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
Catalyst | Incubator* | Leadership Lab | |
---|---|---|---|
Start Date | July 11, 2023 | July 11, 2023 | Sept. 29, 2023 |
Format | In-person | In-person & Live Online | Live Online |
Duration | 4 consecutive days | 10 months | 4 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.
Become a BMEsTalk Sponsor
There are multiple opportunities to sponsor BMEsTalk. Individuals or organizations may sponsor in the following ways:
- Sponsorship Packages
- In-Kind Donations –
- Venues, Catering, Printing, Facilitation, Materials, Awards, etc.
Click the button below to download the BMEsTalk Sponsorship Packet. For more information, contact Kysha Cameron, Director of Business Development at kysha@communitybuildventures.com