Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

Dr. Matthew Oware  Professor I Got Something to Say: Gender, Race, and Social Consciousness in Rap Music https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9783319904535 “Seeing Black excellence in the classroom changed what I believed was possible for my own life.” In this episode, sociologist and University of Richmond professor Matthew Oware reflects on his journey from Chicago’s South Side to higher education....

“ Black educators help students see what’s possible. ” In this episode, Philadelphia second-grade teacher Jael Ferguson shares her nontraditional journey into education, leaving a toxic office job to pursue her calling through a teacher residency program. Inspired by mentors and the Black educators who poured into her along the way, Jael reflects on the importance of representation, leadership, an...

"Broader change requires influencing policy and systems to reach thousands."   This conviction sits at the heart of Claton Lewis's career. As Assistant Director for Career Readiness at Morgan State University, Claton traces a journey from Trinidad and Tobago through entrepreneurship and into higher education, shaped by family legacy and key mentors who modeled what intentional, commu...

In this episode, we welcome Charles Small, a flight instructor from Richmond, Virginia — and a Black Educators Matter first. Not only is Charles our first aviation instructor featured on the podcast, but he is also the son and brother of two previous podcast guests, making this a true family affair. His journey into aviation began with a single tour of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 10th...

“My joy is my responsibility” Roosevelt Smith Student Manager; Program Director “So I like to say, I went to college and I never came out,” In this episode, we sit down with Roosevelt Smith, a student manager and program director at York College in Queens, New York, whose career has been built on one core belief: students deserve to be ready for the opportunities waiting for them. From co-founding...

"I think that's really what education is about, you know, providing opportunity." Dr. Jonathan Quash Executive Director, Music Educator "I just happened to really believe in the power of the arts and how the arts can help transform a person's life. " In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Quash, University Executive Director for the Black Male Initiative at CUNY...

I didn't want to become an assistant, to be honest with you. It's people that just see something in me… Keshia Smith Assistant Principal And so we as educators, it might not necessarily be by a book… but it is where we did what we had to do and we figured it out. And I think that's the beauty of us, is we're going to figure it out. In this episode, we sit down with Keshia Smith, an...

“I think that there was a catalyst moment in my life, and so, life took me into education, but if I had been paying attention, I would have known that this is where I was supposed to be all along.” Ms. Shanelle Smith Principal https://www.hbcuwalkingbillboard.org/ “My new message became y'all can accomplish a whole lot more together than apart.” In this powerful episode, we sit down with Princ...

“And so for us right now, in urban spaces, in cities, we have a beautiful opportunity as a group of educators right now.” Terris King, II Founder, Temple X Schools and Baltimore Forest School, former Kindergarten Teacher https://www.baltimoreforestschool.org/ “I’m all about birth to eight years old. I believe it’s the most important time of a young person’s life.”  In this week’s episode, Terris K...

“The future of education has got to be innovative.” Tannette Elie “I come from a family of educators and I never ever thought that I would be a teacher, never.”  Tannette Elie’s path to the classroom began as a longtime journalist and business columnist before transitioning into higher education. Now an adjunct associate lecturer at a Wisconsin institution, she turned a part-time teaching opportun...

“There is a special level of comfort and communication that happens between educators of color and students of color, and I have been privileged to experience that in every single space of my career.”  Ms. Tymia Morgan ELA / IB Teacher, Teacher Mentor “I'm proud of the way that I've been able to show up and be authentic and genuine in front of my students.” Tymia Morgan brings 20 years of...

“I need to be able to share and give my students power and value, and for them to be empowered in their experiences.” Ms. Jewell Taylor,  Program Coordinator and Counselor “I almost always had a Black educator in my space, and I didn't realize the privilege until later on in life . ”  This week, we are joined by Jewell Taylor, Umoja Program Counselor and Coordinator, to reflect on the power an...

“Education is political.” Juanita Walters Special Education Coordinator, Math Coach, Assistant Principal Awaken Your Joy (Journal) - https://a.co/d/94yW3w7 Tuesday’s At Seven: The Healing Circle - https://a.co/d/2MwmpKD “ This system was never designed with Black children in mind. ”  This week, we are joined by special education coordinator and former correctional officer Juanita Walters, as she u...

Dr. Charlynn Small & Taylor Small Black educators are advocates, protectors, and culture keepers.   In this powerful intergenerational conversation, Dr. Charlynn Small and her daughter, Taylor Small, reflect on their journeys as HBCU graduates and Black educators, discussing the critical role representation, cultural understanding, and advocacy play in the lives of Black students and families....

“Education is the foundation” Jamarquan Houston https://www.allmylinks.com/Stairkeepers “Representation shows you what’s possible.”  In this episode, educator and author Jamarquan Houston shares his journey from the classroom in Milwaukee to broader work advancing BIPOC representation and leadership. With experience teaching across K–12 and coordinating programs that expand opportunity, Jamarquan...

“It is the heartbeat, the drumbeat. It's the heart line, it's the pipeline, it's just so many wonderful things that Black educators do.” Dr. Mazella Fuller https://antiracismandequity.com/antiracism-book-promo/ “Black history is American history, and equity is not optional—it’s essential.”  Dr. Mazella Fuller shares her journey from K–12 classrooms to higher education, clinical social...

“Honestly, education found me…” Higher Definition Leadership and Empowerment Coaching Professor LaToya Green https://www.higherdefinitionlec.com/ “When I think about the future of education, it is just being incessant and being absolute about access for all students...” In this powerful episode of the Black Educators Matter Project 500 Podcast, Professor LaToya Green shares her journey from an une...

"We are the only ones that are going to save us." Kecia Austin Middle School Co-Teacher, Student Council Facilitator "I've always said that Black educators represent liberation." Kecia Austin, a Chicago middle school co-teacher and student council facilitator, shares how her path into education was shaped by a principal who saw her gift early and by her journey as a mother...

“I’m always trying to connect with them - that’s how I keep it joyful.” Ms. Jazmine Cooper Dancing with MISS COOP - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZpL03egB4R0hbOT59IsjA “Yall know yall love my energy.”  In this inspiring episode, Chicago dance educator Jazmine Cooper shares her journey into teaching, shaped by growing up with almost no Black educators and wanting to become the affirming presen...

“Education should be as diverse as the students we teach.”  Jaysyn Green History Teacher, Debate Coach This week, we are joined by Jaysyn Green, a history teacher and debate coach from Compton, California. Jaysyn reflects on her journey into the classroom, inspired by an eighth-grade history teacher who helped her see the power of connecting personal experience to historical truth. She shares how...

Erika DeWalt Director of Talent and Leader Development; Former School Leader “It’s important to have a seat at the table.” In this episode of Black Educators Matter, Erika DeWalt explores why Black educators are essential to the fabric of education and community. She emphasizes that representation in schools builds belonging, trust, and cultural understanding for both students and parents. Erika s...

"Black educators matter because they inspire the next generation to reach their full potential." Dr. Gregory Ross President, Head of School at West End School https://www.ace-edservices.com/ "I strive to be the educator that my younger self needed." In this enlightening episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Gregory Ross, a dynamic leader and educator, who shares his powerful j...

"Education is not just in the classroom; it's a lifelong journey."  Dr. Letha Bell-Jackson Early Childhood Educator and Doctorate in Christian Education "Black educators matter because we are the bridge to understanding and empowerment."  In this enlightening episode of Black Educators Matter, we are thrilled to feature Dr. Letha Bell-Jackson, a dedicated educator with over...

"Black educators matter because we are continuing a legacy from years before us." Shanimarie Ogilvie First Grade Elementary Teacher "I strive to set a high bar for my students because I know they can achieve it." We are thrilled to welcome Shanimarie Ogilvie, a dedicated first-grade teacher with a rich background in education. Originally from Jamaica, Shanimarie reflects on her...

"A Black educator destroys the myth of black inferiority and white supremacy." Jeffrey Barnes Math and Social Studies Teacher "I strive to be the teacher that I needed when I was growing up." In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Jeffrey Barnes, affectionately known as Brother Jeff, a passionate educator who has dedicated his life to teachi...