In this final episode of Black Learners In Focus, IFE Fellows Rev. John C. Jones and Marvin Pierre discuss the crucial role of mobilizing parents and communities to advance education for Black learners. They are joined by Jamaur Barnes, Shawn Rushing, and Dr. Ralph F. Murphy II, who highlight the transformative power of engaged stakeholders. They also share insights into the challenges and successes of fostering collaboration, providing impactful reflections on the current state of Black education, and envisioning a future where unified efforts propel the educational journey of Black learners toward excellence. This episode would not have been possible without the support of IFE Fellow William “Will” Collins.

In this fourth episode of Black Learners In Focus, IFE Fellows Rictor Craig, Jr., TS Hoard, and Dr. Stephen McClain delve into the inspiring journey of Black men who are paving the way in education, becoming true legacy builders for the next generation. They are joined by Devin Morris, Randal Seriguchi, Jr., and Joseph E. Speight, Jr., who explore the challenges faced by Black men in both non-traditional and traditional education roles while also sharing their personal triumphs, struggles, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way. This episode would not have been possible without the support of IFE Fellow Dr. Rahesha S. Amon.

In this third episode of Black Learners In Focus, IFE Fellows Joy Delizo-Osborne and Dr. Simone Wright are joined by Drs. Kaycee Brock and Danny A. Rojas to discuss the crucial topic of Black learners and their access (or lack thereof) to high-wage, high-growth careers through both degree and non-degree pathways.

In this second episode of Black Learners In Focus, IFE Fellows Dr. Nia Woods Haydel and Dr. Zachary E.A. Shirley highlight the profound impact that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts have on Black learners in higher education and the impact that such services, as well as the loss of those services, have on communities. They are joined by an esteemed panel, which includes Harold Brown, Joshua C. Moore, and Dr. Margaret Montgomery-Richard, to examine the current climate in higher education as we witness DEIB initiatives changing, shifting, and, in some cases, being eliminated.

In this first episode of Black Learners In Focus, IFE Fellows Sarika Simpson and Dr. Terris Ross are joined by Drs. Roderick L. Carey, Tyrone C. Howard, and Alfred W. Tatum to discuss the crucial topics of measuring success, the role of AI in education, and the profound impact and implications they have on Black families and communities. This insightful conversation provides a deeper understanding and strategies to foster equitable educational environments that engage and uplift Black learners.

Black Learners In Focus is a 5-episode podcast series produce by Innovation For Equity’s 2023 IFE Senior Leadership Fellows, better known as Cohort 3. In this series, our fellows delve into a broad spectrum of topics, spanning from PK-12 education through postsecondary and into the workforce all with a goal of offering an immersive view of the current education landscape.