Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

Education begins with collaboration.

Ms. Shana Asby shares her nontraditional journey from mentor and advocate to founder of Mosaic TEAL School, a microschool designed to better serve neurodivergent Black and Brown learners. Inspired by her own educational experiences and her journey as a parent, Shana reflects on the challenges Black educators face, including burnout, low pay, and having their expertise questioned because of unconventional career paths. She explains why true student success depends on strong partnerships between educators, families, and communities.

We have to teach the whole child—not just the curriculum.

Shana introduces the vision behind Mosaic TEAL School, where Theology, Education, Arts, and Leadership come together to create hands-on, student-centered learning. Passionate about developing both technical knowledge and essential life skills, she believes education should prepare students to thrive long after graduation. Grounded in purpose, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Shana's story is a powerful reminder that reimagining education starts with meeting every child where they are and empowering them to become who they were created to be.

“I want students to feel seen, safe, and empowered to be themselves.”

Dr. Shannon Jones reflects on her journey from aspiring physician to immunology professor and researcher. Inspired by her father, a Black math teacher and coach who dedicated more than 30 years to under-resourced schools, and by mentors who encouraged her to pursue research, Dr. Jones shares how she overcame culture shock and imposter syndrome. She offers an honest perspective on the realities of Black education, from inequitable school funding to the changing perceptions of higher education in today's world.

Dr. Jones discusses the joy she finds in making complex science accessible, and how she intentionally creates welcoming classroom and lab spaces where students know they belong, especially those who may feel underrepresented. Grounded in mentorship, curiosity, and a deep love for teaching, Dr. Jones reminds us that the most meaningful legacy an educator can leave is helping students discover confidence in both their abilities and themselves.

Whitney Whiting-Gonzalez

Interim Director of Partner Programs

Black educators provide the validation, care, and guidance that many students cannot find anywhere else. 

In this episode, Whitney Whiting-Gonzalez shares her journey from aspiring Wall Street professional to educator and mentor advocate. A proud Bronx native, Whitney reflects on how witnessing the realities of the financial industry inspired her to pivot from economics toward education, where she began teaching financial literacy to Black and Brown students. She discusses the importance of representation, the challenges Black educators face in having their expertise recognized, and why creating opportunities for students remains at the center of her work.

I want my legacy to be that I opened doors for others. 

Whitney offers a candid perspective on the systemic barriers impacting Black students, from inequitable resources to broader issues of access and opportunity. She shares the joy of watching students gain confidence through financial literacy and the pride of seeing them apply that knowledge in their own lives and families. Grounded in mentorship, community, and service, Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that education is not only about information—it is about empowerment, advocacy, and ensuring the next generation has the access and tools to thrive.

Kenneth Brown, Jr

Administrator, University Center for Access and Success

Black educators have always been innovators, storytellers, and builders of community.

Kenneth Brown, Jr is an administrator with the Center for Access and Success. This week, he shares his journey into higher education and his passion for supporting first-generation college students. Inspired by his mother, a preschool teacher, and the mentors who guided him along the way, Kenny reflects on the transformative power of representation, mentorship, and belonging. He discusses why Black educators remain essential in helping students navigate systems that were not designed for them, and why it is critical to determine which stories will be preserved and taught to future generations.

A diploma is important, but community is what helps students thrive.

Kenny reflects on the challenges facing students, emphasizing the importance of help-seeking behaviors, support networks, and authentic relationships. From celebrating graduates at first-generation stole ceremonies to creating spaces where students feel seen and valued, his work centers on care, encouragement, and empowerment. His vision for education embraces multiple pathways to success and leaves a lasting reminder that the greatest impact educators make is often found in simply showing up, listening, and believing in their students.

“Culture must be supported by structure…”

Cheryl-Lyn Bentley-Harmon

Principal of Bentley Harmon PLLC, Former High School Teacher

https://www.harmoncompliancesolutions.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-lyn-bentley-harmon/

Black educators matter—but supporting and retaining them requires more than recruitment.

How has your life changed since 2020? In this special follow-up episode, educator-turned-attorney Cheryl-Lyn Bentley-Harmon returns to the Black Educators Matter Project 500 Podcast to explore the evolving legal landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Drawing from her experiences as a teacher, civil rights investigator, and founder of Bentley Harmon PLLC, Cheryl-Lyn unpacks the challenges schools face as DEI efforts come under increased scrutiny and explains what educational institutions can legally do to recruit, support, and retain diverse educators.

Equity is not a slogan—it’s a system.

Cheryl-Lyn shares why Black educators remain critical to student success and school culture, while highlighting the often-overlooked barriers that drive many out of the profession. From workplace climate and mentorship to leadership accountability and policy design, she offers practical strategies for building equitable environments where educators can thrive. This timely conversation is a call to action for school leaders committed to moving beyond performative statements toward lasting, meaningful change.

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. Inspired by the Black professors he encountered as a first-generation college student, Dr. Oware shares how representation, mentorship, and affirmation helped him overcome imposter syndrome and find his calling as an educator. He discusses the importance of Black educators as role models who expand students’ sense of possibility and continue a legacy of excellence across generations.

“I see myself as one link in a chain of Black educators who inspire others to dream bigger.”

Dr. Oware offers a thoughtful look at the current state of Black education, highlighting both progress and persistent gaps in college attainment. He also explores his groundbreaking research on hip-hop, race, identity, and culture, using rap music as a gateway to teach complex sociological concepts. Through his scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Oware demonstrates how Black educators help students connect their lived experiences to academic success while building pathways for future generations to thrive.

“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, and creating classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to dream beyond their circumstances.

“We have to rebuild the village.”

Jael discusses the challenges of teaching during and after COVID-19, the importance of strong family partnerships, and why community-centered education is essential for student success. From helping struggling readers and English language learners find confidence to celebrating every win with joy and intention, she believes that praise, exposure, and high expectations can transform lives. Grounded in mentorship, service, and a commitment to meeting students where they are, Jael’s story is a powerful reminder that lasting impact happens when educators, families, and communities work together.

"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, community-driven teaching looks like. He speaks candidly about the systemic and structural challenges Black educators face and why real transformation demands reshaping the systems that govern what students learn, how they're valued, and what futures they can imagine.

"The state of Black education is ultimately a reflection of the quality of education in Black homes." 

With this grounding belief, Claton offers a perspective that is both clear-eyed about historical injustice and filled with genuine hope. He highlights the resilience and achievements of Black students and educators at HBCUs, the growing opportunity created by technology and AI, and the irreplaceable role of family and community as a student's first educators. Claton also opens up about sustaining joy in emotionally demanding work through intentional boundaries, positive relationships, and centering student strengths. Claton ends with a reflection on legacy, the power of mentorship, and a deep gratitude for the opportunity to amplify Black excellence and hope within the community.

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 grade, where one encounter changed the trajectory of his life. What followed was years of grinding, working multiple jobs, playing rugby, and even fighting professionally, all to fund the $130,000 path to becoming a certified flight instructor.

Charles is passionate about what his presence in the cockpit means for the next generation. In a field dominated by a "boys' club" culture where Black instructors are rare, he understands that visibility is everything. His call to action is encouraging other professional pilots to return to their communities and speak to students directly, showing them that aviation is within reach. His teaching philosophy is rooted in safety, patience, and letting students grow through the process. And while the skies may not yet be equal, Charles Small is doing his part to make sure more Black students look up and see themselves there.

“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 a mentoring program as a college student to managing wraparound support services, Roosevelt has spent his career closing the gaps that keep Black students from reaching their full potential.

“A future where students are ready.”

Roosevelt pulls no punches when assessing the state of Black education, calling for an "acceleration mandate" to address deep readiness gaps in academics, financial literacy, and goal-setting. Through mentorship, personal mission statements, and intentional storytelling, he is equipping students with the tools to seize every opportunity in front of them. He speaks on the intentional practice of scheduling rest, how he cultivates joy, and what he hopes his legacy as an educator will be.