Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

“I never forgot about my time as a K-12 educator.” Dr. Siobhan Flowers Licensed Mental Health Therapist / Higher Ed Professor (Former 7th grade ELA teacher and Lead HS Counselor) https://www.balancedblackeducator.com/ "Black educators are more than just teachers… they are like family." In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the honor of conversing with Dr. Siobhan Flowers, a Licens...

"God, what is my next move? What am I supposed to do?" Mr. Eugene Banks https://www.youngblackscholar.com/ Elementary School Math Instructional Coach, 4th Grade Math and Science "In a matter of moments, you can change the trajectory of a student’s life with the power of your words." In this episode, we introduce you to the remarkable Mr. Eugene Banks, an educator with a commitm...

“I know what my passion is. I know where I need to be.” Assistant Principal, Social Science/History Teacher kendaldavis1992@gmail.com "Teaching and school can be something a bit different than what we are used to seeing." In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the pleasure of conversing with Mr. Kendal Davis, an Assistant Principal with a background in Social Science/History. Kenda...

“Why are you not giving yourself a solution?” Rhia Gibbs, Black Teachers Connect Educational consultant, Former teacher sociology, criminology https://blackteachersconnect.co.uk/ "Become a teacher and conquer the world." In this week's insightful episode, we sat down with Rhia Gibbs, an accomplished educational consultant with a background in sociology and criminology. Rhia's edu...

Dr. Evisha Ford, LCSW I Can Dream Center Founder, Executive Director, Author Author: Benches in the Bathroom: Leading a Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Safe School Culture "Err on the side of children." In this week's episode, we had the honor of interviewing Dr. Evisha Ford, a 20-year veteran educator whose wisdom shines through her dedication to students. Dr. Ford's mantr...

“There have been Black people in the UK at least 2,000 years ago, to Roman times…” Mr. Tony Warner London, England Author, Educator, Entrepreneur “We didn’t learn any African history before slavery, we learned about slavery as if that’s where Black history began.” What does it mean to bring history to life? Today’s guest Mr. Tony Warner is the author of Black History Walks in London Volume 1 produ...

“We need to see each other.” Justin Hampton Meteorology Professor, Operation Calculus Instructor, Tutor “Look at the prospects of what math can do for them…”  #Shoutout to South Side Prep! This week, we are joined by Brooke’s high school classmate, Justin Hampton! Justin reflects on his elementary and high school experiences on the south side of Chicago, the culture shock he experienced attending...

“You can’t be what you can’t see.” Markayle Tolliver LINK Unlimited Scholars Instructor, Mentor “My teaching, my impact, my work is really sticking with the students…” #Shoutout to returning to your roots and pouring into the community that made you, AND to the nontraditional educators! This week, we’re connecting with Mr. Markayle Tolliver, who shares how his K-12 experience in Chicago, growing u...

“Black Educators are the Gold Mine of our community.” Tiffany Ford Little Leaders Learning Academy Leaders and Legends Performing Arts Academy “You have to know the kids to get through…” From an early age, Tiffany Ford developed a passion for school as she watched her mother work as an educator. Her diverse, well rounded educational experiences prepared her for a career in early education, but a D...

“We have a Black principal, so we need to have this conversation with you.” Ally Wright Founding Principal, Middle School English, High School Humanities “Please come teach that here…” Have you ever heard the phrase that your gifts will make room for you? That’s exactly what happened for Educator Ally Wright, who combined her love of Black Liberation and education as she launched her career (#shou...

“You get an experience…” Dr. Duane Davis Executive Director, K-12 Initiatives, University of Chicago, Edpreneur My Very Own Library Youtube: My Very Own Library “Seeing yourself… We are who we waiting for… we all we got.” With 28 years under his belt and after wearing many different hats, Dr. Duane Davis takes us to school on the nuances and context of the P-20 landscape, school choice, and the gr...

“It really was a cathartic, healing tool for me…” Ms. Khadijah Butler Nonprofit Founder and President, Author “I’m going to write a book so people can learn how to do it themselves…” Laying the Foundation, Brick by Brick . Khadijah Butler believes in the power of investing in the lives of Black and Brown youth , and does that each day via the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation . With the desir...

“... showing every student that they can be great, they can reach their full potential.” Cam McKennedy Middle School Teacher, Teach From DeHart Academy Co-Founder / Assistant Dean of Operations Teach From DeHart Academy www.teachfromdehart.org “My mom tells me that I’m blessed with a burden.” Cam McKennedy has been teaching for 2 years, speaks with the wisdom of a seasoned educator, and is already...

“You need to find a way to connect…” Mr. Jonathan Love Founder of The Love Institute, Speech Language Pathologist ‘Trust comes from a sense of love…” What does it mean to embrace the culture of being an African American student? What is academic excellence? Growing up in Chicago, Mr. Jonathan Love was fortunate to experience an elementary school that was the epitome of a village, a diverse high sc...

Lauren Griffin, Elementary School Music Teacher Blair Savage, High School Special Education Teacher “I’m starting to see the bigger picture…” Talk about a full circle moment! As we kick off Season 2, Blair and Lauren are back! Our very first guests share updates and dig deeper into topics we touched on during their initial BEM visit in February 2020… What led the two Chicago high school bandheads...

We’re Back! It’s time to record Season 2 of the Project 500 Podcast with Black Educators Matter! This year, Co-Founders Danielle and Brooke join forces on their quest to feature the stories of 500 Black educators, answering the culturally critical question “Why do Black Educators Matter?” On this Season 2 preview episode, tune in as they talk about the Bonus Blessings of their childhood educationa...

“It’s always about the relationships you develop with your students…” Mr. Willie Watson Teacher: Middle School, High School, Drama, Creative Writing This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this series, we will celebrate the impact and legacy of four Al...

“We have an opportunity to fulfill our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Dr. Jon Goodwin Professor, College of Education School Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this series, we will celebrate the impact and legacy o...

“One size does not fit all.” Dr. Robert (Dr. Bert) Davis Veterinarian, Biology Teacher, President and CEO of America’s Black Holocaust Museum This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this series, we will celebrate the impact and legacy of four Alpha edu...

“It was the bug that bit me… this is my calling.” Dr. Carlos Grant Principal, Science Teacher Twitter: @DrCarlosGrant Facebook: Bold Leadership Consultants www.boldleadershipconsultants.com This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this series, we will c...

“I thought, working in universities, I was gonna just jump in, changing lives, inspiring students… but what they don’t tell you about is the politics, the hierarchy, and having to deal with the mental health issues of the students, and I found that all so shocking.” Dr. Shawntia Key CEO and Founder URep Abroad, Edpreneur www.urepabroad.com “Black educators matter because it allows us to control ou...

“I don’t want to sit at everyone’s table. There are somes tables we just need to create for ourselves.” Kevin Simpson Edpreneur, Educator, Mentor www.kdslglobal.com www.aieloc.org - Association of International Educators & Leaders of Color “When I think of why Black Educators matter,... I think about representation, …voice, … those that are challenging a system, the revolutionaries that will c...

“We’re in a space where we’re remembering… really going back and seeing our history with a new light. And we’re seeing it not as an oppressive history but a history that is rich.” Alex Munro Humanities Teacher, IB “Black Educators matter because we play an important role in empowering, uplifting and setting the example for others to follow.” Alex Munro grew up in the DC/Maryland area. He is a firs...

(A)broad in Education Black Educators matter because “being educators is in our history.” Tiffany Smith Early childhood Educator, Adult Educator, Journalist, Activist and Researcher https://www.abroadineducation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/abroad_in_ed/ “Black teachers are an endangered species and we’re at risk of being eliminated.” - Beverly Cole (1986) Born and raised in Alton, IL, Tiffany S...

“The value of having a Black educator… to give you perspective, to sit you down and to set you straight.” Andrea Vaughn Director of Corporate Engagement at Year Up Chicago “Educators help shine a spotlight on our native geniuses. And once you find it, it ignites something in you that just catapults you in a way.” Hailing from Jamaica by way of New Jersey, we speak with Andrea Vaughn. Her career st...