Boosted
Black Educated Lesbians
Nonprofit Organization
OnlineBlack Educated Lesbians (BEL) is a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment, wellness, and advancement of Black lesbian women. Founded in 2014 as a grassroots Facebook group and formally established as a nonprofit in 2021, BEL has grown into an international community serving over 5,000 members across local chapters, digital spaces, and programs worldwide. Our mission is to create intentional spaces where Black lesbian women can connect, lead, heal, and thrive. We focus on five core pillars: leadership development, mental and physical wellness, economic empowerment, community building, and youth mentorship. Through these pillars, BEL offers conferences, workshops, healing circles, financial literacy programs, virtual talks, and culturally responsive wellness initiatives that center lived experiences often overlooked in mainstream spaces. Signature initiatives include our annual BEL Conference, monthly Let’s Talk virtual discussion series, leadership and mentoring programs, wellness and healing spaces, and economic empowerment projects focused on financial literacy, legacy building, and entrepreneurship. We also prioritize access, representation, and sustainability—ensuring our programs are affirming, inclusive, and rooted in collective care. BEL is more than an organization; it is a movement grounded in sisterhood, accountability, and liberation. We are committed to building long-term impact by investing in people, strengthening community infrastructure, and creating pathways for Black lesbian women to live fully, authentically, and with purpose.
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Featured Items
3rd Annual BEL Conference
The 3rd Annual Black Educated Lesbians Conference is a three-day national gathering taking place September 18–20, 2026, in Hapeville, Georgia. Centered on the theme “Thriving in Power: Liberation, Legacy & Leadership,” the conference brings together Black lesbians and Black queer women from across the country for a transformative weekend of learning, healing, networking, and celebration. Attendees will participate in expert-led workshops, engaging panel discussions, wellness experiences, leadership development, financial empowerment sessions, and meaningful community building.
Mind, Body and Soul
The Mind, Body & Soul initiative is Black Educated Lesbians' (BEL) holistic wellness program dedicated to supporting the emotional, mental, physical, and social well-being of Black lesbians and Black queer women. Our commitment extends to financial empowerment and leadership mentoring, ensuring that our community can flourish on multiple levels.
BEL Wealth & Legacy: Economic Development
The BEL Wealth & Legacy program is dedicated to equipping Black lesbians with the essential knowledge, tools, and resources necessary for building financial stability and generational wealth. We believe that financial empowerment is not just a means of survival; it’s a step towards liberation. Through a combination of workshops, leadership mentoring, and access to expert guidance, this initiative supports our community in achieving financial freedom while fostering mental health initiatives that encourage holistic well-being and community resilience.
The SoulRoot Collective: BEL Green Initiative
The SoulRoot Collective is Black Educated Lesbians’ environmental wellness and justice initiative connecting the health of our community with the health of the environments in which we live, work, and gather. The initiative creates opportunities for Black lesbians and Black queer women to explore how environmental conditions affect our physical health, mental well-being, quality of life, and communities. Through education, community engagement, outdoor experiences, sustainability practices, and partnerships, SoulRoot makes environmental wellness relevant and accessible to our everyday lives.
BE Strong & Healthy: Physical Health & Wellness
BE Strong & Healthy is Black Educated Lesbians’ physical health and wellness program designed to help Black lesbians and Black queer women build healthier, more sustainable lifestyles through movement, nutrition, education, and prevention. The program focuses on making healthy living practical and accessible. Rather than promoting one definition of health or fitness, BE Strong & Healthy encourages participants to identify realistic ways to care for their bodies, increase movement, improve nutrition, understand their health, and make informed decisions that support long-term well-being.
EmpowerHER: Black Lesbian Leadership and Mentoring
EmpowerHER is Black Educated Lesbians’ leadership and personal development program designed to support the growth, confidence, and advancement of Black lesbian and Black queer women across different stages of life. The program creates opportunities for participants to strengthen leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, gain practical knowledge, and learn from the experiences of other women in our community. EmpowerHER recognizes that leadership is not limited to a job title. It includes developing the confidence, skills, and support needed to advocate for yourself, make informed decisions, pursue your goals, and positively influence your community.