Latest News | Black Alabamians for Education

From Homeschool to Healing — The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Linda Warren | The Advocates Chair Ep.6

admin2026-01-30T16:34:17-06:00

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 [...]

From Homeschool to Healing — The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Linda Warren | The Advocates Chair Ep.6admin2026-01-30T16:34:17-06:00

From the Classroom to the Capitol with Rep. Ontario Tillman | Ep. 5 The Advocates Chair

admin2026-01-30T16:33:47-06:00

https://youtu.be/RwFfJe-_G54 In this inspiring episode, Neonta Williams, host of The Advocates Chair and Executive Director of Black Alabamians for Education, sits down with State Representative Ontario Tillman (District 56) for an authentic, energetic conversation about leadership, advocacy, and education in Alabama. Rep. Tillman shares his powerful journey from being raised by a civic-minded grandmother in Bessemer to becoming a special education teacher, coach, and now legislator. He discusses how those experiences shape his work today—championing bills that improve teacher pay, support students with disabilities, and revitalize underserved communities. Together, Neonta and Rep. Tillman dive into: 🏫 How classroom experience fuels [...]

From the Classroom to the Capitol with Rep. Ontario Tillman | Ep. 5 The Advocates Chairadmin2026-01-30T16:33:47-06:00

Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Why Representation in Education Matters for Black Children

admin2025-07-29T12:43:03-05:00

In a nation where classrooms are increasingly diverse, one thing remains glaringly clear: representation in education matters. A culturally relevant curriculum is more than a buzzword—it's a necessary shift in how we prepare Black children to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. For too long, textbooks and lesson plans have centered narratives that exclude or misrepresent Black history, voices, and achievements. This article explores the importance of diverse curricula, the impact on Black students’ mental health and academic success, and how parents can advocate for inclusive learning materials in Alabama and beyond. Why Representation in Education Matters What Is Culturally Relevant Curriculum? [...]

Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Why Representation in Education Matters for Black Childrenadmin2025-07-29T12:43:03-05:00

Faith, Purpose, and Education Advocacy | The Advocates Chair Ep. 4 with Neonta Williams

admin2026-01-30T16:35:55-06:00

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 [...]

Faith, Purpose, and Education Advocacy | The Advocates Chair Ep. 4 with Neonta Williamsadmin2026-01-30T16:35:55-06:00

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Black Students in STEM Education

admin2025-07-29T12:39:05-05:00

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is more than just a set of academic disciplines. It’s the gateway to innovation, future-ready careers, and economic empowerment. Yet, Black students remain vastly underrepresented in STEM fields due to longstanding disparities in access, encouragement, and resources. In Alabama and across the U.S., ensuring Black students have the support, representation, and opportunities to thrive in STEM is critical. In this article, we’ll explore why representation matters, share tips for parents and educators, and highlight verifiable programs making a difference today. Why STEM Matters for Black Students The Opportunity Gap According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), Black [...]

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Black Students in STEM Educationadmin2025-07-29T12:39:05-05:00

Primer Micro Schools in Alabama | The Advocates Chair Ep. 3 with Ryan Delk

admin2026-01-30T16:36:33-06:00

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 [...]

Primer Micro Schools in Alabama | The Advocates Chair Ep. 3 with Ryan Delkadmin2026-01-30T16:36:33-06:00

Mental Health and Academic Success: Supporting Black Students Holistically

admin2025-07-29T12:34:15-05:00

Introduction: Why Mental Health Matters in Education Mental health is a key component of academic success—yet it remains one of the most overlooked factors in student achievement. For Black students in Alabama and across the nation, the intersection of race, trauma, and education creates unique mental health challenges that deserve intentional support. Addressing these issues head-on is critical. When Black students are mentally healthy, they’re more likely to stay engaged in school, perform better academically, and build positive relationships with peers and teachers. Supporting mental wellness isn't optional—it's foundational to helping our children thrive. Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Black [...]

Mental Health and Academic Success: Supporting Black Students Holisticallyadmin2025-07-29T12:34:15-05:00

Building the Next Generation of Leaders | The Advocates Chair Ep. 2 with Lashundra Richmond

admin2026-01-30T15:59:42-06:00

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 🌐 [...]

Building the Next Generation of Leaders | The Advocates Chair Ep. 2 with Lashundra Richmondadmin2026-01-30T15:59:42-06:00

Why Advocacy Matters | The Advocates Chair Ep. 1 with Ashlee Taylor, ESQ

admin2026-01-30T15:57:36-06:00

https://youtu.be/K5L2PKiV2pE?si=BSZxh81ofL36i9AK Welcome to the premiere episode of The Advocates Chair by Black Alabamians for Education! 🎙️ In this powerful conversation, attorney and education advocate Ashlee Taylor, ESQ shares the heart behind Black Alabamians for Education, why advocacy is essential for Black students in Alabama, and how communities can rally for real change. 📌 In this episode, we discuss: The mission and vision of Black Alabamians for Education Why education advocacy is critical now more than ever How policy impacts our students and communities Ways YOU can get involved in the movement for equity 🎧 Subscribe and follow to never miss an [...]

Why Advocacy Matters | The Advocates Chair Ep. 1 with Ashlee Taylor, ESQadmin2026-01-30T15:57:36-06:00

Celebrating Success: Stories of Black Educators Making a Difference in Alabama

admin2025-08-28T10:57:22-05:00

Here are just a few of the many educators across the state whose work is making a powerful difference: Dr. Roderick Watts – A Legacy of Equity and Excellence A former board member of Black Alabamians for Education, Dr. Watts served as a mentor and advocate for underserved students for over two decades. His commitment to centering families and pushing for high-quality education access left a legacy of policy impact and community engagement. Ashlee Taylor, Esq. – Bridging Education and Justice As the Director of Operations at Black Alabamians for Education, Ashlee Taylor combines her legal expertise with educational advocacy to [...]

Celebrating Success: Stories of Black Educators Making a Difference in Alabamaadmin2025-08-28T10:57:22-05:00