Black Educators Matter is more than a nonprofit it’s a movement, a sanctuary, and a mirror. We amplify the stories, impact, and legacy of Black educators worldwide, while creating spaces for them to rest, connect, and thrive.
About
Us
Black Educators Matter is more than an organization it’s a movement, a sanctuary, and a mirror. We honor the legacy of Black educators, amplify their voices, and create spaces for rest, connection, and empowerment.
We exist to ensure that the impact of Black educators past, present, and future is recognized, celebrated, and sustained. Through storytelling, community-building, and advocacy, we protect a legacy that shapes the world.
Our
Why
Less than 20% of the U.S. teacher workforce is Black.
Only 2% are Black men.
Fewer than 7% are Black women.
This gap in representation is more than a statistic — it’s a missed opportunity for students, communities, and the future. Without intentional change, generations of children may never see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.
At Black Educators Matter, we’re changing that narrative. We celebrate, support, and invest in the educators who shape future generations. Through storytelling, community-building, and advocacy, we ensure their impact is recognized, their voices are amplified, and their rest is protected.
Because when you honor a Black educator, you honor the soul of a people — and plant seeds for a future where every student can thrive.
Our
Vision
We are building toward a future where:
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Stories travel across borders — connecting educators globally.
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Rest and restoration are the norm — through retreats, conferences, and safe spaces to recharge.
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Professional growth is culturally rooted — with training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities led by Black educators.
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The next generation sees themselves in the classroom — inspired by the changemakers who came before them.
Our Promise
We will continue to show up, unapologetically Black, centering educator voices, and carrying forward a tradition of excellence, resistance, and love.
Because Black Educators Matter — and always will.
We Are About
Community
Relax. Recharge. Regroup. Reconnect
Although we center and celebrate Black educators, all people are invited to join us on our mission to make excellence equitable. We encourage people to highlight and acknowledge the role and impact Black educators have on all students, and, to demand access to quality education and resources in every school. We want to create a culture of gratitude and appreciation for educators, and open pathways for people to pursue careers in the field.
What We Do
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Podcast – Featuring authentic conversations with Black educators from all walks of life.
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Educator Giveaways – Tangible acts of appreciation that affirm and uplift.
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Storytelling Campaigns – Spotlighting the journeys, challenges, and victories of Black educators.
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Events & Gatherings – From bonfires to workshops, we create spaces where educators can connect and recharge.
Looking Ahead
Black Educators Matter is growing into a global sanctuary for connection, celebration, and professional growth. In the years ahead, we’re creating spaces where Black educators can rest and recharge at retreats, sharpen their craft through professional development, and gather in community at transformative conferences. We’re building a worldwide storytelling hub that honors our legacy, connects generations, and equips the next wave of educators to thrive.
Meet Our Team
Danielle Moneyham
Co-Founder, Interviewer of the People
Danielle, Queen Danni, D Money or Mrs. Moneyham is what they call me. I love having meaningful conversations with people, organizing top model photo shoots, and performing rap concerts from my life’s soundtrack.
I graduated from Morgan Park High School (Class of ’03, SHOULDA BEEN A MUSTANG, ORANGE AND GREEEEN), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007, those #CollegeDaze birthed the Phoenix ), and Saint Xavier University in 2011.
I am from the south side of Chicago, although my father was a West Side man (RIP dad!), and am Unapologetically Black and Unashamedly Christian. Black Educators Matter because education is freedom, and Black educators sow seeds of liberation and love across generations.
Brooke Brown
Co-Founder, Community Builder
A southern girl at heart with a soul that embodies Chicago. Constantly empowered by Black experiences and attended the Blackest schools. Beasley Academic Center and Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, where my roots were planted but continued to flourish at Tennessee State University. My beloved TSU. I dipped my toe into the realm of education, but never fully submerged and abruptly switched careers.
“Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world”. -Mrs. McLeod-Bethune. She knew.
Black Educators Matter because they personify resilience. That same resilience remained within me and years later BEM emerged. To my educators, we thank you and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Lauren G
Fine Tuner
Lauren is a HBCU educated music and movie lover from the south side of Chicago. With years of experience on the flute, trumpet (and dabbling on the keyboard), she was in the band at Morgan Park high school and marched for four years as a Mighty Marching Hornet at Alabama State University. She has also been a featured actress for several stage productions, was featured in the Chicago Public Schools’ Blog Series This is Why I Teach, and started her loc journey in May 2021 (Welcome to the Fairy LocMother Family!!).
As a K-12 licensed music educator with over 10 years of classroom experience, Lauren understands the power of music and movement in the classroom, the crucial role that arts programming plays in the curriculum, and the opportunities that students are missing when they lack access to creative outlets in school.
As our Fine Tuner, Lauren is listening to you!! In addition to editing the Project 500 Podcast, she manages the recently launched Black Educators Matter Facebook page. Stop by, say hi, and engage with a Black educator!
Meet Our Board
Corey Jenkins
Educator / Artist known as Jayinex
Roosevelt Moneyham, III
Community Engagement / Fundraising
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