If there’s one name that stands at the forefront of educational justice for Black children in America, it’s Geoffrey Canada. A visionary leader, a relentless advocate, and a change-maker, Canada has spent his life proving that when we invest in Black children and their communities with intentionality, innovation, and urgency, they don’t just succeed—they thrive.

This year, the State of Black Learning Conference is proud to welcome Geoffrey Canada as our 2024 keynote speaker. His presence on our stage is not just an honor—it’s a call to action. Because at SBL, we don’t gather for comfortable conversations; we come together to challenge systems, empower Black educators, and demand better for our students. And there is no one more fitting to lead this charge than Geoffrey Canada.

A Leader Who Has Transformed Black Education

For decades, Geoffrey Canada has redefined what education looks like for Black children. As the architect of the Harlem Children’s Zone, he built a model that proves what happens when you invest in students holistically—not just in the classroom, but in their homes, neighborhoods, and futures. His work has shattered the myth that poverty dictates potential, creating real, measurable change that has influenced education reform across the country.

The Harlem Children’s Zone serves more than 13,000 low-income students and families in Central Harlem, and its success has attracted global recognition. Canada’s pioneering efforts inspired President Barack Obama to launch the Promise Neighborhoods Initiative, replicating the model in communities nationwide.

A Mission That Aligns with SBL

At SBL, we know that Black educators are not just teachers—they are liberators. The work we do extends far beyond curriculum; it’s about dismantling barriers and creating pathways for our students to thrive. Geoffrey Canada has dedicated his life to this same mission. His message is not just about what’s broken in our education system—it’s about what we can do, right now, to fix it. He understands that the fight for Black children isn’t just policy work—it’s soul work.

Beyond his groundbreaking work with the Harlem Children’s Zone, Canada founded The William Julius Wilson Institute in 2020, a national platform designed to help communities impacted by poverty develop place-based solutions for systemic change. His current initiative focuses on narrowing the racial wealth gap and building economic mobility in the Black community—because education is just one piece of the puzzle in the fight for true equity.

An Unmatched Ability to Inspire and Mobilize

Geoffrey Canada doesn’t just speak—he moves people to action. His words don’t just resonate; they ignite a sense of urgency. And at a time when Black educators, policymakers, and leaders need to be reminded of their power, there is no one better to light that fire.

As we gather at SBL 2024 to push for real, systemic change, we need a keynote speaker who speaks our language, understands our fight, and has the receipts to prove that change is possible. That speaker is Geoffrey Canada.

Join us at the 2024 State of Black Learning Conference as we welcome Geoffrey Canada to the stage.  Be there for the inspiration. Stay for the action. Because the time for change is now