About InDepth

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The State of Black Educators Symposium (SBE) has been a transformative force in the educational community since its inception in 2020. Conceived as a platform to address the unique challenges faced by Black educators, SBE quickly became a cornerstone for fostering meaningful conversations, professional development, and community building. Over the past five years, SBE has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of its participants, culminating in the creation of SBE InDepth – a new era of immersive, hands-on professional learning. 

In 2020, BME-STL (Black Males in Education St. Louis) launched the first State of Black Educators Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri. The goal was to create a space for educators, administrators, and community leaders to discuss issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. The inaugural event, held on February 7, 2020, was a resounding success, attracting nearly 1,500 registrants eager to engage with Black and non-Black superintendents, area leaders, and educators. The symposium's purpose was clear: to foster meaningful conversations and connections centered around supporting Black educators and promoting educational equity. 

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 presented unprecedented challenges. In response, SBE adapted by shifting to a virtual format for its second annual event. SBE21, held on February 4, 2021, expanded its reach globally, with nearly 1,900 registrants participating from around the world. The two-day virtual event focused on practical solutions to address inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-bias, and anti-racism within schools and organizations. Featuring renowned educators like Dr. Christopher Emdin, Dr. Bettina Love, and Principal Kafele, SBE21 maintained its commitment to impactful conversations despite the shift to an online platform. 

As the world continued to navigate the pandemic, SBE22 faced the challenge of transitioning back to in-person gatherings. Originally planned as an in-person event, SBE22 had to pivot to a virtual format shortly before its February 3, 2022 date due to a coronavirus variant. Despite this last-minute change, the symposium attracted nearly 900 registrants. Esteemed educators such as Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, and Dr. Dennis Carpenter led discussions, ensuring the event's continued relevance and impact. 

In 2023, SBE returned to its in-person roots with SBE23, held on February 3, 2023. For the first time, an admission fee was introduced to offset the cost of bringing top speakers to St. Louis. This change did not deter attendees, as nearly 1,000 people registered to hear from luminaries such as Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Dr. Christopher Emdin, Erin Jones, Dr. Bettina Love, Dr. Howard E. Fields III, Dr. Darryl Diggs, and Dr. Karen Hall. The return to in-person engagement re-energized the community and reinforced the symposium's mission. 

The evolution of SBE continued in 2024 with the introduction of a full day of professional learning at SBE24. Held on February 23, 2024, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, the event featured a full day of immersive, hands-on learning from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by an evening of networking and the traditional symposium format. Keynote speakers Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, and Dr. Venus Evans-Winters, a renowned scholar and advocate for educational equity, headlined the event.

The professional learning component of SBE24 was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, selling out well in advance. This response highlighted the growing desire among attendees for deeper engagement and practical applications of the topics discussed. The success of the professional learning sessions led to a second sold-out event in the summer of 2024, further cementing SBE's role as a vital resource for educators seeking to drive meaningful change.

Recognizing the evolving needs of its audience and the tremendous success of the professional learning sessions, the SBE Planning Committee decided it was time to embark on a new journey. Thus, SBE InDepth was born. This new format focuses exclusively on immersive, hands-on professional learning experiences designed to equip educators with practical tools and strategies they can immediately apply in their work.

InDepth aims to build on the legacy of the original symposium while providing a more robust and actionable approach to professional learning. The event will feature interactive workshops, collaborative sessions, and focused discussions that delve into critical issues affecting Black students, staff, and school communities. By maintaining a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, SBE InDepth seeks to continue empowering Black educators and fostering educational equity.