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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.
BLAC Gathering 2027: Sankofa
Sankofa is an invitation to reconnect, reflect, and rise together.
The BLAC Gathering 2027 invites us into a powerful season of Homecoming — a return to community, culture, purpose, and collective excellence.
Rooted in the African concept of Sankofa, a Ghanaian word and symbol meaning “to go back and retrieve what was lost,” this year’s theme challenges us to honor our past while boldly shaping our future. Sankofa reminds us that progress is strengthened when we remain connected to our history, our people, and the wisdom carried forward through generations.
2027 LOCATION: THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL - ATLANTA, GA
Sankofa is more than a reunion. It is a restoration.
It is the celebration of Black leadership, scholarship, creativity, resilience, and joy. It is a call to reconnect with the relationships, traditions, and values that continue to ground and guide us.
As we gather in February 2027, we return not only to a place — but to a shared legacy.
Together, we come home to:
Community
Culture
Excellence
Purpose
Legacy
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.
2026 Sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors of the BLAC Gathering 2026.
Their support made this gathering possible and helped bring people together in meaningful, transformative ways.
Harvard-Westlake School
Mount Vernon School
Episcopal School
Oakwood School
SoCal POCIS
Carlthorp School
POCIS Northwest
AsEA
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
Cyreeta Sharp | Carlthorp School | Santa Monica, California
2027 planning committee
2027 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
Chaundra Suddith | The Mount Vernon School | Atlanta, Georgia
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