podcast

https://youtu.be/AlpVnP-20K4 🎙️ Season Finale | Legislative Talk with Ontario Tillman In our 10th and final episode of 2025, we close out the year with an impactful Legislative Talk Session featuring Ontario Tillman — just in time for Alabama’s upcoming legislative session beginning January 13. This conversation breaks down how everyday citizens can participate in the legislative process, especially when it comes to education policy that impacts Black families and students across Alabama. 🔎 In this episode, we discuss: What to expect from the 2025 legislative session How parents and community members can engage before and during session Ontario’s Three P’s Framework: [...]

https://youtu.be/amNQVeG7RnI Get ready for a warm, joyful, and laughter-filled episode! For Episode 9, the entire Black Alabamians for Education team hit the road and recorded on location in Huntsville, Alabama for a special Holiday Edition of The Advocates Chair. This episode is all about connection, storytelling, celebration, and looking ahead with hope. Pull up a seat as the BA4E crew shares: ✨ Their favorite holiday traditions 🎬 Their must-watch holiday movies 🎁 The memories and moments that made 2025 unforgettable 💬 Honest reflections on advocacy, community, and growth 🌟 Heartfelt wishes for a bright and powerful 2026 This is a different [...]

https://youtu.be/v8K0_2XCP-g   In this inspiring episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Melissa Capehart, educator, mother, innovator, and founder of the proposed Extreme Minds Academy, a charter school coming to Birmingham in 2027. Together, they unpack the powerful intersection of personal experience, purpose, advocacy, and educational design. Dr. Capehart opens up about her K–12 journey through Birmingham City Schools, the educators and summer programs that shaped her, and the family legacy rooted in the Civil Rights Movement that taught her the power of education and community. She discusses her path from history teacher to technology integration [...]

https://youtu.be/Q1uyeK80akY   In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Linda Warren, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist who delivered more than a thousand babies over her remarkable 30+ year career. Born in Nashville and raised on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Warren shares an intimate, deeply moving look at her childhood, her family roots in healthcare, her homeschooling experience, and the early spark that led her to pursue medicine. Dr. Warren opens up about: 🏫 Growing up at Oakwood College and discovering a love for reading 👩‍⚕️ Being inspired by [...]

https://youtu.be/JmcZPzDknY4 In Episode 4 of The Advocates Chair, host and BA4E Executive Director Neonta Williams takes listeners behind the scenes of her journey into educational advocacy. From her days as a student-athlete and Army veteran to launching Black Alabamians for Education, Neonta reveals the calling that led her to build a movement for parent empowerment and equitable school choice. 💬 In this episode: The personal story that sparked a statewide education movement. Why parent engagement is the foundation of student success. How poverty, preparedness, and policy collide in Alabama’s schools. Lessons on leadership, equity, and faith-driven courage in advocacy. 🎧 Listen [...]

https://youtu.be/isJS5RDkSVw   What if school looked completely different? In this episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Ryan Delk, CEO and co-founder of Primer, a K–8 micro school network that is opening new schools across Alabama. Primer’s motto is simple yet powerful: “Take kids seriously.” Ryan shares how Primer is reimagining education by: Empowering great teachers to teach without limits Making private education affordable (many families pay little to nothing) Designing schools where every child’s unique needs are taken seriously Opening pathways for parents and community leaders to start their own Primer micro schools This episode dives [...]

https://youtu.be/wpJnZREh4DU?si=cuIO7p3kJn4ReruF In this episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with LaShundra D. Richmond, a lifelong educator from Memphis, TN with 18 years of experience in the field. LaShundra believes teaching is her calling — a way to impact lives and build strong leaders. Together, they dive deep into: What Next Level Leaders really means Why authentic leadership matters in education How growing leaders creates lasting change in schools and communities This is more than a conversation about leadership — it’s a call to action for anyone who wants to make a difference. 📺 Subscribe here:    / @blackal4edu   🌐 [...]