Black montessori conference  & Educator's Retreat

One Year We Work. One Year We Rest.

Our events

The BMEF brings the Black Montessori community together every year through one of two flagship gatherings. Each is distinct in format and intention. Together they reflect a simple but radical belief: that sustaining this movement requires both the hard work to build and the space for soulful rest.

Black Montessori Conference

In conference years, the Black Montessori Conference (BMC) convenes Black educators, families, advocates, and allies for a full programmatic experience of learning, connection, and movement building. It is a space where the broader Montessori community comes together around a shared commitment not just to Montessori but to Black children, Black educators, and the wider communities we serve.

Themes of diversity, culturally-appropriate pedagogy, and the preparation of the adult are on the forefront of the agenda for the weekend, and all of it happens in a container that has been intentionally created to not just welcome, but centre, Black voices across every level.

The conference is open to all who share that commitment and takes places Juneteenth weekend every one year. Our conference, focused on ‘the work’ happens in odd years, and the next is during Juneteenth weekend in 2027.

Black Montessori Educator's Retreat

In retreat years, we step back from the work and create something rarer: space to rest.

We cannot ask Black educators to carry so much, year after year, without giving them room to breathe. Teacher burnout is real. The emotional and spiritual weight of showing up for Black children in systems that were never designed to serve them is real. The Black Educator's Retreat (BMR) is our acknowledgment of that reality and our commitment to doing something about it.

The retreat is an intimate gathering exclusively for Black Montessori educators. It is not a conference with a lighter agenda. It is a fundamentally different experience — one designed for restoration, reflection, and deep community among people who understand the calling. Our first retreat took place this year, 2026, outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The retreats will continue to happen in the even years, with the next happening in 2028 during Juneteenth weekend. The location is TBA.

Rest is not the opposite of the work. It is part of how we sustain it.

Why this conference matters

Join us for the next BMC in June 2027.

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  • "This weekend meant so very much for me. Montessori is my life, it’s who I am. The first ever Black Montessori conference being held at my Alma mater was so significant in my own personal story and our collective journey. This was incredibly powerful, has changed the trajectory of my career, brought some true full circle moments with spaces and people. The talk about spirituality in these times was a need for my soul."

    BMC Attendee (2025), Educator

  • "As a Montessorian, immigrant middle-aged white woman, I was proud and excited to support the BMC! It re-energized me and gave me hope, which is so hard to have these days!"

    BMC Vendor (2025)

  • "It was a well thought out intentionally held space full of naturally rejuvenating and powerful practices that you can take back with you and continue to use. The food was delicious and the way in which I could move from my work self, back into alignment with me exceeded any expectations I had."

    BMR Attendee (2026)

  • "As a person who is new to Montessori-I expected to learn more about Montessori (I did), but the experience was beyond my expectations. Having an opportunity to hear from and learn from other Black Montessorians was incredible. I learned that like most things-Black Montessori puts a special energy, passion, delivery, style, etc...The list could go on. I am so motivated to learn and do more."

    BMC Attendee (2025), Educator

  • "It was important for us to see that we are not alone in this work. It was also a great space to be centered and regarded as experts. We are often not included as much in traditional Montessori spaces."

    BMC Attending Organization (2025)

  • "Y’all are brilliant and I’m grateful for you sharing your time, energy and wisdom with us. I hope the every other year cadence works out for all of us and that the next conference is a success, too."

    BMR Attendee (2026)

  • "I appreciated the opportunity to be in the minority at a Montessori gathering. There are so many powerful Black educators and I felt honored to be there in their presence. "

    BMC Attending Organization (2025)

  • "A time of gathering for African Sisters and Brothers in a space of peace, unity and support!"

    BMR Attendee (2026)