Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast Danielle Moneyham and Brooke Brown

“Ms. Stampley was my inspiration…”

Barbara Bennett

Reading Interventionist, Pre K, K, 1st - 3rd



"I had the best teachers." 

This week we are joined by Ms. Barbara Bennett, a dedicated reading interventionist with a background in Pre-K - 3. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Bennett was highly inspired by her teacher, Ms. Stampley, and experienced the profound impact of having Black educators who understood the urgency of her community's needs. Reflecting on her son's contrasting educational journey, she notes the systemic challenges he’s encountered, including low expectations and lack of resources, like a science lab and the ability to apply to certain high schools. 



"Black educators make their students see that they have the capability to do more and be more." 

Barbara shares multiple stories of the impact Black educators can have on their students. From reflecting on her high school science teacher to her own pursuit of teacher licensure, her village (which included a lot of Alpha Kappa Alpha women!) prepared her to advocate for all students, including her own son. Her passion for education is rooted in the heart and empathy she brings to the classroom, mirroring the love and care she received from her mentor. 



Sending special gratitude and a huge #Shoutout to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Xi Nu Omega Chapter, where Barbara and Danielle are both active members. Danielle was invited to host a Black Educators Matter table at the March 2024 Chapter meeting, and Barbara signed up to share her story!

“I’m overjoyed that our kids now have these opportunities.”



Wil Page

Climate Justice

6th Grade Math/Science



"It was joyful," says Wil Page, reflecting on his journey as a 6th-grade science teacher with 16 years of experience. Growing up in Los Angeles, he navigated the complexities of being the only biracial child in his class. Inspired by his unapologetically Black kindergarten teacher and his parents' involvement in education, he became an activist educator. As a career changer, Page entered education through an alternative teacher training program. 



"Take your mental health days," advises Page, who believes in the importance of self-care for educators. As an active member of United Teachers Los Angeles, he’s proud of the Black Student Achievement Plan and the exposure to HBCUs. He had the opportunity to create a Climate Justice class to inspire his students to become climate activists. He speaks on the power of a strong mentor community, the Black men that inspired him, and how he’s empowering his students to lead the next movement.

“This is our Selma Bridge.”

Dr. Qiana O’Leary

https://drqianaoleary.com/

www.minty-es.com



"A glorious, glorious journey." 

#Shoutout to the storytellers. This week, we sit with Dr. Qiana O'Leary, CEO, Founder, and Owner of Minty Educational Services, as she reflects on moments of joy and pain throughout her 27-year career. Starting as an instructional aide and now an assistant professor, her journey is a testament to the impact and importance of Black educators (ask her former student LaQuan!) and following the calling on your life. Growing up in Los Angeles during the crack epidemic, she was forced to grow up fast, and these experiences fueled her commitment to social justice in education.



"We bring culture to the classroom." 

As trailblazers who set the path of newness, Dr. O'Leary highlights the unique perspective and value that Black educators offer. Her experiences across academic environments has prepared her to co-create schools and empower parents, educators and students. Qiana breaks down the impact of Brown v. Board, the school to prison pipeline, and why she’s inspired by the new generation of teachers and students. Her book, Lead with Truth, is out now, and she dropped hints about her future work, “Teaching Saved Me.” She also shares about the signature programs through Minty Educational Services (and the 10 acre farm!!!). Tune in as we discuss the revolutionary power of Black educators.

Dante Plush

Director of Youth Engagement, Comedian

IG: @DanteFlush 

“We need to address these educational barriers that are stopping our kids outside of school from getting a good education inside of school.”



“What is there to be scared of?” 

Dante Flush, Director of Youth Engagement, says he has the best job in the world as he supports and listens to changemakers every day and works to reject survival mode while engaging in the work. Growing up in a predominantly white conservative town, Dante experienced microaggressions and a sense of isolation, and had to navigate the college process as the first in his family to attend. As a history major turned teacher, he was presented with an awesome new opportunity that allowed him to address challenges outside of school and work to co-create with students.



“Teach young people how to advocate for themselves.” 

Dante's mission extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to address societal challenges. As a former teacher, he recalls the real drama in schools, highlighting the pressures and triggers educators face, especially in Title 1 schools, and the need to actively reject imposter syndrome. Through his advocacy and dedication, Dante embodies the belief that education is not just about academics but also highlighting the ways that students showcase their purpose, power and excellence.

“We aren’t looking for allies… we are looking for co-conspirators…”

Cecily My-art Cruz

6th and 7th English Teacher, President, United Teachers Los Angeles

https://utla.net/contacts/cecily-myart-cruz/



“All I knew was Black educators showing us Black excellence on a daily basis.”

In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Cecily My-art Cruz, a passionate educator and president of United Teachers Los Angeles. With 29 years of experience, Cecily's journey in education has been deeply influenced by her upbringing in Los Angeles, where she was surrounded by Black educators who exemplified excellence and instilled a sense of pride in their students. She draws inspiration from her ancestors (including her father!), leaning on their guidance to navigate her path forward as an activist educator.



“We’ve been doing all of this work. It’s time to take it to the next level.”

Cecily's commitment to her students goes beyond the classroom; she is a fierce advocate for racial justice and equity in education. She emphasizes the importance of representation, stating that "our babies need to see us in these spaces." Through her leadership, she has worked to dismantle harmful systems and create safe environments for all students. Cecily's dedication to her students and community serves as a powerful example of how educators can make a lasting impact by being their authentic selves and advocating for change.

“I feel like I found my revolution in teaching.”

Rodney Powell

School Principal, Founder EdArchy



“I want to see free kids have free thoughts.”

"In education, we have the power to construct freedom," shares Mr. Rodney Powell, a school principal and founder of EdArchy, as he reflects on his journey and vision for education. His path into education was not conventional, but driven by a deep-rooted desire to be a revolutionary and create meaningful change. Despite not attending an HBCU himself, he recognizes the value and impact they have, particularly in fostering a strong sense of pride and community.



“My journey was meant to be seamlessly integrated with the community.”

Over the last two decades, Mr. Powell has been at the forefront of innovative education, founding schools with African-centered curricula and empowering students to be agents of change. His work extends beyond the classroom, advocating for a paradigm shift in education that prioritizes Black joy, ownership, and freedom. Through EdArchy, he aims to incubate and amplify the ideas of young people, emphasizing the importance of creating communities and spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Mr. Powell's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education when grounded in community, empowerment, and liberation… a “villatucian”.