The graphic promotes the 2025 LRSD Black Male Educator Summit. It features a photo of Joe Gray from LR Central High School wearing glasses and a red LRSD hoodie. His quote reads: "I have always liked the study of History. Many of the people I admire are in education and I became interested in education because of those people." The event details are at the bottom: March 14-15, 2025, at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, 9417 Geyer Springs Rd. The website link is www.LRSD.org/BMES2025. The summit logo is displayed in the top left corner.
The graphic promotes the 2025 LRSD Black Male Educator Summit. It features a photo of Ken Milton from Dunbar Magnet Middle School, wearing glasses and a red LRSD hoodie. His quote reads: "I teach because I have a great passion for children, as well as to share my purpose as an artist with them and our community." Event details are at the bottom: March 14-15, 2025, at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, 9417 Geyer Springs Rd. The website link is www.LRSD.org/BMES2025. The summit logo is displayed in the top left corner.
The graphic promotes the 2025 LRSD Black Male Educator Summit. It features a photo of Marquis Cooper from Carver STEAM Magnet Elementary School, smiling and wearing glasses and a red sweater. His quote reads: "The most influential male teacher in my life was my high school principal, Mr. James McCoy. He was the first Black male educator to recognize and nurture my leadership potential. In 9th grade, he gave me the opportunity to present solutions to the entire student body, a moment that earned me the respect of my peers—a respect that has carried through my 25-year teaching career." Event details are at the bottom: March 14-15, 2025, at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, 9417 Geyer Springs Rd. The website link is www.LRSD.org/BMES2025. The summit logo is displayed in the top left corner.
The graphic promotes the 2025 LRSD Black Male Educator Summit. It features a photo of Deandre Smith from LR Southwest High School, smiling and wearing a red hoodie that says "real men teach." His quote reads: "I became a teacher to make a difference in students' lives like my teachers from Marvell School District (now Marvell-Elaine) did for me. My teachers made teaching look fun and inspired me to become a teacher as well. I am glad I did!" Event details are at the bottom: March 14-15, 2025, at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, 9417 Geyer Springs Rd. The website link is www.LRSD.org/BMES2025. The summit logo is displayed in the top left corner.
Black Male Educator Summit Info: https://5il.co/35g8u

Click here to access actual PDF of above registration info: https://5il.co/35g8u

Following a successful inaugural event in 2024, which saw educators, college students, and community members come together, the Little Rock School District will host its Second Annual Black Male Educator Summit from March 14-15, 2025. The sessions, panel discussions, and keynote address will be held at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, 9417 Geyer Springs Road. 

The poignant summit theme will continue: Shop Talk: Building Community Through Cutting-Edge Conversations. We want to emphasize that participation in the summit is not limited to a specific group but is open to all who wish to attend. This inclusivity is a key part of our mission to ignite a movement in the Little Rock School District (LRSD) and the central Arkansas region that will ultimately improve outcomes for black male educators and students.  

Additionally, the target audience extends beyond educators in the LRSD. We welcome educators from neighboring districts, college students at local and regional higher education institutions (especially those majoring in education or a related field), and community members with a vested interest in pre-K-12 education. 

In anticipation of this year’s event, a planning team met over the summer hosting an engaging PD session with BM educators in LRSD.  Their efforts laid the foundation for a year of conversation and action.  Their efforts laid the foundation for a year of conversation and action.  The administration looks forward to sharing and building on those actionable steps, and we invite you to be part of this collaborative effort to have a tangible impact on the future of education. 

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025

  • 5:00 PM: Black Male Educator Shop Talk Conversation

    • Location: Grant Stillman Ballroom, Ron Robinson Center

    • Address: 426 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR

  • 6:00 PM: Black Male Educator Summit Kick-Off Reception

    • Open to all, free food and beverages

    • Location: Grant Stillman Ballroom, Ron Robinson Center

    • Address: 426 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025

  • 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM: 2025 Black Male Educator Summit

    • Free and open to all

    • LRSD Educators may receive Professional Development Hours

    • Location: Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy

    • Address: 9417 Geyer Springs Road, Little Rock, AR

Session Titles

Tendaji - A Cultural Connection with Diverse Students

Shop Talk Session - Members of the LRSD BMEI Leadership team

Ryan Davis (UALR) - What Representation Means and/or Social Emotional Wellness theme

Curriculum and Associates - Outcomes for All

Marquis Cooper - The Four R’s of Manhood- Rescue, Restore, Rebuild, Release

Ayodele Harrison - You Ain’t Stuck: Motivating Black Men today for greater impact tomorrow

 

The Presenting Sponsor for BMES 2025 is Curriculum Associates. 

Mark your calendars for March 14-15, 2025, and plan to attend.  Registration is now open - click here!