Celebrating Black History Month: Black Educators on Impact

This Black History Month, we are celebrating the impact of Black educators. Below, we share reflections from Black educators on how they empower students; how and why being a Black educator is fulfilling and joyful; and the ways in which Black educators benefit all students.

Read the educators’ reflections on empowerment and joy and fulfillment.

… sharing diverse perspectives and giving students role models to look up to. — Rachael Kabagabu, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… offering a diverse perspective and practicing cultural humility in all aspects of teaching. — Dr. Allison N. Oliver, Assistant Professor in Clarksville, TN

… showing them that strength, positivity, love, and authenticity are not bound within sectors by color or race or orientation. Because of the rural nature of my district, I may be the first genuine encounter many students will have with a Black educator, and I will not fit the stereotypes that the media has presented. This will go a long way to challenging students to not simply believe in the hype served up by the media, but to process for themselves and judge a person’s character by their words and deeds, and not a cartoonish facsimile on the screen. — Patricia A. Jackson, educator in York, PA

… setting a positive example and advocating for students who are often marginalized. — Michael Flowers, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… creating a culture of love and community. — Hasani Hudson, Teach Plus Pennsylvania T3 Teacher Leader

… preparing them to live, work, and thrive in a world of diverse people with various experiences and backgrounds. — Brigitte Tshishimbi, Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow

… bringing a unique perspective and showing them that they can achieve great things no matter what obstacles come their way. Black teachers, (especially Black men) are a small percentage in education. However, we show students that they can break through areas where they may not be expected to. We can show students a different approach and teaching style. — Dwayne E Lacy, educator in Katy, TX

… bringing a wealth of experiential expertise regarding self-advocacy, equity, diversity, and inclusion. — Raven Morris, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… bringing a perspective they may have not seen and exposing other races to something other than the stereotypes they see elsewhere. — Adrienne Black, educator in Houston, TX

… inspiring youth and leaving a legacy in the classroom by being role models and leaders in communities that help shape young minds. — Vanessa Jefferson, educator in Pine Bluff, AR

… reshaping the narrative of Black life, personality, and success that the status quo has so long endorsed. — Treci Butler, Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow

… being a goal and result getter for students. — Olutope Aghedo, educator in Houston, TX

… showing the humanity that we all share. It is important that all students are exposed to the unique brilliance and perspectives that Black teachers bring to the classroom. For example, Black teachers often use humor and satire as a way to admonish or redirect students. We also use call and response to build a classroom community. Additionally, we use anecdotes to teach complex ideas. Poetry by way of colloquial talk is a natural part of our instruction: “See … it’s like this,” a Black teacher may say or “ You know how …” Everyone benefits from these kinds of “breakdowns” that are a key part of African American culture. — Nicole Y. Smith, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… providing an authenticity and genuine concern for all students to succeed! — Melody Bradley, Teach Plus Texas Senior Policy Fellow

… showing them that success is attainable. The only history I learned was slavery and oppression. The only leaders I learned about were those acting out of oppression. I wasn’t taught that we invented the refrigerator, and were scientists, teachers, and inventors. I want to show them that success doesn’t stop and start in the 1950s or with the Obamas. Success is me. Success is them. Success is us. — Cherish P. Jackson, educator in DeKalb, Illinois

… offering perspectives which differ from the norm in substantial ways which infer a sense of determination, and freedom, toward being one’s authentic self. — Dillon Booker, Teach Plus Nevada Policy Fellow

… making sure that all students are exposed to a diverse teaching environment. All students need to be exposed to the importance of learning about others who may not be from the same cultures, ethnicities, religions, or socio-economic backgrounds. All students benefit from having Black educators and will inevitably have a greater appreciation for the impact Black educators have on education as a whole. — Michele Lamons-Raiford, Teach Plus California Policy Fellow

… being relatable and professional. Sometimes being a surrogate Mom. — LaTasha Olsen, Teach Plus Nevada Policy Fellow

… freely engaging in culturally relevant content that encourages students to relate and see themselves in what is taught. — Phylicia Butler, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… using the cultural sensitivity lens that we hold. We are able to understand and analyze different things that others can not. We can read curriculum, dissect it, and then present it to students in a way that is relevant to them. We can influence and encourage students to be proud of who they are, take a stand, and use their criticality in the world around them. We hold the keys to bring liberation. This is our SUPERPOWER! — Sheila Weathers, Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow

… being role models and just by being a presence, we can show the importance of having diverse perspectives represented. — Phyllis Ray, educator

… being a present representation of the ancestors that came before us and laying groundwork for our scholars to be able to fulfill a prosperous future. — Precious Allen, Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellow

… telling a part of a story that has been suppressed. We benefit all students by allowing them to enter a world that is not listed in textbooks or outlined and narrated as it should publicly. We benefit all students by showing them all aspects of HISTORY. — Evonie Rash, Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellow

… showing Black students the importance of knowing and understanding who we are as a people, which also allows those of other races to see that while they may not be the same race, we share some of the same values and beliefs. — Joi Fleming

… [possibly being] the first experience students have with talented, highly educated, loving, professional Black men and women. We dismantle stereotypes, think outside the box, provide culturally safe spaces, differentiate with backgrounds in mind, and can often speak to parents right where they feel powerless because we have often felt the same. We are good with all students because we meet them where they are and are willing to take them where they need to go. — Karen Sparks, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… performing as all educators perform: with passion, purpose, power, and plausibility. — Erroll L. Franklin, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… not submitting them to the dangers of a single story! — Desiree Yolonda Fuller, Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellow

… being our true authentic selves. — Dr. Teresa Cowan-Fayter, California educator