SALON SERIES
The BTC Salon Series, returning for its 2025–2026 season, will feature a powerful collection of virtual conversations exploring the intersection of Black Education, Social Justice, and Education Innovation.
Led by BTC’s CEO, Hiewet Senghor, the series is designed as a modern salon—a safe, Black-curated space modeled after historic Negritude salons, such as those led by Paulette Nardal, where Black intellectuals, artists, and activists gathered to exchange ideas, debate, and celebrate cultural vitality.
UPCOMING SALONS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
From Pedagogy to Methodology:The Journey Towards our Boldest Dreams for Black Children’s Education
In this opening salon of the season, we explore what it means to move from pedagogy to methodology in the pursuit of deeper impact for Black children. Featuring Dr. Aaliyah El-Amin and Dr. Ashley Gilchrist, the conversation will unpack how research, identity, and practice converge to create learning environments rooted in Black brilliance and joy. Together, we’ll imagine bold futures where Black educators are not just practitioners—but methodologists shaping the future of education.
OCTOBER 23, 2025
The Power of Identity:Building Classrooms Where Black Children Thrive
Racial identity isn’t an add-on—it’s instructional power. This session brings together educators and thought leaders to explore how affirming identity transforms classroom culture, deepens learning, and supports the social-emotional wellness of Black students. Join us as we examine the practices and policies that cultivate belonging, brilliance, and joy in Black learners.
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Beyond the Classroom: Building Ecosystems that Sustain Black Educators
The fight for Black educator sustainability doesn’t stop at recruitment—it demands a whole ecosystem. In this salon, we explore what it takes to not only retain Black educators, but to nurture them as community leaders, cultural experts, and movement builders. Featuring leaders from Surge, the Black Principal Network, and beyond, this conversation will highlight the structures, relationships, and resources that make thriving possible.
JANUARY 15, 2026
Southern Roots, National Impact: Strengthening Black Teacher Development in the South
The South is home to a rich Black teaching tradition—and the next wave of innovation in educator development. This session centers Southern-led models that are shifting the narrative on teacher preparation, certification, and culturally grounded pedagogy. Join education leaders from across the region as we explore how the South is shaping the future of Black education nationwide.
FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Voices Unbound: Black Literacy and the Freedom to Imagine
What if Black literacy was seen not just as a skill, but as a catalyst for confidence, creativity, and self-determination? This salon, held during National Black Literacy Week, celebrates the power of words, imagination, and narrative in shaping Black futures. From early reading to culturally responsive texts, we’ll spotlight educators, organizations, and youth who are redefining literacy on their own terms.
MARCH 19, 2026
Solving for Self: Why Black Math Identity Matters
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about narrative. This conversation explores how affirming Black math identity can unlock creativity, confidence, and academic excellence. Join educators, curriculum designers, and young people as we unpack how culturally responsive STEM practices are reshaping what it means to be a Black math learner—and a Black math thinker.
APRIL 16, 2026
Philanthropy, Equity and Power: What It Means to Truly Fund Black Education Institutions
Equity in education funding goes beyond diversity pledges—it requires redistributing power. This timely conversation will surface hard truths about how philanthropy often falls short in resourcing Black-led organizations, and what it will take to change that. Join Hiewet Senghor, Liz Thompson, and other changemakers as we reimagine a philanthropic landscape that fully honors Black leadership and innovation.
MAY 21, 2026
Teaching in the Age of AI and Anti-Blackness: How Black Educators Are Adapting
In an era shaped by artificial intelligence and increasing political attacks on racial justice, Black educators are innovating to protect—and uplift—our children. On the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, this salon explores how technology, policy, and pedagogy intersect in the modern classroom, and how Black teachers are navigating this new terrain with purpose, resistance, and imagination.
PREVIOUS SALONS
JANUARY 2025
Teaching Amid a Test for Democracy
We’re highlighting the vital role of civic education in empowering K-12 students to actively participate in democracy, drawing lessons from Fulfilling the Promise: African American Educators Teach for Democracy in Jim Crow’s South and A Democratic Vision for Public Schools.
FEBRUARY 2025
Sankofa: Shaping the Future of Black Education by Honoring and Innovating on the Legacy of Independent Black Schools
We’re explore the legacy of Black Independent Schools and discuss how their innovative practices can transform K–12 public schools into nurturing environments that celebrate the unique Genius, Wonder, Power, and Beauty of Black children.
APRIL 2025
The Path Towards a New Methodology: Our Boldest Ambitions for Black Children’s Educational Experiences
This visionary framework reimagines educational practices to center the genius, wonder, power, and beauty of Black children, paving the way for transformative learning experiences that honor their identities and unlock their fullest potential.
MAY 2025
We Believe! Black Teachers Celebrating Their Unique Role in Cultivating the Genius, Wonder, Power, & Beauty of Black Children
A powerful tribute to Black educators, this work amplifies their essential role in shaping affirming, liberatory spaces where Black children’s humanity and brilliance are nurtured, celebrated, and realized.
MORE ABOUT THE SALON SERIES
Asset-Based Pedagogy
Shifting the focus from deficits to the inherent
strengths, potential, and cultural wealth of
Black students.
Independent Black Schools & Origins
Exploring the history and untapped potential of
independent Black educational spaces that
empower students and educators outside of
flawed, externally imposed standards.
Independent Black Schools & Origins
Engaging in dialogue about how storytelling,
debate, and artistic expression can shape a
transformative Black education ethic rooted in
radical imagination, self-determination, and
cultural pride.