The Advocate's Chair

Black Alabamians for Education

The Advocates Chair is a new podcast by Black Alabamians for Education, spotlighting the voices, stories, and solutions that center Black students in Alabama’s education system. This series is part of our ongoing mission to elevate the conversation around educational equity and community-driven change. The Advocates Chair, brought to you by Black Alabamians for Education, is a space for authentic conversations about equity, education, and the personal ‘why’ that drives change in Alabama schools. Honest conversations with parents, educators, and policymakers Stories that make educati

  1. 3d ago

    The Advocate's Chair | From Buffalo to Black Education Advocacy | Duncan Kirkwood on Leadership, Resilience & School Choice

    In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with nationally recognized education advocate, author, resilience trainer, and former BAEO Alabama State Director Duncan Kirkwood for a conversation that is honest, inspiring, and deeply transformational. From growing up in Buffalo, New York, to finding purpose at Alabama State University, Duncan shares how education changed the trajectory of his life and fueled his passion for advocacy, leadership, and empowering families. In this episode, Duncan discusses: • How HBCUs transformed his identity and purpose• The realities of educational inequity in America• Why parent advocacy matters now more than ever• The importance of resilience, grit, and personal responsibility• His journey from education organizer to international resilience trainer• Lessons learned from leadership, public service, and community organizing• Why transformational leadership is about impact — not titles Duncan also shares the story behind his book Rerouting: Resilience Tools & Tactics and how it led to speaking engagements and trainings across the country and internationally. This episode is packed with wisdom for parents, educators, advocates, leaders, and anyone passionate about creating change in their communities. 🎥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations that equip, inform, and empower families across Alabama and beyond. 📍Hosted by Black Alabamians for Education📅 Join us for the Parent Symposium in Selma, Alabama on August 8th.

    32 min

  2. May 7

    The Advocate’s Chair ft. Dr. Genesis Player | Freedom Prep & The Power of Education Advocacy

    In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Genesis Player for an inspiring and honest conversation about education, leadership, and community impact. Dr. Player shares her journey from Birmingham City Schools to becoming a leader in education, her deep roots in advocacy, and how her lived experiences shape the work she does today. From being the first school social worker in Birmingham City Schools to now leading Freedom Prep Academy in Alabama, her story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ The importance of community engagement in education ✨ What true advocacy looks like in action ✨ The role of school choice in Alabama ✨ How Freedom Prep is preparing students for college and life ✨ Why representation and culture matter in schools This conversation is for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about improving outcomes for Black and Brown students. 💡 Key Takeaway: Education is more than academics—it’s access, opportunity, and empowerment. 📍 Learn more about Black Alabamians for Education: https://www.blackal4edu.org 📍 Explore Freedom Prep: https://freedomprep.org 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations that matter. #TheAdvocatesChair #BA4E #EducationAdvocacy #SchoolChoice #FreedomPrep #BlackEducationMatters #Leadership

    34 min

  3. Apr 1

    James Thornton | The Real Work Behind Advocacy in Alabama | The Advocates Chair

    What does it really take to move from awareness to action in education?In this episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with Birmingham native and community leader James Thornton—a former educator, Family & Community Organizer, and Success Coach—to unpack the real work behind advocacy in Alabama.From navigating multiple school systems to discovering gaps in access and opportunity, James shares how his personal journey shaped his passion for empowering families and strengthening communities.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why representation matters in the classroomThe moment James realized education disparities were realHow families can move from frustration → advocacyWhat it takes to build collective power in communitiesThe truth about systemic barriers—and how to overcome themThis conversation is a powerful reminder that education isn’t just a system—it’s a community effort.👉 Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, act bolder, and stay engaged.📌 Connect with Black Alabamians for EducationStay informed. Get involved. Be the change. #AdvocatesChair #EducationMatters #BlackEducation #CommunityLeadership #ParentAdvocacy #BirminghamAL

    30 min

  4. Mar 5

    Dr. Henry Davis on Leadership, Education & Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone | the Advocate's Chair

    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 in today’s education climate The power of exposure in expanding a child’s future How participating in Next Level Leaders led him to run for public office Why businesses must invest in local schools to strengthen communities As the youngest elected city council member in Calera’s history, Dr. Davis embodies what it means to step outside your comfort zone and lead with purpose. His message is clear:“Exposure leads to expansion. Your brain can only go where it’s been.” This episode is for parents, educators, community leaders, entrepreneurs — and anyone who believes leadership isn’t confined to a job title. 👉 Watch, share, and join the conversation.

    30 min

  5. Feb 5

    Ep. 11 How Alabama Families Can Access Education Choice w/Tonya Jones

    In this informative and heartfelt episode of The Advocate’s Chair, host Neonta Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Black Alabamians for Education, sits down with Tonya Jones of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF) for a deep dive into education choice, access, and opportunity for Alabama families.Tonya shares her personal journey—from growing up in Bruton, Alabama, to working in accounting, education, and advocacy—and how her family’s experience with limited access to education shaped her lifelong commitment to helping others. Her passion for educational equity is rooted in real stories, real families, and real impact.This episode breaks down complex policy into plain language and covers:🎓 What the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF) is and who it serves📜 How the Alabama Accountability Act works and who qualifies🔄 The difference between “failing schools” and today’s priority schools🏫 How scholarships support students in public, private, charter, microschool, and homeschool settings💡 Common misconceptions about opportunity scholarships and accountability💙 Powerful stories of students who thrived after finding the right school fitThe conversation also takes a timely deep dive into the CHOOSE Act, explaining:💰 Education Savings Accounts ($7,000 for school-based students; $2,000 for homeschool students)🧾 What expenses qualify🖥️ How the ClassWallet system works⏰ Important application deadlines and how families can applyThis episode is a must-watch for parents, guardians, educators, and advocates who want to better understand the tools available to support students—regardless of zip code, income, or learning style.🎧 Because education isn’t one-size-fits-all—and families deserve real options.Follow Black Alabamians for Education:🌐 Website:https://www.blackal4edu.org📱 Facebook: / blackal4edu 📷 Instagram: / blackal4education

    31 min

  6. Jan 22

    The Advocate’s Chair | Episode 8: LaSharron Harris – Advocacy, Access & Eliminating College Debt

    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 and real tools for parents:How to be intentional starting as early as 9th gradeWhy college planning is a family strategy, not a solo actHow to reduce (or avoid) student loan debtThe power of culture, confidence, and believing in our childrenWhat it truly means to sit in The Advocate’s ChairIf you’re a parent, educator, or community leader looking to clear pathways for students and families—this episode is a must-watch.🎓 Because access without strategy is just hope—and we’re building plans.👉 Subscribe, like, and share to help us amplify voices that move education forward.

    30 min

  7. Jan 2

    Legislative Talk | The Advocates Chair with Ontario Tillman Ep.10

    🎙️ | Legislative Talk with Ontario TillmanIn 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 sessionHow parents and community members can engage before and during sessionOntario’s Three P’s Framework: Personal | Policy | PoliticalThe importance of understanding pre-filed bills, including HB66The teacher pay bill and what it could mean for Alabama classroomsWhy being an informed voter is critical to education advocacyThis episode is a must-watch for parents, educators, advocates, and anyone who wants to better understand how laws are made — and how your voice fits into the process.📣 Get involved. Stay informed. Be intentional.👉 Learn more and connect with us: www.blackal4edu.org👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations centered on education, policy, and family empowerment in Alabama.

    34 min

  8. 12/22/2025

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

    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 2026This is a different kind of episode; warm, relaxed, full of personality, and a perfect way to close out the year with gratitude and joy.Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or simply taking time to reflect, this episode will leave you smiling and inspired.

    46 min
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About

The Advocates Chair is a new podcast by Black Alabamians for Education, spotlighting the voices, stories, and solutions that center Black students in Alabama’s education system. This series is part of our ongoing mission to elevate the conversation around educational equity and community-driven change. The Advocates Chair, brought to you by Black Alabamians for Education, is a space for authentic conversations about equity, education, and the personal ‘why’ that drives change in Alabama schools. Honest conversations with parents, educators, and policymakers Stories that make educati

Information

  • Creator
    Black Alabamians for Education
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Black Alabamians for Education
  • Show Website
    The Advocate's Chair