Call for SubmissionsRoots of Change: The Power and Promise of Black Men in EducationEditors: Emily Allen Williams, Ph.D. & Kendrick Johnson, Ph.D.

About the Anthology

In education, we often hear that teachers are the heartbeat of our schools. But within that heartbeat, there is a specific, often overlooked rhythm—the voices of Black men who shape the minds of future generations.

Roots of Change: The Power and Promise of Black Men in Education is an anthology that seeks to amplify the diverse and powerful voices of Black male educators who have long been silenced in educational spaces.

This anthology will serve as a platform to share the lived experiences, triumphs, challenges, and perspectives of Black men in education. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping classrooms, communities, and policies, yet their voices have often been marginalized. Through this collection of essays, we aim to bring these voices to the forefront, highlighting the impact of Black male educators on the educational landscape while exploring the deep intersections of race, identity, and pedagogy.

The purpose of this book is not only to celebrate Black male educators but also to examine the systemic barriers they face, their roles as cultural brokers, and their unique contributions to educational reform. Through their stories, we will challenge existing narratives and create a roadmap for a more inclusive, just, and representati educational system.

We are seeking original, thought-provoking, and heartfelt essays from Black male educators, mentors, administrators, academics, and thought leaders in the field of education. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, an academic (K12 and/or Higher Education), a school counselor, or an activist, we want your voice to be heard.

If you are passionate about education, race, representation, and the power of mentorship, this anthology is for you. We are especially interested in essays that explore the intersections of race, gender, and identity and how these impact your experiences and practices as an educator. Share your personal story, your vision for the future of education, and/or your reflections on the current educational system.

We welcome essays that touch on a variety of key themes, including but not limited to:

1. "Walking the Path: Journeys of Black Men in Education"

Themes: Identity, Resilience, and Purpose in Education

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       Growing Up as a Black Male in Education: Personal stories of how early experiences shaped their view of education

○       The Path to Becoming an Educator: Narratives of how and why they chose education as a career

○       Mentorship and Legacy: Stories of mentorship received and offered and how they aim to pay it forward for the next generation

• Focus: The power of personal stories to connect to wider themes of education, race, and identity

2. "Breaking Barriers: Confronting the Obstacles of a Biased System"

Themes: Institutional Barriers and Opportunities for Change

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       The Weight of Representation: Discussing the challenges of being one of the few Black men in their field

○       Discrimination in Education: Revisiting experiences with microaggressions, racism, and biases within the classroom, administration, and professional spaces

○       Institutional Accountability: Exploring how educational institutions (from K-12 to higher education) can address systemic racism and improve support for Black educators

• Focus: Highlighting the obstacles that Black men face and how they navigate, resist, or work to dismantle these structures

3. "Unity in Purpose: Building Stronger Communities Through Education"

Themes: Collective Power and Allyship

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       Creating Safe Spaces for Black Students and Educators: Exploringhow Black men foster supportive, inclusive environments for students of color and their peers

○       The Role of Black Male Teachers as Cultural Brokers: Exploring how Black male educators bring cultural capital to the classroom and connect with students

○       Solidarity with Other Marginalized Groups: Exploring intersections with other groups, such as Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and beyond toward building coalitions for social justice within educational spaces

• Focus: Building a sense of community, solidarity, and support both within educational institutions and throughout the broader community

Themes: Teaching Practices, Curriculum, and Educational Philosophy

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       Teaching with a Purpose: Highlighting the importance of Black male educators in shaping curriculum and pedagogy

○       Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Discussing the need for curricula that speaks to Black students’ lived experiences and how Black male educators approach these experiences

○       Mentoring Black Boys in the Classroom: Unpackingstrategies for connecting with and empowering young Black male students

• Focus: Exploring teaching philosophies, pedagogical strategies, and the significance of Black male perspectives on education

Themes: Leadership, Impact, and Educational Reform

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       Black Men as School Leaders: Navigating the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in educational settings

○       Reforming Educational Policy: Realizing modalities for Black men in education influencing policy and advocating for reform

○       Building More Inclusive Educational Institutions: Reflecting on creating schools and universities as more inclusive, welcoming, and just for students and educators of color

• Focus: Leadership, advocacy, and the role of Black men in shaping educational practices and policies

Themes: Legacy, Vision, and Progress

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       Preparing the Next Generation of Black Male Educators: Black men in education fostering and encouraging the next wave of educators

○       Hope for the Future: The shape of education with more Black men at the forefront of change

○       The Importance of Representation: Representation as essential in education for both students and educators

• Focus: The future of Black men in education, offering hope, vision, and concrete steps for change

Themes: The Complex Intersections of Race, Masculinity, and Pedagogy

• Proposed Essay Topics:

○       Racial Justice and Equity in Education: A deep dive into how Black male educators actively challenge systemic inequalities in the classroom and advocate for meaningful change...These essays will explore the practical steps taken to dismantle the barriers of racial discrimination and the ongoing fight for equity within schools and institutions.

○       The Complexity of Black Masculinity: An exploration of the nuanced realities Black men face in balancing the societal expectations of Black masculinity while embracing roles as educators, mentors, and leaders… These essays will delve into the internal and external conflicts that arise as Black men negotiate their identities in predominantly white educational spaces.

○       The Intersectionality of Race and Gender: Examining how Black male educators experience their professional lives differently than Black women or white men in education…These essays will unpack the unique challenges Black male educators face at the intersection of race and gender, shedding light on the complexities of navigating multiple layers of identity in a system that often marginalizes them.

○       Navigating Identity at the Intersection of Race and Sexuality for Black Male Educators: Exploring deeply personal journeys as Black gay male educators…These essays will reflect on the complexities of navigating both racial and gender identities within educational spaces, where norms around masculinity often conflict with the lived realities of Black queer men.

○       The Role of Culture in Education: Reflecting on how Black male educators bring their cultural identities into the classroom and their leadership styles...These essays will explore the ways in which cultural knowledge, traditions, and values shape their approach to teaching, mentoring, and leadership, highlighting the critical role of cultural relevance in pedagogy and student engagement.

• Eligibility: This call is open to Black male educators in all fields (K-12, higher education, and beyond) and at all levels of expertise (classroom teachers and professors, researchers, administrators, counselors, and beyond). If you have a story, insight, or perspective to share, we want to hear from you!
• Proposal Length: No more than 250 – 200 words with a clearly articulated argument/position.
• Format: Please submit your proposal as a Word document [to ensure editorial comments/feedback prior to acceptance, as necessary] to include:

○       Tentative title of the essay

○       The theme number and title at the top of your document

○       Author’s/your name and brief bio (up to 150 words)

○       Contact information (email and phone number)

• Style: We are looking for writing that is personal, reflective, and insightful. Your voice is the most important element in this anthology—please write in a manner that is uniquely authentic.
• Deadline for Proposals: All submissions must be received by October 15, 2025. Submissions after this date may not be considered.
• Notification of Acceptance and Guidelines: Via email by October 30, 2025

○       If your essay is selected, you will be provided with a contract to confirm your participation in the project

• Proposal Submissions:

○       Please submit your proposal through our designated email for submissions:  Rootsofchange25@gmail.com

• Proposals Accepted: 
  • Chapter Essays will be due on February 16, 2026
• Compensation: Contributors will receive one complimentary copy of the book upon publication.
• Rights: By submitting to this anthology, you are granting us the right to include your essay in the book. While you retain the copyright to your individual essay, you will be granting a non-exclusive license for us to publish and distribute it as part of the anthology. This license allows you to continue using your essay elsewhere, provided that proper credit is given to the anthology’s publication.
• Editorial Process: Accepted essays will undergo an editorial review for clarity, style, and flow with other chapter essays. You will be consulted about any significant changes or revisions.

• Selection Criteria: We will select essays based on their alignment with the anthology’s themes, uniquely personal and insightful narratives, and overall high level contribution to the discourse on Black male educators in education.
• Amplify Your Voice: As a contributor to this anthology, you will have the opportunity to share your story and perspective with a global audience, shaping the conversation on race, masculinity, and education.
• Create Change: Your words will contribute to an important conversation about the barriers faced by Black male educators and the ways we can work toward a more equitable and inclusive educational system.
• Join a Community: You will be part of a collective of Black male educators and leaders working toward transforming the field of education, building a legacy for future generations.

Why Contribute?

This is a call for powerful, authentic, and diverse voices. Together, we can create a lasting impact in education and empower the next generation of Black men who will continue to break barriers and transform the classroom and the entire educational landscape.

Share your story. Shape the future.