from each day of the conference, including keynote presentations in the morning or during lunch consistently includes tips and strategies for personal/professional self-care maintenance. Her passion and energy seems boundless and you can see the 'family' that surrounds and supports her ensuring the work of BER continues to advance. Faith, love, and being invested are consistent principles that come to mind reflecting on the person of Dr. Chester. You appreciate even more, her ability to be open, honest, and fun-loving, too, carrying the mantle of leadership for education gracefully, the way she does, while still enjoying the journey inviting others to join her along the way.
Stephanie, an attendee and presenter Sunday morning on the final day of the conference, shared her thoughts, 'The conference was organized with high quality speakers and facilitators.' She added desiring to see more content presented on technology and STEM. She enjoyed the round table discussion involving the females that took place early Saturday evening before the scholarship banquet, appreciating the diverse scope of women in attendance who led the discussion feeling it made the moment relatable to all ages and fields within education. Her hope is BER can continue to broaden its influence involving policy and invite the presence of decision makers to engage them in conversations about those who have influence on a national, state, local level regarding schools and students. She also inquired about how could communication improve to ensure that school districts could assist in promoting the conference to educators to increase attendance at the event believing the conference is valuable in content for more presence from educators.
The power of collaboration is evident by the diverse group of professionals who come together annually in celebration of what it means to be a black educator. It is evident the emphasis on being positive minded, progressive, and proactive are at the core of what is presented. The mantra and refrain of 'If not us, who? If not now, when?' Was repetitiously repeated with the understanding we are no longer in a position where we can remain passive waiting idly by for others to help us do the work for us, but that we are, at this point in time, capable and able to bring about reform, change, and revival for our own, now. There is a momentum building, a wave, a revolution, a revival of activism within the community of the African-American, much like the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's, that is calling out to more individuals to rally together on behalf of our youth, schools, and communities. Black Educators Rock, Inc. is more than a Facebook group and invites you to join in being a champion and hero for our youth, schools, and communities.
Cortland Jones is an educator in Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland. Going into his 27th year as a writing enrichment teacher, Cortland has taught art and graphic design, served ten years outside of the classroom as a Peer Mediation Coordinator and has over 15 years experience as a classroom management workshop facilitator. Cortland is now a published author of two books, empowerment coach, and speaker and serves as CEO and co-founder of The Better Place, Inc.
My Weekend At The National Black Male Educators Convening
by Guest Blogger: David McGuire
“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” |
There are moments in time where African Americans have a chance to shine. For example, in 2002 at the Oscars when Halle Berry and Denzel Washington won the two most prestigious awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, we shined. In 1999 and 2002, when Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys won five solo Grammy awards in the same night, we shined. There are other times when there is just black excellence everywhere. To give you glimpse of my weekend at the inaugural National Black Male Educators Convening held in Philadelphia, try to imagine those events I previously listed, NAACP Image Awards, and Black Girls Rock all wrapped into one with educators. That’s what this weekend was for me. Having the chance to be in the room with over 500 black male educators was simply breathtaking. Not to mention having the opportunity to hear from some amazing educators doing incredible work. One of my personal highlights of the weekend was I had the chance to facilitate the session “Elevating the Black Male Voice in Education.” Read more about that in an upcoming blog post.
This weekend, I was fortunate enough to sit in a room full of educators who are the who’s who of black education and have my mind blown away with their wisdom, their insight, their passion, and most importantly their love for our black babies. Here is the recap from my weekend at the Black Male Educators Convening.
This weekend, I was fortunate enough to sit in a room full of educators who are the who’s who of black education and have my mind blown away with their wisdom, their insight, their passion, and most importantly their love for our black babies. Here is the recap from my weekend at the Black Male Educators Convening.
Friday Night:
Friday Night was the opening ceremony. The night was kicked off with words from Pennsylvania State Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera. He talked about the important work that was ahead of us as black educators. One of the most memorable things he said was, “Having just one educator of color changes perspectives for a lifetime for all students.” Those words were powerful because it reminded us that our work as black male educators has an impact on all students not just the black students. He spoke with so much passion and love for education and the work of education students of color. Next, was Shavar Jeffries, President of Democrats for Education Reform. Mr. Jeffries challenged us to fight harder and push harder to ensure black students receive a quality education. He spoke about the importance of not giving up. He said, “The education of a black child is inherently a political thing.” That quote reminded me this work of educating black children is ingrained in us and it is part of the fabric of who we are as educators and a nation. Those two speakers were just the preview of the greatness that was about to happen.
Friday Night was the opening ceremony. The night was kicked off with words from Pennsylvania State Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera. He talked about the important work that was ahead of us as black educators. One of the most memorable things he said was, “Having just one educator of color changes perspectives for a lifetime for all students.” Those words were powerful because it reminded us that our work as black male educators has an impact on all students not just the black students. He spoke with so much passion and love for education and the work of education students of color. Next, was Shavar Jeffries, President of Democrats for Education Reform. Mr. Jeffries challenged us to fight harder and push harder to ensure black students receive a quality education. He spoke about the importance of not giving up. He said, “The education of a black child is inherently a political thing.” That quote reminded me this work of educating black children is ingrained in us and it is part of the fabric of who we are as educators and a nation. Those two speakers were just the preview of the greatness that was about to happen.
Saturday:
Bright and early at 8 a.m. over 500 black educators packed the ballroom on the third floor of the Sheraton in downtown Philly ready to celebrate this inaugural occasion and learn and receive insight from some of the brightest minds in education. The opening panel picked up right where the speakers the night before left off. The session was titled Stay Woke: Taxation without Representation – The Invisible Tax on Teachers of Color. This session of heavy hitters including former US Secretary of Education John King, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William Hite, former Executive Director of White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans David Johns and it was moderated by one of my favorite educators Kaya Henderson, former Chancellor of DC Public Schools. This session comes from an op-ed written in the Washington Post by Secretary King about the “invisible tax.”
Sometimes you get a chance to sit back and listen to excellence and that panel was every bit of it – so many gems dropped. Here are some of my favorite quotes. David Johns spoke about the importance of self-care. He asked a question that had everyone thinking, “How can we as educators do our best for kids when we are not at our best?” Secretary King said, “We have no future as a country if we fail to educate low income students or students of color.” These students represent the diamonds in the rough that will be the beacons of hope and prosperity for our country. For too long they have been left in the dust and it is time now for us as educators to ensure their future.
Immediately following lunch was the second of three panels for the day. This panel was titled The Movement: Then and Now. This panel featured Head of School for Edison Charter Salome Thomas-El, Marquette Professor and Educational Expert Howard Fuller, and CEO of Wayfinder Foundation Chris Stewart. These three gentlemen kept everyone on their toes. You couldn’t help but to switch back and forth between the three of them. Just as with the first panel, there were many gems shared during this session. Principal Thomas-El hit the nail right on the head when he said, “One day with a great teacher is worth more than a lifetime of study.” In a room full of teachers, he reminded everyone the power a teacher has. It cannot be underestimated how important the role of the teacher plays in the lives of students.
Bright and early at 8 a.m. over 500 black educators packed the ballroom on the third floor of the Sheraton in downtown Philly ready to celebrate this inaugural occasion and learn and receive insight from some of the brightest minds in education. The opening panel picked up right where the speakers the night before left off. The session was titled Stay Woke: Taxation without Representation – The Invisible Tax on Teachers of Color. This session of heavy hitters including former US Secretary of Education John King, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William Hite, former Executive Director of White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans David Johns and it was moderated by one of my favorite educators Kaya Henderson, former Chancellor of DC Public Schools. This session comes from an op-ed written in the Washington Post by Secretary King about the “invisible tax.”
Sometimes you get a chance to sit back and listen to excellence and that panel was every bit of it – so many gems dropped. Here are some of my favorite quotes. David Johns spoke about the importance of self-care. He asked a question that had everyone thinking, “How can we as educators do our best for kids when we are not at our best?” Secretary King said, “We have no future as a country if we fail to educate low income students or students of color.” These students represent the diamonds in the rough that will be the beacons of hope and prosperity for our country. For too long they have been left in the dust and it is time now for us as educators to ensure their future.
Immediately following lunch was the second of three panels for the day. This panel was titled The Movement: Then and Now. This panel featured Head of School for Edison Charter Salome Thomas-El, Marquette Professor and Educational Expert Howard Fuller, and CEO of Wayfinder Foundation Chris Stewart. These three gentlemen kept everyone on their toes. You couldn’t help but to switch back and forth between the three of them. Just as with the first panel, there were many gems shared during this session. Principal Thomas-El hit the nail right on the head when he said, “One day with a great teacher is worth more than a lifetime of study.” In a room full of teachers, he reminded everyone the power a teacher has. It cannot be underestimated how important the role of the teacher plays in the lives of students.
Sunday:
The final panel of the day really brought home the theme of the conference, “Stay Woke.” During the opening session CEO of The Fellowship Vincent Cobb spoke truth when he said, “Being here is an act of protest. We are taking a knee and in fact reclaiming our time.” This panel was calledRadical Educators: Activism in our communities, classrooms, and schools. Why there can be no separation between activism and education. The panel featured Derrell Bradford, Robert Simmons, DeRay McKesson, and Brittany Packnett. DeRay kicked it off by challenging us to not just love the idea of equity, but to also love the work that comes with equity. One of the highlights for me of this panel and probably of the weekend was when Brittany Packnett said, “Go and be your black selves. Have the audacity to be authentically you.” I felt chills. She spoke truth and power during that session and definitely left everyone feeling inspired and excited. She was right. By being our black selves it gives black students the permission to do the same.
After a full weekend of unapologetic blackness and black educational excellence, I left Philadelphia and returned to Indianapolis inspired. I have a new fire lit inside. I have to take all the gems I learned over the weekend and I have to put it into action. It is time to go to work and do the work necessary. The most important thing this weekend taught me was there is power when you get black male educators together. The rally cry for The Fellowship rings ever true “2% is not enough.” It is not enough and we must inspire more black men to become teachers and we must also support and retain the black men that we have. Thank you to The Fellowship for hosting this convening it was much needed and all too inspiring!
The final panel of the day really brought home the theme of the conference, “Stay Woke.” During the opening session CEO of The Fellowship Vincent Cobb spoke truth when he said, “Being here is an act of protest. We are taking a knee and in fact reclaiming our time.” This panel was calledRadical Educators: Activism in our communities, classrooms, and schools. Why there can be no separation between activism and education. The panel featured Derrell Bradford, Robert Simmons, DeRay McKesson, and Brittany Packnett. DeRay kicked it off by challenging us to not just love the idea of equity, but to also love the work that comes with equity. One of the highlights for me of this panel and probably of the weekend was when Brittany Packnett said, “Go and be your black selves. Have the audacity to be authentically you.” I felt chills. She spoke truth and power during that session and definitely left everyone feeling inspired and excited. She was right. By being our black selves it gives black students the permission to do the same.
After a full weekend of unapologetic blackness and black educational excellence, I left Philadelphia and returned to Indianapolis inspired. I have a new fire lit inside. I have to take all the gems I learned over the weekend and I have to put it into action. It is time to go to work and do the work necessary. The most important thing this weekend taught me was there is power when you get black male educators together. The rally cry for The Fellowship rings ever true “2% is not enough.” It is not enough and we must inspire more black men to become teachers and we must also support and retain the black men that we have. Thank you to The Fellowship for hosting this convening it was much needed and all too inspiring!
Mr. McGuire is an administrator with Tindley Accelerated Schools, a Teach Plus Policy Fellow alum, and a current doctoral candidate at Indiana State University. You can follow him on twitter @MrMcGuire_Teach.