SBL 25 Keep Dream'n
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Month: July 2025

Categories
Events

2025 Black Excellence in Education Awards Gala

July 2025

Honoring Black Leaders Who Inspire, Educate, and Transform

Celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black educators, leaders, and changemakers at the 2025 Black Excellence in Education Awards Gala. This inspiring event takes place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the elegant Sheraton Hotel in Pittsburgh’s Station Square.

Hosted by the State of Black Learning Conference, the gala shines a spotlight on the individuals who are transforming education, advocating for equity, and empowering Black communities through learning.

Event Details

  • What: 2025 Black Excellence in Education Awards Gala

  • When: August 8, 2025

    • 6:00 PM – Reception

    • 7:00 PM – Dinner & Awards Program

  • Where: The Sheraton Hotel, 300 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

  • Tickets: Get Tickets Here

A Night to Celebrate Black Educational Excellence

The Black Excellence in Education Awards Gala is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of legacy, leadership, and the transformative power of education. From seasoned professionals to rising stars, this event honors those who are breaking barriers, closing equity gaps, and making lasting impacts in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Held in one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic venues, the gala includes a sophisticated reception, a gourmet dinner, and a memorable awards program recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of Black education.

Why You Should Attend

  • Celebrate Black Excellence: Witness the recognition of exceptional Black educators and leaders who exemplify dedication, innovation, and resilience in education.

  • Elevate Your Network: Connect with changemakers, administrators, policymakers, and education advocates from across the region and beyond.

  • Enjoy an Elegant Evening: Experience a professionally curated evening of dining, inspiration, and entertainment in a beautiful setting overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline.

  • Be Part of the Movement: This event is a central highlight of the State of Black Learning Conference, uniting a powerful community committed to equity and excellence in education.

Venue: The Sheraton Hotel – Station Square, Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of Station Square, The Sheraton Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for the 2025 Awards Gala. With its scenic river views, elegant ballrooms, and central location, this venue provides the perfect environment for an evening of celebration and community.

Secure Your Seat Today

Tickets are available now and are expected to sell quickly. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of an unforgettable night that uplifts and honors Black brilliance in education.

👉 Click here to purchase your tickets

Join us at the 2025 Black Excellence in Education Awards Gala—where inspiration meets recognition, and excellence takes center stage. Let’s celebrate those who are shaping a brighter, more equitable future through education.

Categories
Events

Opening Reception & “Kickback” Networking Social

July 2025

A Night to Connect, Unwind, and Celebrate Black Learning

The State of Black Learning Conference invites all registered attendees to the exclusive Opening Reception and “Kickback” Meet and Greet/Networking Social, proudly sponsored by Dollar Bank and The Wilson Group. Join us on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 6 PM at The Glasshouse Pittsburgh, for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and community.

This private event is the official kickoff to the conference, featuring relaxed networking, engaging conversations, and complimentary professional headshots provided by Lifetouch. It’s where professional growth meets social vibes.

Event Details

  • What: Opening Reception & “Kickback” Meet and Greet / Networking Social

  • When: August 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM

  • Where: The Glasshouse Pittsburgh
    180 E Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

  • Who: Exclusively for State of Black Learning Conference attendees

  • Special Feature: Complimentary headshots by Lifetouch

Connect with Purpose at the SBL “Kickback”

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning participant, the Opening Reception and Kickback is your chance to build relationships before the full conference experience begins. Set in the stunning and contemporary Glasshouse Pittsburgh, this event brings together educators, leaders, and changemakers in a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere designed to inspire connection and collaboration.

Enjoy an evening of light refreshments, music, and great conversation—all while getting your professional headshot updated for free by Lifetouch photographers.

Why You Should Attend

  • Exclusive Networking: Engage with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and education professionals in an informal, welcoming environment.

  • Professional Development Perk: Get a complimentary headshot to refresh your professional brand and enhance your digital presence.

  • Support Black Learning: Join a community committed to uplifting and advancing Black learners and educators across the country.

  • Kickstart the Conference: Start your conference experience strong by building valuable connections from day one.

  • Incredible Venue: The Glasshouse Pittsburgh offers floor-to-ceiling riverfront views and a stylish space that sets the tone for an amazing conference.

Sponsored by Leaders Who Support Community Empowerment

This year’s Opening Reception is made possible by our generous sponsors:

  • Dollar Bank – Proud supporters of financial empowerment and community development.

  • The Wilson Group – Advocates for real estate access, equity, and economic mobility.

Their support helps us create intentional spaces that celebrate Black excellence, learning, and leadership.

This Opening Reception and Kickback is more than a social—it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and Black brilliance. Don’t miss this opportunity to relax, recharge, and build meaningful relationships as we kick off the 2025 State of Black Learning Conference.

See you at The Glasshouse on August 7 at 6PM!

Categories
Events

Dinner & Discussion with Monique Couvson & Joyce Abbott

Dinner & Discussion Featuring Joyce Abbott and Monique Coulson
Dinner & Discussion Featuring Joyce Abbott and Monique Coulson

An Evening of Powerful Conversation and Connection

Join us on August 6, 2025, for a transformative evening as the State of Black Learning Conference presents Dinner & Discussion: A Conversation Between Monique Couvson and Joyce Abbott. This special event will take place at the Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square, bringing together two influential voices in education for a dynamic and inspiring dialogue.

Event Details

  • What: Dinner & Discussion: A Conversation Between Monique Couvson and Joyce Abbott
  • When: August 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM
  • Where: Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square
  • Tickets: Register here

About the Event

Dinner & Discussion is a signature evening event of the State of Black Learning Conference, designed to create space for honest, thought-provoking conversations that explore the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Black educators and advocates. This year, we are honored to host Monique Couvson, acclaimed author and social justice scholar, in conversation with Joyce Abbott, retired educator and the real-life inspiration for the hit ABC series Abbott Elementary.

This event invites attendees to dine, listen, and reflect as these two powerhouse women explore critical issues facing Black students, educators, and communities. It’s more than a dinner—it’s a chance to be part of a movement.

Why Attend?

  • Inspiring Conversation: Gain insight from two iconic voices in education as they share stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy.
  • Exclusive Experience: This intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to engage with education leaders in a meaningful and relaxed environment.
  • Network with Purpose: Connect with fellow educators, thought leaders, and conference attendees who are passionate about advancing equity in education.
  • Elegant Venue: Enjoy a gourmet dinner at the centrally located Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Pittsburgh’s cityscape.

About the Speakers

Monique Couvson (formerly Monique W. Morris) is a bestselling author, advocate, and founder of the National Black Women’s Justice Institute. Her groundbreaking work, including Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, has shaped national conversations about race, gender, and education justice.

Joyce Abbott is a retired Philadelphia educator whose dedication to teaching and community inspired the award-winning sitcom Abbott Elementary. Her real-life experiences bring authenticity, humor, and deep insight to the table.

Secure Your Seat

This is a must-attend event for educators, advocates, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of Black learning. Space is limited, and tickets are expected to sell quickly.

👉 Click here to register now

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of Dinner & Discussion at the State of Black Learning Conference—where stories shape solutions, and community creates change.

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SBL 25 Keep Dream'n

This is a program of the
Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh

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