ABOUT BMESTALK
Did you know that research has demonstrated that Black boys have more positive feelings towards school, ask questions and talk about school subjects out of class, graduate from school at higher rates, and are more likely to enroll in college when they’re influenced by Black Male Educators (BMEs)?
Federal, state and local agencies are expanding efforts to attract more Black men to the profession by investing in innovative solutions and engaging policy change, however, it is widely reported that Black Male Educators are leaving the profession due to real issues they face in schools, such as social isolation, high levels of stress, stunted professional development, and inadequate career advice.
BMEsTalk was founded to ensure that Black Male Educators have a culturally affirming professional learning community and leadership tools that inspires them to continue positively impacting the lives of all students, particularly Black boys, in schools.
MISSION
To create and curate safe, rich spaces for Black Male Educators (BMEs) to Connect, Grow and Lead.
Affinity spaces
for Black Male Educators
Culturally affirming spaces, designed to inspire Black Male Educators (BMEs) to achieve their full potential.
Twitter CHAT
Started in 2017, BMEs across US and around the globe have been meeting on #BMEsTalk to engage in our lively, thought-provoking Twitter conversations every Tuesday night. Perspectives and experiences are freely shared in this place.
Leadership Development
Started in 2019, our expertly designed and culturally affirming leadership courses and tools inspire and equip BMEs to continue positively impacting the lives of all their students, colleagues, and communities.
Happy Hour
Started in 2020, we’ve hosted monthly virtual happy hour events live on Zoom to allow BMEs to connect, share, and laugh. BMEs find restoration and rejuvenation through discussing triumphs & challenges, and sharing a healthy dose of fun.
WHY BMESTALK?
Because we are addressing the needs of
Black Male Educators
We exist solely for Black men and those looking to support them. BMEsTalk works diligently to connect Black Male Educators, leaders, and aspiring teachers across the U.S. and around the globe so they can inspire one another to continue leading proudly as Black men propelling their students towards a brighter, stronger future.
We do this by unapologetically affirming our race and lived experiences through our affinity spaces designed to engage and cultivate the WHOLE Black Man. In these spaces, we offer: Affinity, Leadership Development, and Career Pathways & Opportunities created specifically and uniquely for Black Male Educators.
Affinity
Black Male Educators represent less than 2% of teachers and thus face unique challenges being the only one in their school, district, and other institutions. We create spaces for them to explore, celebrate, sustain, and process their experiences around their identity.
Leadership
Development &
Self Care
Black Male Educators are navigating unfavorable working conditions, which lack the support needed for them to grow as professionals. We designed high quality workshops that integrate self care to grow and nurture culturally responsive and sustaining leadership skills.
Career Pathways & Opportunities
Black Male Educators take on more than their fair share of unofficial responsibilities in schools, limiting their availability to learn about and pursue the wide array of career opportunities within their schools and across the education industry. We have built a global network of Black Male Educators connecting them to their future and companies to them.
community
A space and place to
stretch your soul
Take a moment to watch this video to see J. Tristan Hall, an Assistant Principal in Philadelphia, share his experience with and gratitude for BMEsTalk and the affinity space he’s been a part of for over three years.
Become a Sponsor
Join the Mission
Do you feel compelled to be a part of the life-changing mission of BMEsTalk? Whether you’re a black male educator yourself or if you’re simply someone who recognizes their importance, we would be grateful for your support and sponsorship. Join our endeavor to equip and grow black male educators today.
Testimonials
What our educators and companies are saying
“Participating in the BMEsTalk Leadership Lab reaffirmed the fact that I was destined to be an educator and, most importantly, the unique power that I possess as a Black male educator.. “
~Kwame M., Classroom Teacher, Ethiopia
“As Principal, I have to give and pour into everyone in a school of 1000+ kids and 200 adults, but no one pours into me professionally. Thank you for this.. “
~ Curtis L., Principal, Florida“You guys have hosted an experience that has helped to re-ignite the drive that I believed myself to have lost during the pandemic. I came into this with a lot of questions about my role and this experience has helped me realize so much. This training has taught me so much about my profession and taking care of myself. “
~Devion L, Classroom Teacher, Georgia“Thank you gentlemen so much for the intentionality you put into planning this [4-day PD]. It has flowed like no other PD I have ever been a part of. I was excited every morning to come back and fellowship and learn with these men. Thank you so much for the work you put in to make this experience great!! "
~Sterling S, High School Teacher, Georgia