Presented by Dr. Sharon H. Porter
About
Champions of Change
Champions of Change : Black Male Educators Creating Positive Change In Schools shares the captivating narratives of unsung heroes—the black male educators who are revolutionizing the landscape of education and making an indelible mark on the lives of countless students.
Through the pages of this compelling book, embark on a journey into the heart of classrooms, schools, and school districts, where these remarkable educators lead with passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. From inner-city schools to suburban districts, their stories resonate with triumph over adversity and perseverance in the face of systemic challenges.
Meet superintendents, directors, principals, and teachers as these educators navigate the complexities of the education system, they confront issues of race, identity, and social justice head-on, challenging conventional norms and paving the way for meaningful change. Their stories exemplify the power of representation and the vital role that black male educators play in shaping the future of our schools and communities.
Champions of Change : Black Male Educators Creating Positive Change In Schools is a celebration of resilience, inspiration, and the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on the lives of young people. Through their unwavering dedication and unwavering belief in the potential of every student, these remarkable individuals are not just teaching lessons and leading leaders—they are shaping destinies and changing futures.
Contributing Authors
Dr. Robert Davis II
Dr. Robert Davis II is a Memphis native from the Greater Whitehaven area. He attended Hillcrest High School, where he graduated with Honors. Post-secondary, he attended The University of Memphis, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts, with concentrations in Elementary Education and Sociology. During his tenure as an undergrad, he also became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Beta Chapter. He attended Christian Brothers University for graduate school, where he secured a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education and an additional Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership & Administration. Robert also completed his Doctor of Education degree at The University of Mississippi, in which his studies focused on Educational Leadership and Policy for K-12 education. He conducted extensive research on the middle-to-high school transition practices in high-poverty schools. Robert currently serves Memphis-Shelby County Schools as the Director of Educational Technology. Previously, he served as a Sp.Ed. Assistant, Special Education & English teacher, a Professional Learning Coach, Vice Principal, and Executive Principal all within the district.
Robert is a FastTrack graduate (Spring 2019) of Leadership Memphis, where he learned more about philanthropy throughout the city and how he could better serve his community. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Whitehaven Branch of the Y.M.C.A., where he is dedicated to being an advocate for the community in which he was raised. In 2018, Robert was named one of Memphis’ top 40 under 40 most influential urban elite professionals. He was also named “Mentor of the Year” in 2019.
As a lifelong passionate educator, Robert has served in various roles throughout the Memphis-Shelby County Schools District. He currently serves Memphis-Shelby County Schools as the Director of Educational Technology & Professional Development, as he works diligently to train district leaders, principals, and teachers on how to leverage best practices for technology use in schools. His primary goal is for all stakeholders to see the future of education while working to close the digital divide, increase student engagement, and embrace innovation in Memphis schools. Having worked in some of the lowest socioeconomic communities, Robert understands that “The opposite of poverty is not wealth. The opposite of poverty is justice. We cannot change the world with ideas of the mind, but only with conviction in our hearts." True words of an educator.
Terrance J. Lewis
Terrance Lewis currently serves as a PhD candidate at Auburn University. His
dissertation explores the pedagogical beliefs and practices of Black men social studies teachers
who teach in the American Dirty South. More specifically, Terrance is interested in how Black
men secondary social studies teachers use their pedagogy as a form of activism to inspire and
equip their students to facilitate social change within modern contexts. Before his transition to
Auburn, he taught social studies for four years at the secondary level in Georgia public schools.
Terrance is an active member of the Georgia and Alabama High School Athletic Associations,
where he has served as a wrestling coach and wrestling official.
He has presented at local, state, and national levels, and his work has been featured in national and international peer-reviewedjournals. Terrance is also a proud and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Beginning in the fall of 2024, Terrance will be a tenure-track assistant professor of social studies
education at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Warren Palmer II
Warren Palmer II, proud resident of Prince George’s County, MD and product of Prince George’s County Public Schools. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. I am a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, and educator. Experienced in elementary, middle, and high school, with an emphasis on math and science, I currently teach science to dynamic 5th and 6th graders at Friendship Public Charter School.
Becoming cognizant of my calling to education, my mission is to show every child I serve that they possess the qualities to be great and how to tap into them, just as do my own children. Being a black man in education is worth celebrating, however, it’s much deeper than that, as I continuously reflect on how I impact the lives of students I connect with in and outside of my classroom.
Dr. Darryl L. Williams
Dr. Darryl L. Williams holds a doctorate in education from University of Maryland College Park and has over 25 years of school leadership experience. Dr. Williams currently serves as a Professor of Practice in the Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development in the School of Education and Urban Studies at Morgan State University, and has recently become an Associate with HYA. Prior to his role in higher education, he was the Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools for 4 years and served in many leadership roles in Montgomery County Public Schools (MD) for 25 years and began his teaching career in DC Public Schools at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, his alma mater.
Throughout his career, Dr. Williams has been a champion for equity and building future leaders in school buildings and central office. He uses data to make informed decisions and has experience with school improvement planning process, strategic planning, and leadership development. Dr. Williams was recognized in 2023 with several citations from BCPS Board of Education, Baltimore County Council, Baltimore County Speaker of the House, and Baltimore County Branch of NAACP for his leadership during the pandemic and cyberattack in BCPS. In 2022 he was recognized in an article by University of Maryland College of Education entitled “Homegrown Leadership” and by the Northeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Notable Centennial Honoree during their Centennial Gala in 2022. Finally, Dr. Williams was the recipient of the 2021 Innovation in Education by the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools and the 2021 Excellence in Education Award by the Baltimore County NAACP.
Foreword by Dr. Andraé Townsel
Dr. Andraé Townsel was born and raised in the beautiful state of Michigan. As a student-athlete at Cass Technical High School, he earned a football scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC. His football scholarship ultimately turned into a doctoral degree. He earned his bachelors, masters, and doctorate all from Howard University and began his educational career in the District of Columbia.
He had the privilege of working in every level of the educational system and excelled. He served as a student teacher, teacher, football and basketball head coach, assistant dean, dean of students, central office specialist, assistant principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and a highly effective superintendent. On July 1, 2022, Dr. Andraé Townsel became the first black superintendent in the history of Calvert County, Maryland.
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