Embedded Files
UBUNTU:
i am
because you are.
UBUNTU:
i am
because you are.
Intersectionality and the Black Diaspora in Independent Schools
Intersectionality and the Black Diaspora in Independent Schools
The Black Affinity Collective exists to cultivate community among Black professionals in independent schools, affirming the importance of our work and our presence. Our mission is to support the retention and thriving of Black faculty and staff by creating a safe and supportive space to share experiences, uplift one another, and leverage our collective wisdom through mentoring, sponsorship, and coaching. We center Black agency, Black empowerment, and Black joy—recognizing these as essential to our individual and collective flourishing.
WHAT IS THE BLAC GATHERING?
A dedicated shared space for Black employees in independent schools to engage in fellowship and collaborative learning. Our goal is to foster an inclusive community that supports the retention and advancement of Black professionals in independent schools.
THEME
This year's theme, Ubuntu: I Am Because You Are, aims to unite and ignite the various Black identities in independent schools.
2026 LOCATION
The Mount Vernon School
510 Mount Vernon Highway
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
CONNECT
CONNECT
"When 'I' is replaced with 'we' even illness becomes wellness."
-Malcolm X
The heart of BLAC is connecting, fellowshipping, and building lasting relationships with fellow Black educators. We invite you to join us in meaningful dialogues, shared experiences, and create powerful relationships that extend beyond your individual school.
ENGAGE
ENGAGE
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
-James Baldwin
Through panels, workshops, and keynote speakers, you'll explore new perspectives, gain fresh insights, and develop strategies for becoming more engaged in the institutional change efforts within your school.
REFLECT
REFLECT
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare."
-Audre Lorde
Through guided reflection, you'll learn specific strategies for practicing "radical self-care" as defined by Audre Lorde. You'll also set actionable goals for your professional journey and learn how to incorporate these practices into your daily life.
founding committee
founding committee
Janine Jones | Harvard-Westlake School | Los Angeles, California
Stacey Lee | The Mount Vernon School | Atlanta, Georgia
Deairra Hobson | Resurgence Hall | Atlanta, Georgia
Sharon Williams | University of Chicago Lab Schools | Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie Tucker | Dwight Englewood School | Englewood, New Jersey
Donnie Smith | Putney School | Putney, Vermont
2026 planning committee
2026 planning committee
Janine Jones | Harvard-Westlake School | Los Angeles, California
Stacey Lee | The Mount Vernon School | Atlanta, Georgia
Deairra Hobson | Resurgence Hall | Atlanta, Georgia
Sharon Williams | University of Chicago Lab Schools | Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie Tucker | Dwight Englewood School | Englewood, New Jersey
Donnie Smith | Putney School | Putney, Vermont
Warren Quirett | Episcopal High School | Alexandria, Virginia
Cyreeta Sharp | Carlthorp School | Santa Monica, California
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