01/29/25

Empowering Change: St. Louis Educators at the Black Men in Education Convening

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For Earl Dockett III, Assistant School Leader of Culture at KIPP Inspire Academy, the 2024 Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC) in Philadelphia was a professional and personal awakening. “Educating our Black and Brown students is hard work, and the conference really helped me to understand how to better serve all students,” Dockett shared. “I look forward to next year and being part of this great movement.”

 

This year marked the third time The Opportunity Trust has sponsored a cohort of 10 Black male educators to attend BMEC, a convening designed to amplify their voices, build community, and equip them to lead transformative change in the classroom. The initiative is led by Dr. Ian Buchanan, Founding President and CEO of Nia Education Group, who underscores the critical need for building spaces where Black male educators can sharpen their skills and thrive.

Black male educators face unique challenges in the education system, but we also bring unique strengths, skills, and superpowers. Our work with The Opportunity Trust is about creating a network of support and capacity building so these educators can lead with confidence and impact.

Dr. Ian Buchanan

The need for this work is urgent. Research consistently highlights the transformative power of Black male educators in the classroom. Studies have shown that Black students who have even one Black teacher by third grade are significantly more likely to graduate high school and consider college. Despite this, Black men represent only about 2% of the teaching workforce—a stark disparity that underscores the importance of investments in Black male educators like this one (Source: USAFacts).

 

 

The convening, hosted by The Center for Black Educator Development, featured dynamic sessions with thought leaders like Dr. Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins, alongside workshops led by impactful educators. Dr. Buchanan himself facilitated a workshop titled “Move, Sab(oteur). Get Out the Way: Exploring Your Nine Self-Saboteurs”. “The audience was fully engaged, participatory, and joyful,” he noted, highlighting the energy and sense of purpose that infused the event.

Dr. Isaiah Melendez and Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings

For Dr. Isaiah Melendez, Principal of McCluer High School, BMEC offered a unique space to reconnect with peers and refine leadership practices. “The trip provided me with an opportunity to connect with fellow educators and hear their perspectives, which resonated deeply with the challenges I am facing in Ferguson. Their insights have inspired me to create a learning environment that is both academically challenging and culturally enriching,” Melendez said.

Ryan Wilson, Senior Director of Community and Student Engagement at Saint Louis University, emphasized the convening’s broader implications for the St. Louis community. “This conference is not just a professional development opportunity. It is a crucial space to reflect, learn, and bring back strategies that can benefit the St. Louis community,” he shared. Wilson has already begun exploring partnerships, such as collaborating with Dimples 4 Days to support young scholars. “This partnership holds great potential, and I have already expressed interest in hosting Zoom sessions with their students, as well as students in St. Louis, to help them prepare for college.”

By investing in Black male educators, The Opportunity Trust is not only empowering individual leaders but also fostering systemic change in St. Louis. These educators return with renewed energy, actionable strategies, and a robust network to drive equity and excellence in education for students who need it most. As Dockett reflected on his experience, “This is more than professional development—it’s a movement.”

Are you a Black male educator interested in growing your impact or entering the field? Explore fellowship opportunities with The Opportunity Trust that provide professional development, mentorship, and a community of like-minded educators committed to equity and excellence in education. Learn more about our programs and how to apply by visiting The Opportunity Trust Fellowships.

Dr. Isaiah Melendez’s Inspirational Encounter

For Dr. Isaiah Melendez, Principal of McCluer High School, the Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC) was a moment of profound personal and professional significance. Having recently defended his dissertation, Dr. Melendez arrived at BMEC eager to deepen his knowledge and leadership practices. What he didn’t anticipate was the incredible opportunity to engage directly with the education heroes he had cited throughout his research.

“The thought leaders I referenced in my dissertation—educators and changemakers I’ve admired for years—were right there in front of me,” Dr. Melendez shared. “Having the chance to meet them, exchange ideas, and even discuss the work that inspired my research was a surreal and humbling experience.”

One particular moment stood out to him: a conversation with Dr. Michele Foster, whose quote, “We must reclaim our traditions. Our culture is the key and the cure,” had deeply influenced his leadership philosophy. “Hearing her expand on that idea in person gave me a renewed sense of purpose and clarity about the role of culture in shaping academic excellence,” he said.

BMEC also provided Dr. Melendez with practical tools and meaningful connections. He had the opportunity to hear from fellow school leaders who shared how they leveraged partnerships and resources within their communities to achieve remarkable outcomes for students. “Their strategies resonated deeply with the challenges I’m facing in Ferguson, and I’m inspired to bring these insights back to my school,” he reflected.

Beyond the professional growth, the convening reignited a sense of brotherhood for Dr. Melendez. Reconnecting with peers he hadn’t seen in years reminded him of the power of community and collaboration. “This wasn’t just a conference—it was a transformative experience that connected me with my past, my peers, and my vision for the future of education,” he said.

Dr. Melendez returned to St. Louis with a renewed commitment to creating a learning environment that is both academically rigorous and culturally affirming—an approach deeply rooted in the wisdom and inspiration he gained at BMEC.

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