Binola director asks Orleans Parish School Board committee to advance Black Education History Week resolution

Adrina Kelly, executive director of the nonprofit Binola, asked the Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole on July 28 to recognize a citywide New Orleans Black Education History Week from Nov. 16–20 and asked the committee to advance a resolution to the full board.

Kelly told the committee the week is intended as a historical observance — not a district program or a funding mandate — and said programming would be opt-in for schools. "It does not ask you to fund it. It does not ask you to administer it," Kelly said, explaining the commemoration would be community-organized and community-funded. She described three program locations: a centralized hub curated by Binola, school-campus events for participating schools, and partner-hosted field trips and excursions.

Kelly cited Binola's track record to argue for the week's educational value. She said the organization serves about 300 educators annually who in turn reach roughly 2,000 students and that Binola has invested more than $6,000,000 in educator professional development over nine years. She said roughly 35 partner organizations were lined up to provide programming, including museums and cultural centers.

Board members voiced support during a brief question-and-comment period. Vice President Parker said he was "really glad that this is in perpetuity" and expressed confidence the district will participate; Superintendent Fatima Fulmore thanked Binola for partnering with district schools. The committee moved the resolution to the full board, where members will consider formal adoption on Thursday.

The presentation and ensuing discussion were recorded during the committee's public meeting on July 28; Kelly said the week is intended to "honor the past, the present, and the future of black education in New Orleans."