Become a

LEADER

of Leaders

Find the right leadership development program for you

The BMEsTalk Catalyst is a four-day in-person, experiential and inspirational leadership development workshop. Taking place in Atlanta, GA, over the summer, you will join a diverse cohort of leaders like you. Black men advancing in their careers, possessing a wealth of expertise, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences.

The BMEsTalk Incubator is a 10-month facilitative leadership certification program. Join the Incubator to build connections that last a lifetime; land your dream job; increase your annual income. Our Incubator is a thoughtfully curated leader and leadership development journey that will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and personalized community of support you need to transform the way you lead leaders.

The BMEsTalk Leadership Lab is a series of four (4) virtual affinity group convenings curated for and by Black Male Educators. Each convening is experiential, offering you the space to be heard, feel energized, and inspire other men that look like you.

BMEsTalk CATALYST

Build Skills for Changing the World

Start Date

July 11, 2023

Format

In-Person

Duration

4 consecutive Days

Investment

$1,995 plus tax and fees

About Program

July 11-14, 2023 | Atlanta, GA

The BMEsTalk Catalyst is a four-day in-person, experiential and inspirational leadership development workshop. Taking place in Atlanta, GA, over the summer, you will join a diverse cohort of leaders like you. Black men advancing in their careers, possessing a wealth of expertise, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences.

Upon completion of the Catalyst, you can rest assured that you’ll leave connected to a strong network of Black Male Educators, know how to protect your mental energy, and possess a greater capacity to lead change in your classroom, school, and community.

What You’ll Learn

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Conflict Mitigation
Strategies

Principles of Adult
Learning Theory

Topics Covered

  • Black men, wellness, and affinity
  • Personal storytelling, identity, and freedom in authenticity
  • Protocols: equity of voice in group settings
  • Emotional intelligence and chronic stress
  • Power and privilege in the Black community
  • Conflict mitigation in the workplace
  • Collaborative leadership and collective intelligence

 

Selfishly invest in yourself this summer, rediscover your “why,” embrace your dynamic energy and channel it to enhance your leadership skills. Let’s kick off the coming school year together with more energy than ever before.

Daily Workshop Themes

  • July 11, 2023 – “Claiming Our Stories”
  • July 12, 2023 – “Navigating Workplace Dynamics”
  • July 13, 2023 – “Seeking Wise Counsel”
  • July 14, 2023 – “Visioning for the Future”

Each day will start at 9 am and end at 4 pm.

“I’ve been teaching for 20 years. And every year, I try to find something that will improve me. And this is it.”

Michael, Arkansas

Registration

What You’ll Get

  • BMEsTalk Catalyst Resource Binder and Toolkit
  • BMEsTalk Custom Journal and Pen
  • BMEsTalk Swag – t-shirt, water bottle and more.
  • Complimentary breakfast and lunch each day
  • Exclusive access to the BMEsTalk Social Hour
  • BMEsTalk Certificate of Completion

Program Registration Fee

  • $1,995 USD plus taxes & fees

Convince Your Boss

We know budgets are tight and justifying the cost of your professional development is an important part of getting the approval you need so you can join us. We want to help!

We’ve drafted a template letter to help you build a better business case for attending BMEsTalk Leadership Development Opportunity.

BMEsTalk INCUBATOR

Become a LEADER of Leaders

Start Date

July 11, 2023

Format

In-Person and Live Online

Duration

10-months

Investment

$4,995 plus tax and fees

About Program

July 11, 2023 thru May 19, 2024 | Atlanta, GA and Live Online

The BMEsTalk Incubator is a 10-month facilitative leadership certification program. Join the Incubator to build connections that last a lifetime; land your dream job; increase your annual income. Our Incubator is a thoughtfully curated leader and leadership development journey that will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and personalized community of support you need to transform the way you lead leaders.

Develop Your Skills to Lead

  • Equity-centered professional learning workshops
  • Black Male Educator affinity groups
  • Small professional learning communities
  • Teacher support/wellness programs

 

Our Incubator combines both in-person training retreats (over the summer) and online small group coaching sessions (across the school year) to help you make a direct connection between learning and its application in your professional practice. Building upon the knowledge and experiences gained from the Catalyst (a prerequisite), our Incubator will help you evolve on a personal and professional level to become the type of leader education needs.

What You’ll Learn

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Conflict Mitigation Strategies

Principles of Adult Learning Theory

Psychologically Safe Learning Environments

Racial Equity-Centered Facilitation

Topics Covered

  • Racism, power, and privilege in America
  • Conflict mitigation in the workplace
  • Collaborative leadership and collective intelligence
  • Principles of adult learning theory and psychologically safe learning environments
  • White dominant culture in the workplace
  • Racial equity-centered facilitation
  • Equitable professional learning communities

If you are ready to explore fresh ways of thinking, discover exciting new directions, and lead within a global network of Black Male Educators, this is the certification program for you.

Program Schedule

4- Day

BMEsTalk Catalyst

Location: Atlanta, GA
Date: July 11-14, 2023
TIme: 9am to 4pm EST each day
NOTE: All participants must complete the BMEsTalk Catalyst prior to the start of the Orientation Retreat.

1- Day

Orientation Retreat

Theme: Power in the Present Moment
Location: Atlanta, GA
Date: August 19, 2023
TIme: 9am to 4pm EST

8-virtual

Breakthrough Coaching Sessions

Theme: Learn, Grow and Thrive
Location: Online – synchronously live on Zoom
Date: Once a month on Saturdays | September 2023 thru April 2024
TIme: 9am to noon EST

2-Day

Closing Retreat and Awards/
Certification Dinner & Celebration

Theme: The Art of Facilitative Leadership
Location: Atlanta, GA
Date: May 18-19, 2024
Time: 9am to 8pm EST

“Thank you for letting me dream because I haven’t dreamed in a long time. And I’m ready to realize my dream and take the steps to do it.” Corey, Georgia

Registration

What You’ll Get

  • BMEsTalk Incubator Resource Binder and Toolkit
  • BMEsTalk Swag — custom lapel pin, polo-shirt, and more
  • Catered breakfast and lunch each day of the retreats
  • Complimentary seat to BMEsTalk Incubator Awards/Certification Dinner & Celebration
  • BMEsTalk Facilitative Leadership Certificate

Program Registration Fee

Catalyst + Incubator Combo Registration Fee:

  • $4,995 USD plus taxes & fees

Convince Your Boss

We know budgets are tight and justifying the cost of your professional development is an important part of getting the approval you need so you can join us. We want to help!

We’ve drafted a template letter to help you build a better business case for attending BMEsTalk Leadership Development Opportunity.

BMEsTalk LEADERSHIP LAB

Connect with a Community of Dynamic Leaders

Start Date

September 26, 2023

Format

Live Online

Duration

4 consecutive Days

Investment

$495 plus tax and fees

About Program

September 26, 2023 thru October 24, 2023 | Live Online

The BMEsTalk Leadership Lab is a series of four (4) virtual affinity group convenings curated for and by Black Male Educators. Each convening is experiential, offering you the space to be heard, feel energized, and inspire other men that look like you.

Our Leadership Lab is 100% virtual. With just the click of a link, you can connect to a virtual “room” full of dynamic Black Male Educators. Invest in your personal development as a leader while building genuine relationships with Black Male Educators from across the country and around the globe, all from the comfort of your own home.

What You’ll Learn

Self-Awareness

Active Listening

Storytelling and Communicating Effectively

Topics Covered

  • Black Men, wellness, and affinity
  • Personal storytelling, identity, and freedom in authenticity
  • Protocols: equity of voice in group settings

Daily Workshop Themes

  • September 26, 2023 – “Me, Myself, and Us”
  • October 3, 2023 – “Self-Care Matters”
  • October 17, 2023 – “My Racial Identity Journey”
  • October 24, 2023 – “Celebrating Excellence”

Each convening will be held live, synchronously on Zoom from 6pm to 8pm EST.

“I feel refreshed. I won’t hide. I know what’s inside of me. I plan to be more open and intentional.”

Danny, Texas

Registration

What You’ll Get

  • BMEsTalk Leadership Lab Digital Resource Kit
  • BMEsTalk Certificate of Completion

Program Registration Fee

Leadership Lab Registration Fee:

  • $495 USD plus taxes & fees

Convince Your Boss

We know budgets are tight and justifying the cost of your professional development is an important part of getting the approval you need so you can join us. We want to help!
We’ve drafted a template letter to help you build a better business case for attending BMEsTalk Leadership Development Opportunity.

2023 BMEsTalk Leadership Development

All 3 Leadership Development Programs at a Glance

CatalystIncubator*Leadership Lab
Start DateJuly 11, 2023July 11, 2023Sept. 29, 2023
FormatIn-personIn-person & Live OnlineLive Online
Duration4 consecutive days10 months4 consecutive days
Investment$1,995$4,995$495

Topics Covered

Black Men, Wellness and Affinity
Personal Storytelling & Identity
Protocols: Equity of Voice in Group Settings
Emotional intelligence & Chronic Stress
Conflict Mitigation in the Workplace
Power and Privilege
Principles of Adult Learning Theory
White Dominant Culture in the Workplace
Collaborative Leadership & Collective Intelligence
Racial Equity Centered Facilitation
Equitable Professional Learning Communities
BMEsTalk Facilitator Certification

Meet Our Amazing Facilitators

Ayodele Harrison – Lead Facilitator

Ayodele is a leadership development coach and racial equity practitioner. He has over 20-years of experience, teaching and leading in public, private and international schools. Ayodele is currently the Senior Partner of Education at CommunityBuild Ventures (CBV) – a pro-Black solutions focused firm committed to eliminating racial disparities by developing powerful, impactful racial equity driven leaders and organizations. Ayodele’s primary role with CBV is leading their signature initiative entitled Black Male Educators Talk (BMEsTalk). This initiative offers a suite of culturally affirming in-person and virtual affinity spaces and leadership development programs to Black Male Educators living in the US and several international cities around the globe. Ayodele seeks to inspire and equip Black Male Educators to engage transformational action that improves the lives of students.

Anthony Lobban – Lead Facilitator

Anthony is a first-generation American who brings a multicultural perspective that puts equity and inclusion at the heart of his work. He is passionate about making space for the voices of marginalized populations to be heard and respected. Anthony attended Hillsborough Community College, and has been working in education for the past eighteen years, serving children from 18 months through 8th grade. Most recently, Anthony served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coach and Associate Learning Specialist at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. Anthony successfully completed the Georgia State University CREATE Teacher Residency’s inaugural Equity Facilitation Fellowship, and regularly leads equity centered adult education. Additionally, Anthony has completed Emory University’s Cognitively Based Compassion Certified Instructor Training.

David Mitchem – Facilitator

David is a veteran educator with a passion for creating meaningful educational outcomes for black and brown students. David is a 2009 graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and is currently enrolled in graduate school at Mercer University’s Tift College of Education. He has worked in urban education for over a decade and currently serves as an elementary school teacher in Atlanta. Outside of his work in the classroom, David works with educators to help explore their identity in order to maximize their impact in schools. He fiercely believes that all children are born with unlimited potential but unfortunately have disparate access to opportunity and resources. His life’s work is committed to ensuring that barriers and systems that limit access to education for black and brown students and their families are dismantled.

Dumaka Moultrie – Facilitator

Dumaka hails from literally the edge of America, the South Carolina coast. He is a descendant of the Gullah Geechee People and grew up minutes from large rice plantations. Raised by strong black women, education has always been a mainstay in his life graduating from Catholic Parochial school, an HBCU and Ivy League university. Dumaka has been serving in urban underserved schools in Metro-Atlanta since 2005. Starting as a substitute making it all the way to principal of an elementary school. Intersectionally, Dumaka is a husband, father of four (3 boys, 1 girl), eldest son and contributing member of the community. His grandfather was an A.M.E. minister and community activist. He instilled in Dumaka integrity and a respect for the community/village. His grandfather helped him understand that we all have a responsibility to contribute what we can for the greater good of our community/village.

James Price – Facilitator

James is currently serving as the Dean of Culture and Instruction at Kestrel Heights Charter School. James is a 2017 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2022, James earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. James currently lives in Durham, North Carolina. He has worked in Title I schools his entire teaching career and dedicates his work to enhancing equitable and culturally responsive opportunities for scholars in all communities. James is a proud man of Kappa Alpha Psi. James was born and raised in Decatur, Georgia. Outside of working in education, he coachesv baseball in his community and mentors young black males in his neighboring Kappa League chapter. James finds joy in connecting with fellow educators and motivating black and brown children.

Stephen Smith – Facilitator

Stephen is an educator at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. For the past seven years, he has taught fifth grade, encouraging them to challenge euro-centric narratives and thinking, pushing them to become resisters and changemakers in the world. Stephen is passionate about education because he believes that knowledge is meant to be shared, and that education requires a deep commitment to the idea that youth have the power and potential to accomplish what their predecessors did not, furthering their goals.

In their spare time, Stephen enjoys writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Stephen currently lives in Muscogee/Creek territory (also known as Atlanta, Georgia).

Apply for a
Scholarship

Thanks to a few generous sponsors, we have a select number of scholarships available to cover registration fees only. To apply for a scholarship, click the link button below to complete the BMEsTalk Scholarship Application.