SBE Symposium (2020 - 2024)

Large-Scale Event

The State of Black Educators Symposium has historically been a large-scale event, attracting over 5,000 participants in 5 years. This broad engagement was designed to create a significant impact, bringing together a wide array of educators, administrators, and thought leaders to discuss pressing issues in education, particularly those affecting Black educators and students. The large-scale nature of the event provided ample networking opportunities and a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers have been a hallmark of the SBE Symposium, featuring renowned educators and thought leaders such as Dr. Christopher Emdin, Dr. Bettina Love, and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. These speakers delivered inspirational and motivational addresses, setting the tone for the symposium and providing attendees with valuable insights and inspiration to take back to their own educational settings.

Evening Schedule

Traditionally, the SBE Symposium events were held in the evenings, typically from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. This scheduling was designed to accommodate the busy schedules of educators and allow them to participate without conflicting with their daytime responsibilities. Evening sessions included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Wide Range of Topics

The symposium covered a wide range of topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-bias, and anti-racism within schools and organizations. The broad scope of topics ensured that there was something of interest for every participant, whether they were teachers, administrators, or support staff, and aimed to address various interests and needs within the educational community.

Theoretical Discussion

While the SBE Symposium provided a platform for discussing theoretical aspects of education, such as frameworks and policies related to equity and inclusion, the emphasis was often on raising awareness and fostering understanding among attendees. These theoretical discussions laid the groundwork for further exploration and application in practical settings.

InDepth (2025 - )

Smaller, Focused Attendance

InDepth marks a shift towards a more intimate and focused event, capping attendance at a few hundred participants. This change is designed to foster deeper engagement and more meaningful interactions among attendees. By limiting the number of participants, InDepth aims to create a more personalized and impactful experience for each attendee.

Interactive Workshops with Keynote

In contrast to the traditional keynote-dominated format, InDepth emphasizes interactive workshops that provide hands-on, practical learning experiences. These workshops are designed to engage participants actively, allowing them to dive deeply into specific topics and gain practical skills. The day will still conclude with a keynote address, integrating inspiration with actionable insights.

Full-Day Schedule

InDepth features a full-day schedule from 8 AM to 5 PM, allowing for a comprehensive professional learning experience. This extended schedule provides ample time for in-depth workshops, collaborative sessions, and networking opportunities. The full-day format ensures that participants can thoroughly explore and apply the concepts discussed.

More Focused Themes

The new format will concentrate on more focused themes, specifically targeting critical issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. By honing in on these themes, InDepth aims to provide attendees with deeper, more actionable insights and strategies that can be immediately implemented in their educational practices.

Practical Application

A key element of InDepth is its emphasis on practical application. The workshops and sessions are designed to equip participants with real-world tools and strategies that they can directly apply in their classrooms and schools. This focus on practical application ensures that the learning extends beyond the event, fostering tangible improvements in educational environments.