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Top Questions Parents Should Ask Before Choosing a School

2026-07-23T16:19:18-05:00

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. While every child is different, every family deserves access to clear information that helps them make the best educational choice. Whether you're considering a traditional public school, public charter school, private school, magnet program, or homeschooling, asking the right questions can help you determine whether a school is the right fit for your child. At Black Alabamians for Education (BA4E), we believe empowered parents make informed decisions. School choice isn't about finding the "best" school—it's about finding the best educational environment for your child. Why Asking [...]

Top Questions Parents Should Ask Before Choosing a School2026-07-23T16:19:18-05:00

The Alabama Literacy Act Explained: What Families Need to Know

2026-06-24T10:43:51-05:00

  Introduction: Why Literacy Matters Reading is one of the most important foundations of a student’s education. Strong literacy skills impact success across every subject area, from science and history to future career opportunities. In Alabama, the Alabama Literacy Act was created to strengthen early literacy efforts and provide additional support for students who need help developing reading skills. For families, understanding what the Literacy Act means can help parents become informed partners in their child’s academic journey. What Is the Alabama Literacy Act? The Alabama Literacy Act is a state initiative focused on improving reading proficiency among students, particularly in [...]

The Alabama Literacy Act Explained: What Families Need to Know2026-06-24T10:43:51-05:00

Finding Your Voice: Next Level Leaders Alumni on Courage, Purpose & Advocacy | Next Level leaders

2026-06-29T11:47:39-05:00

https://youtu.be/lCZhLwZYThI Leadership is more than a title — it is courage, growth, service, and the willingness to step into purpose. In this special episode of The Advocate’s Chair, hosted by Neonta Williams with Black Alabamians for Education, we sit down with alumni from the Next Level Leaders program to reflect on their leadership journeys, the moments that challenged them, and how the program helped them grow as advocates for their communities. Our guests share how Next Level Leaders pushed them beyond comfort, helped them embrace their voices, and reminded them that leadership is not about a position — it is about [...]

Finding Your Voice: Next Level Leaders Alumni on Courage, Purpose & Advocacy | Next Level leaders2026-06-29T11:47:39-05:00

How Black Parents Can Advocate for Better Schools in Alabama

2026-06-24T10:37:22-05:00

The Power of Parent Advocacy in Education A child’s education is shaped by more than what happens inside the classroom. Strong schools are built through partnerships between educators, families, and communities. Across Alabama, parents play an important role in helping ensure students have access to meaningful learning opportunities, supportive environments, and the resources they need to succeed. For Black families in Alabama, parent advocacy has a long history of helping communities identify challenges, create solutions, and support student achievement. Today, advocacy can look many different ways—from staying informed about your child’s progress to building relationships with teachers and school leaders. Parent [...]

How Black Parents Can Advocate for Better Schools in Alabama2026-06-24T10:37:22-05:00

The Advocate’s Chair | From Buffalo to Black Education Advocacy | Duncan Kirkwood on Leadership, Resilience & School Choice

2026-06-03T14:05:38-05:00

https://youtu.be/qkxoum8YCX4   In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with nationally recognized education advocate, author, resilience trainer, and former BAEO Alabama State Director Duncan Kirkwood for a conversation that is honest, inspiring, and deeply transformational. From growing up in Buffalo, New York, to finding purpose at Alabama State University, Duncan shares how education changed the trajectory of his life and fueled his passion for advocacy, leadership, and empowering families. In this episode, Duncan discusses: • How HBCUs transformed his identity and purpose • The realities of educational inequity in America • Why parent advocacy matters now [...]

The Advocate’s Chair | From Buffalo to Black Education Advocacy | Duncan Kirkwood on Leadership, Resilience & School Choice2026-06-03T14:05:38-05:00

Public vs. Charter vs. Private Schools in Alabama: Key Differences Explained

2026-05-18T15:19:36-05:00

Navigating the educational landscape can be a daunting task for parents and guardians. With several schooling models available, deciding which environment will best foster your child’s academic and personal growth requires careful consideration. In Alabama, parents primarily choose between three main types of schools: Traditional Public Schools, Public Charter Schools, and Private Schools. While they all share the fundamental goal of educating students, they operate under vastly different frameworks regarding funding, regulations, curriculum, and admissions. This comprehensive guide breaks down the core differences between these three options in Alabama to help you make an informed decision for your family 1. Traditional [...]

Public vs. Charter vs. Private Schools in Alabama: Key Differences Explained2026-05-18T15:19:36-05:00

The Advocate’s Chair ft. Dr. Genesis Player | Freedom Prep & The Power of Education Advocacy

2026-05-04T11:05:44-05:00

https://youtu.be/PFumiw6_ZEo In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Genesis Player for an inspiring and honest conversation about education, leadership, and community impact. Dr. Player shares her journey from Birmingham City Schools to becoming a leader in education, her deep roots in advocacy, and how her lived experiences shape the work she does today. From being the first school social worker in Birmingham City Schools to now leading Freedom Prep Academy in Alabama, her story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ The importance of community engagement in education✨ What [...]

The Advocate’s Chair ft. Dr. Genesis Player | Freedom Prep & The Power of Education Advocacy2026-05-04T11:05:44-05:00

Duncan Kirkwood Biography

2026-04-27T14:42:06-05:00

Duncan Kirkwood is a nationally recognized expert on resilience, leadership, and purpose who helps both students and staff develop the mindset and motivation to thrive. As Director of the Center for Resiliency at Villa Maria College, Duncan leads campus-wide initiatives that support student mental health, staff well-being, and community engagement. His work bridges academic settings and real-world application, making him a trusted partner to educators seeking lasting, measurable impact. A former Master Resilience Trainer in the Army National Guard, Duncan brings a powerful combination of lived experience, leadership training, and practical tools. His motivational keynotes and Tier 2 student programs have [...]

Duncan Kirkwood Biography2026-04-27T14:42:06-05:00

Public vs. Charter vs. Private Schools in Alabama: Key Differences Explained

2026-04-25T22:10:19-05:00

Choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options available. In Alabama, families can choose between traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools, each offering different structures, opportunities, and expectations. Understanding the key differences between these options can help Black families make informed decisions that align with their child’s academic needs, learning style, and long-term goals. 🏫 Traditional Public Schools What They Are Traditional public schools are funded by state and local governments and are typically assigned based on where you live. They must follow Alabama’s state standards, curriculum guidelines, and accountability systems. Key [...]

Public vs. Charter vs. Private Schools in Alabama: Key Differences Explained2026-04-25T22:10:19-05:00

James Thornton | The Real Work Behind Advocacy in Alabama | The Advocates Chair

2026-03-23T12:24:56-05:00

https://youtu.be/VKg3vdrkCVk What does it really take to move from awareness to action in education? In this episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with Birmingham native and community leader James Thornton—a former educator, Family & Community Organizer, and Success Coach—to unpack the real work behind advocacy in Alabama. From navigating multiple school systems to discovering gaps in access and opportunity, James shares how his personal journey shaped his passion for empowering families and strengthening communities. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why representation matters in the classroom The moment James realized education disparities were real How families can move [...]

James Thornton | The Real Work Behind Advocacy in Alabama | The Advocates Chair2026-03-23T12:24:56-05:00
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