Latest News | Black Alabamians for Education

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

admin2026-05-18T15:19:36-05:00

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 Explainedadmin2026-05-18T15:19:36-05:00

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

admin2026-05-04T11:05:44-05:00

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 Advocacyadmin2026-05-04T11:05:44-05:00

Duncan Kirkwood Biography

admin2026-04-27T14:42:06-05:00

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 Biographyadmin2026-04-27T14:42:06-05:00

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

admin2026-04-25T22:10:19-05:00

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 Explainedadmin2026-04-25T22:10:19-05:00

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