My Experience at the Community Impact Assembly 2025: A Transformative Experience for Educators of ColorMarch 20–23, 2025 | Charlotte, NC

Submitted by: Baba Sere Bahlam (Dwayne Castleberry)

Introduction

From March 20th to 23rd, I participated in the 10th Anniversary Community Impact Assembly (CIA), hosted by Profound Gentlemen in Charlotte, North Carolina. This national gathering brought together hundreds of male educators of color for a restorative, empowering, and inspiring experience.

I was humbled to be a featured presenter, sharing my workshop “Drumming Up Success: Using Arts & SEL to Transform the Classroom Experience.”

But beyond the presentation, this was a sacred moment. It was a true moment of purpose, brotherhood, and legacy. The spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose statue I stumbled upon during a meditative walk, was heavy throughout the weekend. I cried, I meditated, I connected. I left transformed.

Day 1: Arrival & Brotherhood in Motion (March 20)

The journey began with fellowship. When our scheduled airport shuttle failed to arrive, the brothers instinctively came together, coordinating Ubers so we could all reach the hotel. That first act of unity set the tone: this space was built on collective care.

At hotel registration, the warmth was immediate. Giveaways, laughter, and handshakes built the foundation of an environment charged with openness. That evening, we shared food and live music at a mixer, stepping outside the confines of our professional roles to simply be together.

Throughout the conference, new members of Profound Gentlemen were given free professional wear as a welcome into the brotherhood. One standout item was a nice red jacket with a printed quote by James Baldwin:

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. Capture the moment to confront what matters."

The event included a few incredible vendors offering African jewelry, handmade clothing, cultural books, sea moss, body butters, and more. These vendors brought vibrancy and culture to the space.

I ended the night at the rooftop bar, gazing at the skyline, quietly meditating on the weight and beauty of being among so many purpose-driven men of color.

Day 2: Community Day (March 21)

Opening Rituals

The day began with a mindfulness and meditation session that grounded us in intention. Over breakfast, the full gathering of educators filled the ballroom. It was like a sea of excellence. The sight alone brought stillness to my spirit: Black and Brown men from across the nation, united in purpose.

Orientation & Core Values

James O’Neal, Impact Manager, introduced us to the weekend’s themes with an acronym that resonated deeply:

L.A.U.G.H.

• Love, Authenticity, Unity, Growth Mindset, Hope

We broke into discussion groups to explore these values and how they show up in our schools and lives. It was a soul-stirring exchange.

Breakout: Using AI to Save Time & Prevent Burnout

Presenter: Daryl Williams, Jr. This session explored how educators can use ethical AI tools to streamline tasks while staying grounded in human-centered teaching.

Key Takeaways:

• AI should not be treated as optional. It is here to stay.

• Use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to support your IA (Individualized Approach).

• Tools like Perplexity.ai help educators automate tasks and stay current.

• AI can support grading, translating, simplifying text, and more. This can free educators to focus on empathy and connection.

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Founders Legacy Luncheon & Fireside Chat

Speakers: Jason Terrell & Mario Jovan Shaw Moderated by James O’Neal

The Founders of Profound Gentlemen, Jason Terrell and Mario Jovan Shaw highlighted the luncheon by sharing the humble origins of the Community Impact Assembly. This began as a gathering in a tent with a $750 budget and now has grown into a national movement.

They spoke candidly about barriers, community, and a vision of impact that goes beyond survival and more into the realm of collective liberation.

“Continue to show up and be present. Understand your core values and stay true.” – Jason Terrell

“We must focus on truth-telling. Look inward—we have a lot to work on.” – Mario Jovan Shaw

Their message was clear: this movement should not last forever. That's because one day, we should no longer need it.

Breakout: The Career Pathway Framework

Presenter: Bryce Mathis This session helped educators guide students through career exploration using SEL-based strategies and personality assessment.

Highlights:

• Match student strengths, interests, and personality types (Holland Codes) with career paths. Match them with a job cluster.

• Prioritize student voice and self-discovery

• Quote: “The only bad choice is not making one.”

Evening Reflection

Instead of attending the BCIC Tournament, a HBCU basketball championship, I walked to a nearby park to clear my mind. I unexpectedly encountered a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The moment overwhelmed me. I sat in silence, meditated, and wept. I felt the ancestors speaking through that statue. It felt like this was a moment of no return for me. The mixture of new connections and the environment of excellence brings another part of yourself out. I never felt out of place. I didn’t have to filter my conversation. I could just free-think collectively with others who care about the humanity around them.

That night, I returned to the rooftop to reflect. The skyline acted as a signature to the statement the day had made. I connected with several other brothers who also chose to stay behind. The conversations were meaningful, restorative, and real.

Day 3: Impact Day & My Presentation (March 22)

Breakout: The Authentically Healthy Leader

Presenter: Maurice F. Martin A powerful session on burnout, identity, and emotional alignment for educators.

Key Lessons:

• K–12 education is the most burned-out profession in the U.S.

• Thriving leaders set boundaries and operate from purpose

• Burnout is not caused by doing too much—but by losing alignment with who you are

• Practice daily healing: honest check-ins, breathwork, meditation

• “When your ‘buts’ get too big, you know you're full of the wrong stuff.”

Keynote: Willie Spears

Willie Spears speech was part sermon, part stand-up, part TED Talk. It was high-energy, hilarious, and deeply motivational. He reminded us that passion and purpose must stay at the center of our profession.

Breakout: From the Gutter to Greatness

Presenter: Dr. Paul Miller This session emphasized using personal adversity to enhance leadership.

Highlights:

● “Your gutter is your story…it is your trauma, your background.”

● Model what healing and resilience look like for your students

● We each received a copy of Dr. Miller’s book, From The Gutter to Greatness

My Presentation: Drumming Up Success

Despite technical issues (a faulty external drive and a missing speaker), I stayed grounded and adapted. The energy in the room was electric. After working on some cue cards, I ended up not using them. I had the overwhelming thought: Why am I still rehearsing what I already know?

The presentation began with a piece I wrote for Profound Gentlemen titled A Call to Black Men. The piece emphasizes the importance of Black men to their communities, regardless of what spectrum of life they come from. Although it is addressed to the men of color at this conference, it carries a universal message about community and how much we need each other.

My presentation focused on how creativity is the most important part of teaching. I introduced my role with the Cleveland Play House CARE Program and explained how we integrate theatre, SEL, and literature into our curriculum. We talked about how using tools like the drum can lead to more positive interactions with students. My presentation was enhanced by videos of me interacting with my students, which sparked many funny and heartfelt reactions from the crowd.

We ended with a drum check-in and a discussion of our challenges and victories as educators.

Participants were engaged, and several powerful conversations followed the presentation. The following are a few comments from attendees:

• I love how Brother Castleberry incorporated a number of musical concepts and instruments to allow students to express themselves. From ethno-musicology to Kodaly methods instrumental interpretations.

• I plan on buying a drum and incorporating one of the presenter's approaches.

• Setting key learning points to music is a good idea that I will use in my classroom.

• Excellent

Immediately afterward, I rushed to join the Community Drum Circle, passing out two of my drums and entering the circle with my ceremonial djembe. I could feel the collective energy of the conference flowing through my hands at every hit of the drum. It was the perfect transition. The rhythm, the connection, the sound of us all drumming together created a sacred atmosphere. It was truly healing.

That moment was my highlight of the entire conference.

Day 4: Assembly Day Brunch (March 23)

Our closing gathering was held poolside, where we shared one final breakfast. There was a unified energy of hope. It’s like everyone was trying to meet everyone until the last minute. Many of us expressed how deeply we wanted this energy to extend beyond the conference.

Connections & Next Steps

During CIA 2025, I formed meaningful connections with educators from Tulsa, New York, Louisiana, and other regions. Many expressed strong interest in my community initiative, the Paradise Project, which I promoted throughout the weekend.

I was introduced to the Profound Gentlemen by Dean Kenneth Tyus of FDR Academy, who connected me with Ohio Impact Leader Anthony Harris Brown. I’m grateful to the CMSD MOCHA Network, which sponsored my trip. Because I was presenting, I was also gifted my own room at the hotel, which was an unexpected blessing that allowed me rest, reflection, and preparation. I truly felt cared for and supported by the leadership throughout the event.

As I returned home (with a stomach virus, no less) I spent several days in quiet recovery and reflection. I’m grateful for the space that Spring Break offered to process everything.

What’s next? I’m committed to building on this momentum by:

• Launching monthly virtual Paradise Project circles

• Creating new dynamic workshops

• Integrating my new knowledge into my classroom where appropriate

• Continuing to collaborate with new connections

• Expanding my network of individuals

• Attending similar conferences

Impact on My Work & Leadership

Attending CIA 2025 was not only powerful on a personal level, it also had a profound impact on my professional roles.

As a Teaching Artist with the Cleveland Play House, this experience reaffirmed the importance of culturally responsive, emotionally intelligent teaching in the classroom. I returned with renewed energy and strategies to integrate deeper SEL practices, restorative tools, and creative expression into my daily work with students. It reminded me that what we’re doing with the CARE Program isn’t just curriculum, it’s healing work.

As the President of Artistic Medicine and the visionary behind The Paradise Project, this conference solidified the urgent need for creative, community-centered spaces for transformation. The response I received from fellow educators, artists, and

changemakers made it clear: There is a national hunger for what we’re building.

CIA 2025 helped me sharpen the vision for The Paradise Project and begin shaping a network of collaborators across the country. We are gathering people who believe in art as therapy, in community as the medicine, and in the healing power of story, rhythm, and breath.

This wasn’t just professional development, it was a milestone in my journey. I walked away inspired and energized.

Final Reflection

The 2025 Community Impact Assembly was a pilgrimage of Black educators. From acts of brotherhood in the airport to the meditative tears shed at the feet of Dr. King, I was reminded again and again: We are the culture carriers. We are the storytellers. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

And this is only the beginning.

A’se.

– Baba Sere Bahlam (Dwayne Castleberry)

www.artmedi.org/community