Latest News | Black Alabamians for Education

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

admin2026-03-23T12:24:56-05:00

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 Chairadmin2026-03-23T12:24:56-05:00

How Alabama’s CHOOSE Act Works: A Parent-Friendly Guide

admin2026-03-23T17:29:50-05:00

Alabama’s education landscape changed significantly with the passage of the CHOOSE Act in 2024—a law designed to expand school choice and give families more control over their children’s education. But what does this actually mean for parents? What Is the CHOOSE Act? The CHOOSE Act created Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that allow families to use public funds for educational expenses outside of traditional public schools. How Much Funding Is Available? 💰 Up to $7,000 per student for private school tuition 💰 Up to $2,000 per student for homeschooling 💰 Funds can cover: Tuition Curriculum Tutoring Educational services Who Is Eligible? For [...]

How Alabama’s CHOOSE Act Works: A Parent-Friendly Guideadmin2026-03-23T17:29:50-05:00

Understanding School Choice in Alabama: What Black Families Need to Know

admin2026-03-23T17:10:13-05:00

hoosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. But in Alabama — as in many states — navigating the various options available isn’t always straightforward. This guide breaks down the school choice landscape in Alabama, explaining public, charter, private, and homeschooling options, so Black families can make informed decisions about their children’s education. 🌟 What Is School Choice? School choice refers to the range of educational options available to families beyond simply attending their zoned public school. It empowers families to select the learning environment that best fits their child’s [...]

Understanding School Choice in Alabama: What Black Families Need to Knowadmin2026-03-23T17:10:13-05:00

Dr. Henry Davis on Leadership, Education & Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone | the Advocate’s Chair

admin2026-03-03T12:11:22-06:00

https://youtu.be/epzRR8BN7Lc In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Henry Davis — physical therapist, entrepreneur, and newly elected City Councilman in Calera, Alabama. Dr. Davis shares his journey from growing up in Mobile to navigating identity in a new community, attending Alabama State University, and later earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of Alabama at Birmingham. But this episode goes deeper than career milestones. Dr. Davis opens up about: The challenges of transitioning from private school to public school How his HBCU experience shaped his leadership and resilience Why accountability is missing [...]

Dr. Henry Davis on Leadership, Education & Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone | the Advocate’s Chairadmin2026-03-03T12:11:22-06:00

The Parent Power Playbook: 10 moves that change a child’s school year.

admin2026-01-24T18:13:41-06:00

Your involvement matters. Here's exactly how to show up for your child—and make a real difference. You already know that parental involvement changes outcomes. But knowing it and knowing *how* to do it are two different things. This playbook gives you 10 concrete moves—things you can do this week, this month, and all year—that will strengthen your child's education, build trust with teachers, and position your family as a partner in your child's success. These aren't complicated. They don't require a degree in education. They just require you—showing up, asking the right questions, and believing that your voice matters. Because it [...]

The Parent Power Playbook: 10 moves that change a child’s school year.admin2026-01-24T18:13:41-06:00

Ep. 11 How Alabama Families Can Access Education Choice w/Tonya Jones | The Advocate’s Chair

admin2026-02-05T12:50:59-06:00

https://youtu.be/Jd3n-aPUWIg In this informative and heartfelt episode of The Advocate’s Chair, host Neonta Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Black Alabamians for Education, sits down with Tonya Jones of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF) for a deep dive into education choice, access, and opportunity for Alabama families. Tonya shares her personal journey—from growing up in Bruton, Alabama, to working in accounting, education, and advocacy—and how her family’s experience with limited access to education shaped her lifelong commitment to helping others. Her passion for educational equity is rooted in real stories, real families, and real impact. This episode breaks down complex [...]

Ep. 11 How Alabama Families Can Access Education Choice w/Tonya Jones | The Advocate’s Chairadmin2026-02-05T12:50:59-06:00

Ep. 8 The Advocate’s Chair | Episode: LaSharron Harris – Advocacy, Access & Eliminating College Debt

admin2026-02-05T11:42:34-06:00

https://youtu.be/BspP6EoERZA In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, we sit down with LaSharron Harris—educational advocate, counselor, and phenomenal mom whose intentional approach to education changed her son’s life and is now helping families across Alabama do the same. Mrs. Harris shares her personal journey from being an “average” student to earning advanced degrees, and how her upbringing, culture, and family values shaped her passion for advocacy. She opens up about raising a son with ADHD, navigating IB programs, scholarships, and strategic planning—ultimately helping him graduate with minimal student debt from a private HBCU. This conversation is packed with real talk [...]

Ep. 8 The Advocate’s Chair | Episode: LaSharron Harris – Advocacy, Access & Eliminating College Debtadmin2026-02-05T11:42:34-06:00

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Educational Inequities for Black Students in Alabama

admin2026-03-23T17:10:13-05:00

Despite progress in educational access, Black students in Alabama continue to face systemic inequities that hinder academic success and lifelong opportunity. From under-resourced schools to implicit bias in classrooms, the obstacles are real—but so is the power of informed advocacy. In this article, we’ll explore the systemic challenges Black students face in Alabama, the impact of mental health on academic performance, and actionable steps parents and advocates can take to help close the gap. Understanding the Landscape: Systemic Inequities in Alabama Education Educational inequality in Alabama is deeply rooted in historical segregation, economic disparity, and policy shortcomings. According to the Southern [...]

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Educational Inequities for Black Students in Alabamaadmin2026-03-23T17:10:13-05:00

2025 End-of-Year Report: Building Power, Advancing Equity, and Strengthening Black Families Across Alabama

admin2026-01-12T16:42:36-06:00

Introduction As we close out 2025, Black Alabamians for Education (BA4E) is proud to reflect on a year defined by growth, community impact, and deepened advocacy. Our newly released 2025 End-of-Year Report captures the progress we’ve made alongside families, educators, and partners committed to ensuring Black children across Alabama have access to a high-quality education. This year reaffirmed a core truth: when parents are informed, communities are powerful. A Year Rooted in Advocacy and Empowerment In a shifting political and educational landscape, BA4E remained focused on equipping families with the tools and information they need to navigate Alabama’s K–12 education system. [...]

2025 End-of-Year Report: Building Power, Advancing Equity, and Strengthening Black Families Across Alabamaadmin2026-01-12T16:42:36-06:00

Legislative Talk | The Advocates Chair with Ontario Tillman Ep.10

admin2026-01-30T16:51:31-06:00

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: [...]

Legislative Talk | The Advocates Chair with Ontario Tillman Ep.10admin2026-01-30T16:51:31-06:00