Our History
Brothers Liberating Our Communities (BLOC) was founded in 2016 by a group of Black Male Educators from Kansas City, MO. Inspired by The Fellowship and the work of Sharif El-Mekki , BLOCs first initiative was to simply connect the black male educators already existing in the ecosystem. Through intentional social and networking meetings, the BLOC grew to over 150 Educators in the Greater KC Metropolitan Area. In addition to social and support networks, BLOC also began curating professional development specifically for black men in education. Even further, BLOC helped engage black men in the communities they taught in through mentoring, volunteer work, and tutoring opportunities. Through connection, development, and engagement, over the last 5 years we have retained 100% of BLOC members.
When Cornell Ellis decided to leave the classroom to be the full time Executive Director, he took on the bold task of fleshing out the rest of the plan to increase Black Male Educators in the education ecosystem. BLOC now works to Recruit and Advance more black men into teaching through high school and college partnerships and has grown to create partnerships with similar organizations across the globe. With an eye on the horizon, BLOC hopes that one day all students will have access to equal representation and revolutionary black male educators.
Brand Symbolism

The brandmark for a BLOC inherits, many of its characteristics from the Adinkra symbols that originate from West Africa, specifically Ghana. On further analysis of the brandmark, the symbol references two specific Adinkra symbols Akoma Ntoaso and Eban. Akoma Ntoaso (linked hearts) symbolizes understanding and agreement. Eban or fence also symbolizes love, safety, and security. The strength and balance, found in the symbols, best represent the mission and vision of the BLOC organization.
Cornell Ellis
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Cornell Ellis is a native of Kansas City and is a product of a diverse Kansas City public and private education. After graduating from Rockhurst High School he played football at the University of Missouri-Columbia for two seasons. While in college, Cornell began his passion for education and justice. He became the Director at the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center in Columbia, MO, while also managing the curriculum for trauma-informed English Language Arts practices at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. Cornell received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Avila University with a specialization in Ancient World Studies. After graduating, Cornell taught, managed, instructional coached, and worked in administrative duties for 8 years. Through his teaching success, he was able to participate in and lead advanced professional development opportunities like the National Academy of Advanced Teacher Education (NAATE) and Better Lessons Master Teacher program. Through Cornell’s passion and vision, he helped found AMPLIFY! Teachers of Color Conference and Brothers Liberating Our Communities (BLOC), both exist to sustain and increase teachers of color in education. Cornell uses his educational and professional experience to provide a strong understanding of equitable and justice-centered surroundings for schools and leaders through public speaking and consultation with his LLC– Eggshells Inc. Cornell has led workshops and been a keynote speaker for notable conferences in education and liberation and continues to build creative spaces for liberation. By curating liberatory curricula, creating anti-racist professional development, and providing school systems with supplemental tools for teacher evaluation, Cornell aims to make all schools places where all teachers can thrive and all students can achieve.
Connect with Us
Board of Directors
BLOC’s Board of Directors is an experienced, passionate group of leaders from the Kansas City area. They commit their time, talents, and resources to the Liberation of our community.