News
These are some of the articles, videos,and more we believe promote the goals and themes of the Black Minds Matter movement. As we work to expand education options for our students, we hope to ensure every person has access to resources to be life-long learners. If you’d like to have a news highlighted here, please email us.
Featured News
Black Minds Matter
The world is in the midst of a civil uprising as more bear witness to the racial and social injustices that take place daily in America, sparked by the abhorrent murders of black men and women.
“Every man has two educations: that which is given to him, and the other which he gives himself. What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the minds like that which we teach ourselves.”
BLACK MINDS MATTER 2025 SUMMIT Panel Proposal Submission Form
The Black Minds Matter summit is the premier event for leaders and education advocates who are concerned about the state of Black education in America. Attendees learn from and engage with thought leaders, elected officials, and policymakers. The 2025 Black Minds Matter summit will be held on October 1-2, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you are interested in submitting a panel for the summit, please fill out the below form no later than May 30, 2025.
Dispelling Myths About the Department of Education with Denisha Allen
Is the U.S. Department of Education a barrier to school choice? Denisha Allen, founder of Black Minds Matter addresses this question head-on, challenging misconceptions and advocating for policies that prioritize students over systems.
Linda McMahon’s first official K-12 visit: A Black-Founded Bronx charter school
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently embarked on her inaugural K-12 school visit, choosing to tour Vertex Partnership Academies in the Bronx. Founded in 2022 by Ian Rowe, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Vertex is a virtues-based high school emphasizing courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. Students begin each day by reciting the U.S. Constitution's preamble. McMahon's visit underscores her commitment to providing families with diverse educational options, aligning with the current administration's emphasis on school choice. Highlighting the significance of such institutions, McMahon remarked, "School choice is crucial for students and parents to access learning environments that best fit their needs." The visit included a tour, discussions with school leadership, and a Q&A session with students, reflecting the administration's support for charter schools as vital components of the educational landscape.
Controlling The Narrative: 2025 Update Brief
In Florida, Black families are making bold moves in education. Today, 1 in 5 Black students in the state are educated outside of traditional district schools—whether in charter schools, private schools with choice scholarships, or homeschooling using education savings accounts. That’s over 140,000 students, an 86% increase in just the last decade. For perspective, 31 states have fewer Black students in their public schools than Florida has in school choice programs. This shift, decades in the making, challenges the misconception that school choice is only for wealthy, white families. Black parents have long been strong advocates for education freedom, seeking the best opportunities for their children. Read our latest brief, created in partnership with Ron Matus, for a deeper look at this growing movement.
Teacher in Rocky Mount turning abandoned school into preschool
In Rocky Mount, NC, educator and entrepreneur Kristina Graham is transforming an abandoned school into a vibrant preschool. As the founder of Victory Learning Academy, she has dedicated her career to providing high-quality early childhood education. Now, she’s expanding her impact by creating a space where young learners can grow and thrive. This inspiring project is a testament to the power of education freedom—giving families more opportunities to choose the best learning environments for their children. Stay tuned for more on this incredible transformation!
School Choice: A Solution for Failing Schools, Says Project HOOD CEO
In a recent interview on Fox Business, Project HOOD CEO, Corey Brooks highlighted school choice as a key solution to addressing the failures of the current education system. With many students trapped in underperforming schools, expanding education options empowers families to seek better opportunities. Read more about how school choice is shaping the future of education.
To Be a Black American Educator Is to Be in a Constant State of Hope — and Rage
What recent survey data reveals about the divided state of mind, struggling morale and need for stronger retention of Black teachers. Black educators navigate a constant balance between hope and frustration—pushing for meaningful change while confronting systemic barriers in education. Their resilience fuels the fight for equity, school choice, and better opportunities for Black students. Read more about their experiences and the urgent need for reform.
2025 McLeod Society Fellowship
From the classroom to the frontlines of education freedom advocacy—our 2nd cohort of McLeod Society Fellows are in St. Pete, FL, collaborating on ways to expand education opportunities for Black students. Their leadership is transforming education one step at a time!
Denisha Allen Joins Fox News
"Only 15% of black kids in this country will graduate knowing how to read on grade level." - Denisha Allen