Latest News | Black Alabamians for Education

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

Ep 9: Holiday Traditions, Laughter & 2025 Reflections with the BA4E Crew | The Advocates Chair

admin2026-01-30T16:48:13-06:00

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 [...]

Ep 9: Holiday Traditions, Laughter & 2025 Reflections with the BA4E Crew | The Advocates Chairadmin2026-01-30T16:48:13-06:00

The Power of Parental Engagement: How Black Parents Can Transform Education in Alabama

admin2026-03-23T17:10:14-05:00

Parental engagement is a cornerstone of academic success. For Black families in Alabama, active involvement in schools is not just beneficial—it’s transformational. When Black parents raise their voices, show up, and advocate for their children, they influence policies, improve educational outcomes, and drive lasting change in communities. In this article, we’ll explore the power of parental involvement in education, the impact on academic success and mental health, and concrete ways Black parents can take action in Alabama's schools. Why Parental Engagement Matters According to the National Education Association, students with engaged families are more likely to: Earn higher grades and test [...]

The Power of Parental Engagement: How Black Parents Can Transform Education in Alabamaadmin2026-03-23T17:10:14-05:00

Ep 7: Building Extreme Minds | Dr. Melissa Capehart Is Redesigning Education | The Advocates Chair

admin2026-01-30T16:43:09-06:00

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 [...]

Ep 7: Building Extreme Minds | Dr. Melissa Capehart Is Redesigning Education | The Advocates Chairadmin2026-01-30T16:43:09-06:00

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

admin2026-03-23T17:10:14-05:00

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 Childrenadmin2026-03-23T17:10:14-05:00