Education Essentials for Youth of African Descent: Real Solutions from Black Educators
As systemic inequities deepen and policy threats—such as the active dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education—jeopardize access to quality learning, it is more urgent than ever to uplift solutions created by and for communities of African descent.
Our recent panel, Education Essentials for Youth of African Descent, brought together powerful voices in education who are actively designing and implementing transformative learning models. These are not just theories—they are real-world strategies grounded in cultural relevance, human rights, and community-driven innovation.
In the face of deliberate efforts to erase Black histories from curricula and dismantle federal protections, this event was a call to action: to take education into our own hands while demanding justice-centered policies from our governments.
We encourage you to watch the recording, explore the tools and techniques shared, and consider how you can apply or collaborate on these models in your own communities. The session is particularly valuable for educators, caregivers, organizers, and policy advocates invested in grassroots, volunteer-led change.
🎥 Watch for engaging discussion and practical frameworks, replicable models, and approaches designed to empower and sustain education for youth of African descent.
📍 This event was hosted as an official side event to the Fourth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. --- Panelists and Moderator Leah E. Jackson, NCC, LAC – Moderator Educator, counselor, author, and founder of Elysium Outreach and Connections. Leah is an honored Newark Fellow with a deep commitment to mental health and education equity. 🔗 www.elysiumoutreach.org Dr. Kristen Guillory, PhD International speaker, educator, author, and coach. Dr. Guillory is known for her culturally grounded and heart-centered approach to leadership and education. Her work has been featured in *Forbes*, NBC, FOX, and CBS. 🔗 www.kristenguillory.com T.J. Whitaker Veteran educator and founder of MapSO Freedom School, a summer program focused on culturally relevant education and community building. Honored by the New Jersey Education Association for his work advancing racial justice and youth empowerment. 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/mapsofreedomschool Iman Cassells Alleyne Founder of The Kind Academy, a progressive, nature-based microschool rooted in equity, respect, and child-centered learning. Her work has been highlighted in Forbes and The New York Times 🔗 www.thekindacademy.com
📍 This event was hosted as an official side event to the Fourth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. --- Panelists and Moderator Leah E. Jackson, NCC, LAC – Moderator Educator, counselor, author, and founder of Elysium Outreach and Connections. Leah is an honored Newark Fellow with a deep commitment to mental health and education equity. 🔗 www.elysiumoutreach.org Dr. Kristen Guillory, PhD International speaker, educator, author, and coach. Dr. Guillory is known for her culturally grounded and heart-centered approach to leadership and education. Her work has been featured in *Forbes*, NBC, FOX, and CBS. 🔗 www.kristenguillory.com T.J. Whitaker Veteran educator and founder of MapSO Freedom School, a summer program focused on culturally relevant education and community building. Honored by the New Jersey Education Association for his work advancing racial justice and youth empowerment. 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/mapsofreedomschool Iman Cassells Alleyne Founder of The Kind Academy, a progressive, nature-based microschool rooted in equity, respect, and child-centered learning. Her work has been highlighted in Forbes and The New York Times 🔗 www.thekindacademy.com
