The data on the positive effect of Black educators is among the most consistent findings in education policy research. Yet only 6% of U.S. public school teachers are Black. This is why the Center's 2026 Policy Agenda matters: https://thecenterblacked.org/policy-advocacy/

Want to join us at #BMEC2026 but stuck on getting approval or funding? We did the heavy lifting. Don't let paperwork stand in the way of your growth. Grab the letter template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GA7JjbNvi9aQaidmapMsUMKXof16D-sBzM0bApE5u7w/edit?usp=sharing

History. Healing. And a room full of people who believe Black children deserve better. Webinar 1 of Black August: Educate + Heal is a virtual gathering next Tuesday, August 4th, 12–1 p.m. ET: https://thecenterblacked.org/black-august-2026-educate-heal-organize/ #BlackAugust #WeNeedBlackTeachers

We’re launching our 1st Youth Advisory Council for current and former CBED program participants & alumni. Apply by Aug 14: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jB3kHcL7B0-MtnlI0GLtsZwUw32SclBKqH_BGhHT3W9UMFNLTllQVkNFMExONUY1RkxRWk5WVjZMMS4u

AI is already shaping the future of education. That means educators need to be part of the conversation from the start. At our AI in Action event at George Mason University, we asked educators and leaders why teacher voice matters in how AI is adopted in classrooms. #AIinAction #EquityInEducation

AI in Action 201 is here in two days! Join us Wednesday, July 22 from 4:00–6:30pm ET for the Advanced Equity Learning Lab : https://thecenterblacked-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/jAGqjjR-SdW8kb4zw1GppQ#/registration

#BMEC2026 is the country's largest gathering of Black male educators, advocates, and leaders shaping the future of our students. Join us in Philadelphia this November. November 13–15, 2026 New location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown http://thecenterblacked.org/bmec

Let's celebrate another great week of the Center for Black Educator Development's Freedom Schools Literacy Academy. Our Servant Leader Apprentices (college-aged individuals) continue to mentor our Junior Servant Leaders (high-schoolers) as they all share literacy skills with our scholars!

Two of the Center for Black Educator Development's 2026 AI Catalyst Fellows, Dr. Craig Peppers and Charles Randolph, presented several sessions at this year's #ISTELive and #ASCDAnnual conference. Learn more about the Center's AI professional learning series: https://bit.ly/4yo0MuX #GenerationAI

Ready to move from curious to confident with AI in your classroom? The Center for Black Educator Development is hosting AI in Action: 101, TOMORROW from 4:00–6:30 PM ET Register: https://thecenterblacked-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ilog36DXQLenTPqb3OGGxg#/registration #AIinEducation #GenerationAI

BIG NEWS 📣 NYT best-selling author and educator Dr. Chris Emdin is joining us for #BMEC2026 this November! 🗓️ Nov 13–15 | Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (new location!) Register at thecenterblacked.org/bmec

Congratulations to Princess Moss, newly elected President of the National Education Association! Moss, an elementary music teacher, will lead the teachers union starting this fall: https://www.the74million.org/article/princess-moss-elected-nea-president-with-votes-from-50-of-assembly-members/

We've released our 2026 Policy Agenda: Rebuilding the Black Teacher Pipeline. Read the agenda: https://thecenterblacked.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-CBED-Policy-Agenda-1.pdf

This is your last day to submit proposals for the Center for Black Educator Development's Black Men in Education Convening. Do not wait until the last minute. Submit here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqe_K-pwsUZ_b2k75EGqgG0hyDWPWt9VXFxg8yTeiezP0O6g/viewform?usp=dialog #BMEC2026

What will actually keep teachers of color from leaving teaching? CBED Founder & CEO, Sharif El-Mekki, and CEO at City Teaching Alliance, Dr. Rahesha Amon lay it out in a new op-ed: https://districtadministration.com/opinion/key-to-retaining-more-teachers-of-color/ #WeNeedBlackTeachers

For Terry McLaurin, wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, one teacher changed everything. At a small, predominantly white Catholic high school, Mr. Bakari Posey was the only Black teacher he had, and that familiar face made all the difference. #WeNeedBlackTeachers

#Juneteenth is often told as a story about delayed news. The Center's CEO, Sharif El-Mekki, argues it's really about delayed justice, the gap between what's written into law and what's enforced in people's lives. https://phillys7thward.org/2026/06/every-land-is-galveston-and-every-day-is-juneteenth/

Happy #Juneteenth! We started celebrating early this week, gathering with the PA Educator Diversity Consortium for a night of storytelling, celebration, and community. Thanks to our speakers, Councilman Thomas, Dr. Àkànké Tyra Washington, and Thaddeaus Peay. #WeNeedBlackTeachers

The next chapter of this work is being written by young people who refuse to look away. Join us & the @centerblacked.bsky.social on 6/16 in Philadelphia to center their voices & honor Juneteenth. Register: https://bit.ly/4umy77t #Juneteenth #Philadelphia #WeWhoEndure

In a new EdWeek opinion piece, our CEO, Sharif El Mekki, explains what's really keeping Black teachers out of the classroom and what it will actually take to change it. Read it: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-we-cant-give-up-on-teacher-diversity/2026/06 #WeNeedBlackTeachers

NFL star Trevon Diggs knows exactly who helped shape him. On Black teachers: "They're very important to education, teaching the young generation to grow up and be great people, respect their elders, and just doing the right thing." #ThankABlackTeacher #WeNeedBlackTeachers

On June 16, join the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium & the Center for Black Educator Development for a powerful gathering in honor of #Juneteenth. https://www.paeddiversity.org/pedc-events/events-calendar#!event/2026/6/16/we-who-endure-8211-young-voices-courage-and-the-future-of-freedom

"If we want to be liberated, we have to be literate." The Center's Kristen Green-Hayes dropped in on WDAS FM to spread the word. Enrollment closes this Monday, June 1! It's a FREE 5-week summer program in July for rising K–2nd graders. Register: https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/families/

Future educators: don't miss this! The Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship: ✅ Up to $20K in tuition support ✅ $20K stipend in your 5th year teaching ✅ Monthly coaching + learning Apply by June 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST: https://thecenterblacked.org/future-teachers-of-excellence-fellowship/

The #BMEC2026 Call for Proposals is open and we want to hear from you. Submit by: June 26, 2026 Join us in Philly: Nov 13–15 Submit your proposal: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqe_K-pwsUZ_b2k75EGqgG0hyDWPWt9VXFxg8yTeiezP0O6g/viewform #BlackMenInEd #WeNeedBlackTeachers

We've extended registration for this summer's Freedom Schools Literacy Academy! You have until June 1st to register your young scholars to attend in Philadelphia or virtually: https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/families/

Join us online Tuesday, May 19 at 5pm ET for the Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship Info Session and learn how a $5,000 annual scholarship can support your path to the classroom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zTAvieQuSR-hXIfkpKOIkg#/registration #FutureTeachersOfExcellence

Thank you to everyone who joined us for AI in Action: An Equity Learning Lab at George Mason University’s Mason Square campus. We are grateful to every educator who showed up ready to learn, collaborate, ask questions, and imagine new possibilities for teaching and learning. #GenerationAI

This is the LAST WEEK to register for the Center's Freedom Schools Literacy Academy! We are hosting in-person programming at four different school sites across Philadelphia and virtually. Registration closes on Friday, May 15th at 11:59 p.m. EST: https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/families/

Teacher Joy Washington shares how a Black high school teacher helped her pursue a career in education. On this Black Teacher Appreciation Day, what Black teacher made a difference in your life? #ThankABlackTeacher #WeNeedBlackTeachers #BlackTeacherAppreciationDay