The Power of Community in Liberation and Self-Determination: The Black School’s Vision for a Radical Future

In a world where systemic oppression and white supremacy continue to shape the lives of Black and Brown communities, the power of collective action and self-determination has never been more critical. The Black School, an innovative educational and cultural institution founded by artists and educators Joseph Cuillier III and Shani Peters, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of community building. Rooted in Black radical thought and a commitment to liberation, The Black School is not just an organization—it’s a movement. Through its programs, principles, and the ongoing construction of a community center in New Orleans, The Black School is redefining what it means to create spaces of freedom, healing, and empowerment.

Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier – Founders of The Black School

The Origins of The Black School: A Radical Vision

The Black School was born out of a shared frustration with the limitations of traditional education and the art world. Both Cuillier and Peters, who met while teaching in New York, recognized the need for a space where Black youth could learn about their history, culture, and creative potential from a perspective that centered their experiences. As Cuillier explains, their work is deeply influenced by Black revolutionaries like Malcolm X and bell hooks, whose writings on education and liberation inspired them to create a model that empowers students to be their “free, full selves.”

The school’s mission is rooted in three core principles: self-determination, healing, and Black love. These principles guide every aspect of their work, from the curriculum they teach to the way they engage with their community. “We’re trying to create a model for independence,” says Cuillier. “How can we build a nation? How can we create a new education model, creative economies, and environmental justice?”

Building a Community Center: A Beacon of Liberation

One of The Black School’s most ambitious projects to date is constructing a community center in New Orleans’ 7th Ward. This center, which is currently under construction, is more than just a building—it’s a lighthouse for the community, designed to serve as a hub for education, creativity, and resilience. The center will feature a variety of spaces and resources, including:

• A Liberation Library: A space for reading circles, meditation, and study, complete with curated reading lists that tie back into the school’s curriculum.
• A Design Studio: A full-service graphic design firm where students can gain professional experience while working on projects that serve the community.
• A Community Garden: An Afro-indigenous garden with herb beds for mental health, women’s health, and general wellness, as well as a rainwater catchment system and fruit tree orchard.
• A Computer Lab: A resource for the neighborhood, available for use when not occupied by students.
• A Gallery Space: A multipurpose area for community gatherings, art exhibitions, and events.

The center is also designed with sustainability in mind, featuring solar panels and a rainwater collection system. “We’re growing food, we’re growing herbs, we’re growing fruit,” says Peters. “It’s a model for Black people all around the world on how they can do this where they are.”

The Power of Community: Funding and Support

The Black School’s success is a testament to the power of community support. From its early days as a crowdfunded project to its current status as a growing institution, the school has relied on the collective efforts of its supporters. Their “We Fund Us” initiative, a monthly donor program, is a key part of their sustainability strategy. “We started this shift from our project to an organization with a crowdfunded campaign,” says Cuillier. “It was the people donating twenty here, twenty there,50 there that got us to a point where we’re visible now to big foundations.

The school also generates revenue through its design studio, which offers branding, web design, and promotional materials for clients. This not only provides financial support but also creates opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. 

A Legacy of Liberation

The Black School is more than just a creative educational institution—it’s a model for what’s possible when communities come together to reclaim our power. By centering Black radical thought, creativity, and self-determination, Cuillier and Peters create a legacy far beyond their immediate community. “We’re building a community lighthouse,” says Peters. “It’s a model for Black people all around the world on how they can do that where they are.” As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, systemic racism, and economic inequality, The Black School offers a blueprint for how to build a future rooted in justice, love, and collective action. “We have to know how to self-determine our survival and thriving,” says Cuillier. “And that’s what we’re doing here.”

How to Support The Black School

For those inspired by The Black School’s mission, there are several ways to get involved:

• Join “We Fund Us”: Become a monthly donor to support the school’s sustainability.
• Donate Resources: Contribute construction materials, technology, or other in-kind resources.
• Utilize Their Design Studio: Hire The Black School’s design studio for branding, web design, or promotional materials.
• Spread the Word: Share their work and encourage others to support their mission.

In the words of Cuillier, “We’re demonstrating the creative power ecosystem of the nation.” By supporting The Black School, you’re not just investing in an organization—you’re investing in a future where liberation and self-determination are within reach for all.