Black Principals Network powered by Surge Institute

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Black Principals Network powered by Surge Institute

The Black Principals Network is dedicated to the community, restoration, professional development, and liberation of Black principals across the country.

The overarching goal of BPN is to co-create a community of Black principals in pursuit of the career-bolstering and self-sustaining practices that are often not prioritized in this impactful yet demanding role.

09/23/2026

We are excited to celebrate Bosede Bada, TLC25 alum and Principal within Suder Montessori Magnet ES, for her acceptance into the Cahn Distinguished Fellowship 2026-2027 cohort！

The Cahn Fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding principals across the country who are making a lasting impact in their schools and communities. Bosede's selection is a powerful testament to her vision, dedication, and leadership.

We are so proud to see her continue to shine and expand her influence through this incredible opportunity.

Congratulations, Bosede!

09/21/2026

Today marks the final session of our Principal Leadership Series in partnership with the Local School Councils (LSC) Principal Supports Team and the CPS Department of Principal Quality (DPQ)! 🚀

From our initial in-person intensive— we grounded ourselves in awareness and governance—to our virtual deep dives into Power Literacy, this journey has been incredibly inspiring. Over the course of this series, these dedicated Chicago Public Schools Principals and Assistant Principals have fully embraced our guiding principle:

👉 Power With, Not Power Over. 👈

As we log on for our last virtual gathering today, we are reflecting on the deep trust that was built in the room on Day 1 and the dynamic Strategic LSC-Principal Partnership Plans that have taken shape since.

We also want to send a massive thank you to our visionary partners driving this systemic change: Dr. Jasmine L. Thurmond, Ed.D. and Farha Watley. Building sustainable, equity-centered governance takes immense infrastructure, and your dedication to empowering LSCs and streamlining tools for our school leaders is leaving a lasting mark on Chicago communities. 🌟

To our incredible cohort of school leaders: thank you for showing up with vulnerability, insight, and a readiness to step into the Public Square. We can't wait to see how you take this momentum forward to build powerful, collaborative relationships with your communities.

Stay tuned for more details on what's coming!

09/14/2026

JOIN US NEXT WEDNESDAY! 📍

Leaders will engage in an interactive session focused on what it means to lead with clarity when the ground keeps shifting beneath them. As new legislation, community pressure, and school-based crises mount by the week, this session will explore a practical decision-making framework, the Leadership Compass, that helps principals stay grounded no matter what the moment demands. Participants will work through real scenarios using four core questions (Truth, Purpose, Conditions, Impact) to sharpen how they lead under pressure and hold the line on decisions that matter.

Register below!

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/e7f439ee-e786-4c16-8e0a-15bd43f7e000?source_id=d13688e6-c091-4295-b730-d38a4db8afb4&source_type=em&c=

09/11/2026

LAST CALL TO REGISTER !

Registration for the Eastern Regional Leadership Summit closes tonight at midnight, and this is your absolute last chance to claim your seat!

Being in this space means that you will:

✨Break the isolation: Build a deeply authentic, unapologetic network of peers who understand exactly what it means to lead as a Black educator right now.

✨Strategize for real impact: Co-create actionable, culturally relevant solutions to the specific challenges you face in your building.

✨Sustain your leadership: Secure the tools and practices you need to protect your peace, prioritize your wellness, and ensure your longevity in the principal's seat.

The doors close at midnight, and once they are closed, they are closed for good. Do not miss the chance to be in the room where your leadership, your culture, and your well-being are the absolute priority.

https://sites.google.com/surgeinstitute.org/eastern-rls/home

09/09/2026

3 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER !

"Martyrdom is not a character flaw. It is adaptation in a system that requires it." 💡 A powerful reminder to rethink burnout, overextending, and the pressure to do it all. It’s time to make the right adjustments.

If you have been keeping the tab open or waiting for a sign to secure your ticket, this is it. Please put yourself at the top of your to-do list today. You pour so much into your staff, students, and community, you deserve a space designed entirely to pour back into you.

Registration for the Summit officially closes THIS FRIDAY! September 11th. If you haven't secured your ticket yet, this is your final opportunity to join us in Greater Baltimore, MD on October 9-10.

This 2-day intensive is designed exclusively for sitting Black school and district leaders. It is your unapologetic space to pause the daily grind, reconnect with your "why," and strategize alongside leaders who intimately understand the weight of the principal seat.

https://sites.google.com/surgeinstitute.org/eastern-rls/home

09/08/2026

4 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER !

Registration for the Summit officially closes this Friday! If you haven't secured your ticket yet, this is your final opportunity to join us in Greater Baltimore, MD on October 9-10.

This 2-day intensive is designed exclusively for sitting Black school and district leaders. It is your unapologetic space to pause the daily grind, reconnect with your "why," and strategize alongside leaders who intimately understand the weight of the principal seat.

What you can expect in the room:
✨High-impact sessions to help you lead your building sustainably.
✨Intentional spaces designed for you to breathe, laugh, and simply be.
✨Honest, unfiltered connection with brilliant Black educational leaders.

Register below: https://sites.google.com/surgeinstitute.org/eastern-rls/home

09/03/2026

Principal Spotlight 🚨

Meet Dr. Larue M. F., Principal in Chicago, IL

He says,

"One thing I’m most proud of this year is the progress we’ve made in strengthening C.E. Hughes and creating new opportunities for our students and families. I’ve worked intentionally to bring the right people to the table, build partnerships, advocate for resources, and make sure our school community has a voice. Most recently, that work has helped move forward a vision for major improvements to our campus, including a new playground and outdoor learning space, expanded parking, a community garden and wellness space, improved fencing, and a school marquee. For me, it’s bigger than improving a building—it’s about showing our children and families that they deserve a school community that reflects their potential and that we will continue advocating to make that happen."

👉Advice he'd give other Black school leaders,

"...don’t be afraid to advocate boldly for what your students and community deserve. Leadership will sometimes require you to ask difficult questions, challenge systems, bring people to the table, and keep pushing when the answer is not immediately yes.

I’ve learned that relationships matter, but so does urgency. Build genuine partnerships, know your data, understand your community, and be prepared to clearly explain your vision. Most importantly, never lose sight of who you are advocating for. For me, it will always be with children in mind. When the work gets difficult, that purpose keeps me grounded and moving forward."

Shout out to Larue for doing amazing work in his school community! We are so proud

09/01/2026

⏳ There is less than two weeks left to register for the Eastern Regional Leadership Summit!

Meet your speaker line-up! Registration for the Summit officially closes on September 11th. If you haven't secured your ticket yet, this is your final opportunity to join us in Baltimore, MD on October 9-10.

This 2-day intensive is designed exclusively for sitting Black school and district leaders. It is your unapologetic space to pause the daily grind, reconnect with your "why," and strategize alongside leaders who intimately understand the weight of the principal seat.

More info: https://sites.google.com/surgeinstitute.org/eastern-rls/home

08/27/2026

🚨 LAST CALL! 🚨

Do you want to get your work, organization, or business in front of a powerful network of Black educational leaders?

There are only a few days left to secure your ad space in the Summit Chronicle—the official event program for the BPN Eastern Regional Leadership Summit in Baltimore!

Whether you are looking to:

✨ Promote your education consulting business

✨ Recruit top-tier talent for your district

✨ Send a personal shoutout to a fellow Black school leader

This is the place to be seen!

⏳ The deadline to secure your space and submit artwork is this Monday, August 31st!

Don't miss out.

More info: https://sites.google.com/surgeinstitute.org/eastern-rls/purchase-ad-space

08/26/2026

Today is ! 🌑 We are flooding the timeline with a unified message for every Black school leader: You do not have to do this work in isolation.

You pour into your students, your staff, and your school communities every single day—but who is pouring into you? The Black Principals Network (BPN) was built specifically to be your unapologetic space to restore, strategize, and connect.

It is time to get your next wind. Join us in Baltimore, MD on October 9-10 for the Eastern Regional Leadership Summit! This 2-day intensive is designed exclusively for sitting Black school and district leaders who are ready to reimagine what is possible.

Come for the actionable strategy. Stay for the restorative community. 🤎 Grounded in Truth. Forward in Strategy.

Secure your seat before registration closes on September 11th! 👇🏾 🔗 https://sites.google.com/surgeinstitute.org/eastern-rls/home

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