Black Leadership Academy
Black Leadership Academy will be in person this year! In light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we are requiring that all participants submit proof of full vaccination status upon registering for BLA. We will also be following the most up-to-date CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all participants and staff.
The Black Leadership Academy is an enrichment program designed for 6th-12th graders to provide a broader and more inclusive understanding of American history.
Our goals are to improve racial identity, help children and their parents discover the depth and breadth of Black history, improve academic engagement, college readiness, and community engagement.
Our theme for this year is Empowering Black Excellence One System at a Time. We will host monthly speaker sessions and service-learning projects for participants, covering topics such as: the History of Housing in Austin, the Criminal Legal System & the War on Drugs, Education, Media, the roles of Black men and Black women in America, LGBTQ+ activism, the Arts, and Mental Health. We will conclude BLA with a Black Excellence Gala, where youth can showcase what they have learned. Stay tuned for a list of speakers coming soon!
2022 Schedule
Sunday, January 23rd, 3:00-7:00 PM The History of Housing in Austin
Sunday, February 27th, 3:00-7:00 PM The Criminal Legal System & the War on Drugs
Sunday, March 27th, 3:00-7:00 PM Education
Sunday, April 24th, 3:00-7:00 PM The Media
Sunday, May 22nd, 3:00-7:00 PM The Role of Black Women in America No BLA in June!
Sunday, June NO SESSION
Sunday, July NO SESSION
Sunday, August 28th, 3:00-7:00 PM The Role of Black Men in AmericaLGBTQ+ Activism in Central Texas
Sunday, September 25th, 3:00-7:00 PM LGBTQ+ Activism in Central Texas
Sunday, October 23rd, 3:00-7:00 PM The Arts Mental Health
Sunday, November 20th, 3:00-7:00 PM Mental Health
All sessions will take place at Huston-Tillotson University (with the possible exception of the Gala, more details to come soon). Transportation to and from service-learning projects will be provided through vans rented by the Excellence and Advancement Foundation. Vans will be driven by Excellence and Advancement Foundation staff.
Registration for BLA will close on Sunday, January 16th at 11:59 PM.
Cost and Payment
The full year of Black Leadership Academy will cost $350 per participant. Upon registering, there will be an option to submit a monthly payment of $35. If you are not able to meet the cost of BLA, there will be an option to request a scholarship.