Black SEL Matters

✨ Thank you to NC Biotech Center, our Career Fair Collaborative Partner ✨

Your commitment to exposing students to career pathways expands what feels possible for our scholars.

We appreciate your continued collaboration.

✨ Thank you to our ReSELient™ Partner, United Way of the Greater Triangle ✨

Your continued leadership in advancing community resilience makes this work possible.

We are proud to build alongside you.

Meet Your Facilitator: Naomi François

Naomi François is a lifelong learner and educator committed to promoting social and cultural literacy in every space she serves. From New York City to classrooms in Georgia and New Jersey, she has dedicated her career to teaching, growth, and meaningful community engagement.

She brings thoughtfulness, depth, and a love of culture into her work with students.

Fun Facts:
📚 Her Kindle is filled with historical fiction by authors of color
🎶 She enjoys singing and dancing in her free time

✨ Thank you to our Community Advocate Partner, Black Teacher Project ✨

Black Teacher Project continues to champion educator/facilitator development and culturally grounded learning experiences that directly impact our youth.

We are grateful for your partnership and shared commitment to strengthening the ecosystem around Black students.

✨ The countdown begins to the 2026 Black SEL Summer Institute ✨

Meet Your TA: Ava Thompson

Ava is a 15-year-old homeschool rising 10th grader passionate about music, writing, and unapologetic self-expression. Black SEL aligns with her belief in telling your story freely and fully.

This summer, she’s excited to step into leadership and help students show up as their authentic selves.

Fun Facts:
🎵 She expresses herself through music and writing
💛 She values spaces where she can be fully herself

Want to be part of this movement?
Become a Student Advocate at blacksel.org/advocate or visit the link in our bio.

Your life is not meant to be only deadlines, pressure, and survival.

Make room for laughter, creativity, and moments that make you feel alive.

💛🎉 Happy Birthday, Tanesha! 🎉💛

From strategy to ex*****on, Tanesha ensures the vision moves with excellence.

As our Chief of Staff, ReSELience™, she strengthens the structure behind the mission and leads with integrity and purpose.

We celebrate her leadership and the consistency she brings to this work every day.

Show her some love below 💛✨

Community Night is where families, partners, and local organizations come together.

On Thursday, June 18 | 6–8 PM, we are welcoming the community and 200+ families for an evening of connection, celebration, and resource sharing during the 2026 Black SEL Summer Institute.

We are currently inviting:
• Mental health providers
• Small businesses
• Community-based programs and organizations

This is an opportunity to connect directly with families, share your services, and strengthen the ecosystem surrounding Black youth in Durham.

Vendor fee: $50 donation
Registration deadline: May 30

Apply using the link in our bio.

Wellness is not an afterthought. It is foundational.

During the 2026 Black SEL Summer Institute, Mental Health Day is dedicated to helping students build emotional awareness, coping strategies, and tools for long-term resilience.

Licensed mental health professionals will engage directly with youth through skill-building sessions and mindfulness-based activities designed to normalize care and strengthen self-understanding.

With approximately 200 students expected, this is an opportunity to support young people in a meaningful, proactive way.

If you are a licensed mental health professional interested in participating, registration closes May 30.

Details are available through the link in our bio.

💛🎉 Happy Birthday, Kristen! 🎉💛

From vision to movement, Kristen’s leadership has shaped what Black SEL is today.

As our Founder & Chief ReSELient™ Architect, she builds spaces where Black identity, joy, and power are centered with intention.

We celebrate her courage to create, her clarity of purpose, and the legacy she continues to build.

Show her some love below 💛✨