For decades, Black educators in the Bronx have been changing lives—yet their impact often goes unnoticed. These teachers and school leaders do more than just teach; they inspire, uplift, and help students see their full potential.
Take Jamaal Bowman, for example. In 2009, he founded the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, a public middle school in the Bronx. His goal? To make sure students saw themselves in their education. He pushed for lessons that celebrated Black history and culture, making learning more meaningful. But Bowman’s influence didn’t stop there. He also spoke out against standardized testing, arguing that real education is about creativity, critical thinking, and self-discovery, not just test scores. According to The New York Times, his work sparked conversations about the need for a more inclusive education system.
Black teachers do not just educate—they transform lives. A study from Ascend Learning found that Black students who have even one Black teacher in elementary school are 13% more likely to graduate from high school and 19% more likely to go to college. This connection between teacher and student creates a sense of belonging and motivation that lasts a lifetime.
Yet, there is a major problem: there are not enough Black teachers. According to The Amsterdam News, Black and Hispanic educators make up less than 18% of New York City’s public school staff, despite the fact that most students in these schools are Black and Latino. That lack of representation can leave students feeling disconnected from their education.
Fortunately, groups like the Black Teacher Project are stepping up. Their mission is to recruit, support, and retain Black educators, ensuring that more students benefit from having role models who understand their experiences. As reported by PBS, this initiative is helping Black teachers thrive, which in turn helps students succeed.
The Bronx has always been a place of resilience and strength, and its Black educators are a crucial part of that story. They do not just teach—they inspire students to dream bigger, work harder, and see greatness in themselves. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s not just honor these educators—let’s support them, fight for more representation in our schools, and recognize the power they have to shape the future.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
