Black Teaching Artist Lab
Our mission is to equip every teaching artist with an Afrocentric Social-Emotional Learning framework to teach Black youth about themselves, their cultures, and their communities through art.
Who We Are
Black Teaching Artist Lab, LLC (BTAL) is a professional development and creative learning organization committed to empowering Black teaching artists and Black learners across the African Diaspora. Through arts education rooted in cultural identity, and Pan-African values, we strengthen intercultural understanding and build community across generations and geographies.
We believe art is one of the most powerful tools for liberation, storytelling, and collective healing. By honoring the lived experiences of Black creatives, we help teaching artists share meaningful, identity-affirming learning with Black youth everywhere.
“Black creativity is a form of knowledge—and every lesson we teach plants a future.”
— Ntozake Shange
What We Do
BTAL provides professional development, lesson plans, and community-based learning experiences designed to cultivate Pan-African pride, creative confidence, and culturally grounded education.
Our programs center Black learners’ social, emotional, and cultural needs through Afrocentric approaches to teaching artistry.
Our Core Offerings
Monthly Workshops
Our Afrocentric SEL workshops help Black teaching artists explore identity, creativity, and culture through their personal art practice.
If you are a school, educator, arts program, or a Black teaching artist—sign up for our seasonal workshop series.
Professional Speaking Engagements
Speaking engagements are facilitated by founder Melissa Parke.
If you’re interested in Afrocentric Social Emotional Learning, culturally responsive arts education, or Black creative identity—book Melissa for your next presentation, training, or community event.
Research Projects
Uncovering A Missing Narrative: Black* Teaching Artists
In the Spring of 2020, Black Teaching Artist Lab (BTAL) and Creative Generation collaborated in order to examine the prevalence of Black voices in the dialogues about teaching artists and collect ethnographic data - specifically the demographics, attitudes, and perceptions of Black identity in teaching artistry - with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the role of Black teaching artists in the field..
Coming Soon: Afrocentricity and the Development of Black Boys
Black boys and men often lack culturally affirming education, emotional tools, and supportive structures that reflect who they are—while also facing harmful stereotypes that impact their development. This research project explores the role of Black single mothers, the experiences of raising Black boys, and how Afrocentric Social Emotional Learning can serve as a protective and empowering force.
Founder
Melissa Parke
Melissa Parke uses education as a creative vehicle for self-expression and cultural understanding. She founded the Black Teaching Artist Lab (BTAL) to help Black teaching artists explore their identities, embrace their whole selves, and empower their communities through art. As a new mother, Melissa is expanding her work to create culturally grounded resources for Black children—especially Black boys navigating identity in America.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Marcus Garvey
Accomplishments
BTAL has proudly partnered with community organizations, cultural institutions, and youth programs across New York City and beyond. Our work includes:
Delivering Afrocentric SEL workshops for adults and youth
Facilitating PD trainings for teaching artists and educators
Collaborating with community-based organizations to bring culturally grounded arts education to underserved populations
Leading creative wellness sessions that support identity exploration and healing
If you share which partners you want listed, I can add them cleanly here.