advocacy | Black Alabamians for Education

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

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

Giving Tuesday 2025

admin2025-11-20T10:31:36-06:00

BA4E is proud to join the global movement for generosity. Your support helps us educate, empower, and engage Black families across Alabama through leadership programs, advocacy training, and statewide community outreach. Join the mission—every contribution fuels change. Give at https://giv.li/cyqu74

Giving Tuesday 2025admin2025-11-20T10:31:36-06:00

The Impact of Mental Health on Education in Alabama’s Black Community

admin2024-07-23T12:13:15-05:00

Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and its impact on education is profound, especially within the Black community in Alabama. Historical and systemic challenges have contributed to mental health disparities, affecting academic performance and educational outcomes. Mental Health Challenges in the Black Community Historical Trauma and Systemic Inequities: Historical trauma and ongoing systemic inequities have had lasting effects on the mental health of the Black community. Issues such as discrimination, economic disparities, and limited access to mental health care exacerbate stress and anxiety levels. Stigma Around Mental Health: There is a significant stigma surrounding mental health issues within [...]

The Impact of Mental Health on Education in Alabama’s Black Communityadmin2024-07-23T12:13:15-05:00

Alabama Reading Scores: An Overview of Recent Trends and Initiatives

admin2024-06-20T13:46:21-05:00

Alabama has been focusing on improving reading proficiency among its students, particularly in the early grades. Recent data from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reveals that 24% of Alabama’s third graders were reading below grade level in 2023, an increase from 22% in 2022. This rise in below-grade-level readers highlights ongoing challenges, despite the state’s efforts to boost literacy rates. The Literacy Act and Its Impact The Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019, aims to ensure that all students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. The act has led to significant investments in reading instruction [...]

Alabama Reading Scores: An Overview of Recent Trends and Initiativesadmin2024-06-20T13:46:21-05:00

Parent Symposium 2024

admin2024-04-12T09:52:34-05:00

Join us for our Parent Symposium 2024, where we are #PRESSING forward in education and empowerment! Building on the success of last year's event, this year's symposium promises to be even more enlightening and engaging. Date: August 10, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: The Venue at Coosa Landing 201 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, AL 35903 Theme: #Pressing This year's theme reflects our commitment to advancing education and advocacy for our children. We will explore pressing issues in education and empower parents to be effective advocates for their children's education. What to Expect: Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Hear from renowned [...]

Parent Symposium 2024admin2024-04-12T09:52:34-05:00

Elevating Education: A Guide to Advocacy in Alabama

admin2024-03-18T15:10:01-05:00

Alabama's educational landscape is rich with potential, yet it also faces significant challenges. As advocates for education, we have the power to drive positive change and ensure every student receives a quality education. In this blog post, we'll explore how to effectively advocate for education in Alabama and the benefits of doing so. Understanding the Importance of Advocacy: Advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping education policy and ensuring that schools receive the resources they need. By advocating for education, we can help improve student outcomes, promote equity in education, and support educators in their vital work. How to Advocate for [...]

Elevating Education: A Guide to Advocacy in Alabamaadmin2024-03-18T15:10:01-05:00

Empowering Black Alabamians: The Power of Parent Engagement in Alabama Schools

admin2024-01-16T12:22:02-06:00

In the vibrant tapestry of Alabama's education landscape, the role of parent engagement is paramount. For Black Alabamians, active involvement in their children's education is not just a choice; it's a powerful tool for shaping a brighter future. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of parent engagement, discuss how to do it right, and understand the essence of parent engagement itself. Understanding Parent Engagement: Parent engagement is more than just attending parent-teacher conferences or school events. It is a holistic approach that involves parents actively participating in their child's learning journey. This includes supporting academic endeavors, fostering a positive learning [...]

Empowering Black Alabamians: The Power of Parent Engagement in Alabama Schoolsadmin2024-01-16T12:22:02-06:00

Scholarship Opportunities for Black Students in Alabama

admin2023-12-01T10:47:11-06:00

Access to quality education is a cornerstone of empowerment and progress. In Alabama, numerous scholarship opportunities exist to support the educational aspirations of Black students. This blog aims to shine a spotlight on these initiatives, providing a valuable resource for those seeking financial assistance to pursue their academic dreams. 1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Alabama boasts several renowned HBCUs, each offering scholarship programs that empower Black students. From tuition assistance to merit-based scholarships, these institutions are committed to fostering educational excellence and advancing the African American community. 2. Statewide Programs: Explore Alabama's statewide scholarship programs designed to uplift Black [...]

Scholarship Opportunities for Black Students in Alabamaadmin2023-12-01T10:47:11-06:00

The Role of Community in Black Education: Spotlight on BlackAL4Edu

admin2023-10-17T12:26:27-05:00

Education is a fundamental cornerstone of individual growth and societal progress, and it's widely recognized that a supportive community plays a vital role in a student's educational journey. Within the Black community, educational equity and representation have been ongoing challenges for generations. However, a rising movement, BlackAL4Edu, is determined to reshape the narrative surrounding Black education by placing the spotlight on community empowerment and advocacy. The Challenges Faced by Black Parents and Students Before we delve into BlackAL4Edu's incredible work, it's essential to acknowledge the unique challenges that Black students have faced throughout history. Systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, inadequate educational resources, [...]

The Role of Community in Black Education: Spotlight on BlackAL4Eduadmin2023-10-17T12:26:27-05:00