February 2026 Newsletter

Honoring 6 years of conversations ❤️🖤💚🎙️<!–

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The Great Fight: News and Views

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February Affirmation

Welcome to The Great Fight!

Happy 100th Black History Month!

This February, we’re making history as we publish the 50th Black Educators Matter newsletter, and celebrate 6 years of saying thank you to Black educators through the Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast. Each conversation stands as a living archive—honoring the brilliance, impact, and legacy of Black educators past, present, and future.

We also want to lift up and thank our incredible event volunteers and podcast ambassadors who help us stay connected to educators across communities: Ms. Veneida Washington, Ms. Annette Griffin, Ms. Sharon VanCleave, Mr. Gerald Chaney, Ms. Janelle Jones, Professor LaToia Green, Dr. Charlynn Small, Mr. Chad Simmons, and Ms. Blair Savage. Your commitment, care, and community-building help make this work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your support of the BEM mission and the Project 500 Podcast.

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Our history is the history of humanity. Happy 100th Black History Month, but Black people have been making history since the beginning of time.

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In Power,
Brooke B., Co-Founder
Danielle Moneyham, Co-Founder
Lauren G., Community Builder

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“Why are you not giving yourself a solution?”

Rhia Gibbs, Black Teachers Connect

Educational consultant, Former teacher sociology, criminology

https://blackteachersconnect.co.uk/

“Become a teacher and conquer the world.”

In this week’s insightful episode, we sat down with Rhia Gibbs, an accomplished educational consultant with a background in sociology and criminology. Rhia’s educational journey was guided by a powerful piece of advice from one of her Black teachers: “Become a teacher and conquer the world.” Despite experiencing a rebellious phase, she was reminded that she could do better. Throughout her schooling, Rhia encountered just two Black teachers which underscored her mission to elevate educators.

“Creating a community for Black teachers.”

Rhia’s organization, Black Teachers Connect, embodies her unwavering goal to impact and empower teachers while fostering a vibrant community. Rhia emphasizes the need to address traumatic incidents in schools, like the unjust strip-search of a teenage girl. Reflecting on George Floyd’s global impact, Rhia underscores the importance of acknowledging issues within the UK’s own borders. Despite some progress, she recognizes the ongoing struggle for students within the system to envision themselves reaching the pinnacle of success. With only 2% of UK teachers being Black/African/Black Caribbean, Rhia’s Black Teachers Connect offers a much-needed network for Black educators—a place to excel, share wisdom, connect, and have fun. Join us in this episode as Rhia Gibbs continues her journey of building a vibrant and empowering community for Black teachers in the UK.

Click Here to Listen

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Click Here to Listen

Share your story on the Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast!
Do you know a Black educator with a powerful story?

Become a Podcast Ambassador, and send them our way!

Click here to schedule Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Episode

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Click here to schedule Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Episode

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Have an idea or recommendation for a BEM Field Trip? Email Lauren and Sharon:

BEMFieldTrips@gmail.com

Check Out our B.E.M. Merch!
Inspired by our conversations, designed for our community…
https://black-educators-matter.creator-spring.com/

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Black Educators Matter is a 501c3 organization.

Our goal is to create a community for Black educators worldwide,
where we center and celebrate Black educators.

Your donations support educator giveaways, special events, #ThankABlackTeacher initiatives, and the creation of our Project 500 Podcast.

Want to sponsor an initiative? Join Us!
https://blackeducatorsmatter.org/about/

Want to recommend an educator to be featured on the podcast?
https://forms.gle/WDH929PLRCpK6GCW8

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

Support Us: https://blackeducatorsmatter.org/support/
Contact Us: www.blackeducatorsmatter.org

Engage with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEMChicago/
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Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/BEMChicago

Shop With Us! https://black-educators-matter.creator-spring.com/
Tune in to the Podcast: https://anchor.fm/blackeducatorsmatter

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Visit our website
www.blackeducatorsmatter.org

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