The Advocate's Chair

What does it really take to move from awareness to action in education?In this episode of The Advocate’s Chair, Neonta Williams sits down with Birmingham native and community leader James Thornton—a former educator, Family & Community Organizer, and Success Coach—to unpack the real work behind advocacy in Alabama.From navigating multiple school systems to discovering gaps in access and opportunity, James shares how his personal journey shaped his passion for empowering families and strengthening communities.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why representation matters in the classroomThe moment James realized education disparities were realHow families can move from frustration → advocacyWhat it takes to build collective power in communitiesThe truth about systemic barriers—and how to overcome themThis conversation is a powerful reminder that education isn’t just a system—it’s a community effort.👉 Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, act bolder, and stay engaged.📌 Connect with Black Alabamians for EducationStay informed. Get involved. Be the change.#AdvocatesChair #EducationMatters #BlackEducation #CommunityLeadership #ParentAdvocacy #BirminghamAL

In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Henry Davis — physical therapist, entrepreneur, and newly elected City Councilman in Calera, Alabama.Dr. Davis shares his journey from growing up in Mobile to navigating identity in a new community, attending Alabama State University, and later earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of Alabama at Birmingham.But this episode goes deeper than career milestones.Dr. Davis opens up about:The challenges of transitioning from private school to public schoolHow his HBCU experience shaped his leadership and resilienceWhy accountability is missing in today’s education climateThe power of exposure in expanding a child’s futureHow participating in Next Level Leaders led him to run for public officeWhy businesses must invest in local schools to strengthen communitiesAs the youngest elected city council member in Calera’s history, Dr. Davis embodies what it means to step outside your comfort zone and lead with purpose.His message is clear:“Exposure leads to expansion. Your brain can only go where it’s been.”This episode is for parents, educators, community leaders, entrepreneurs — and anyone who believes leadership isn’t confined to a job title.👉 Watch, share, and join the conversation.

In this informative and heartfelt episode of The Advocate’s Chair, host Neonta Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Black Alabamians for Education, sits down with Tonya Jones of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF) for a deep dive into education choice, access, and opportunity for Alabama families.Tonya shares her personal journey—from growing up in Bruton, Alabama, to working in accounting, education, and advocacy—and how her family’s experience with limited access to education shaped her lifelong commitment to helping others. Her passion for educational equity is rooted in real stories, real families, and real impact.This episode breaks down complex policy into plain language and covers:🎓 What the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (AOSF) is and who it serves📜 How the Alabama Accountability Act works and who qualifies🔄 The difference between “failing schools” and today’s priority schools🏫 How scholarships support students in public, private, charter, microschool, and homeschool settings💡 Common misconceptions about opportunity scholarships and accountability💙 Powerful stories of students who thrived after finding the right school fitThe conversation also takes a timely deep dive into the CHOOSE Act, explaining:💰 Education Savings Accounts ($7,000 for school-based students; $2,000 for homeschool students)🧾 What expenses qualify🖥️ How the ClassWallet system works⏰ Important application deadlines and how families can applyThis episode is a must-watch for parents, guardians, educators, and advocates who want to better understand the tools available to support students—regardless of zip code, income, or learning style.🎧 Because education isn’t one-size-fits-all—and families deserve real options.Follow Black Alabamians for Education:🌐 Website:https://www.blackal4edu.org📱 Facebook: / blackal4edu 📷 Instagram: / blackal4education

In this powerful episode of The Advocate’s Chair, we sit down with LaSharron Harris—educational advocate, counselor, and phenomenal mom whose intentional approach to education changed her son’s life and is now helping families across Alabama do the same.Mrs. Harris shares her personal journey from being an “average” student to earning advanced degrees, and how her upbringing, culture, and family values shaped her passion for advocacy. She opens up about raising a son with ADHD, navigating IB programs, scholarships, and strategic planning—ultimately helping him graduate with minimal student debt from a private HBCU.This conversation is packed with real talk and real tools for parents:How to be intentional starting as early as 9th gradeWhy college planning is a family strategy, not a solo actHow to reduce (or avoid) student loan debtThe power of culture, confidence, and believing in our childrenWhat it truly means to sit in The Advocate’s ChairIf you’re a parent, educator, or community leader looking to clear pathways for students and families—this episode is a must-watch.🎓 Because access without strategy is just hope—and we’re building plans.👉 Subscribe, like, and share to help us amplify voices that move education forward.

🎙️ | Legislative Talk with Ontario TillmanIn our 10th and final episode of 2025, we close out the year with an impactful Legislative Talk Session featuring Ontario Tillman — just in time for Alabama’s upcoming legislative session beginning January 13.This conversation breaks down how everyday citizens can participate in the legislative process, especially when it comes to education policy that impacts Black families and students across Alabama.🔎 In this episode, we discuss:What to expect from the 2025 legislative sessionHow parents and community members can engage before and during sessionOntario’s Three P’s Framework: Personal | Policy | PoliticalThe importance of understanding pre-filed bills, including HB66The teacher pay bill and what it could mean for Alabama classroomsWhy being an informed voter is critical to education advocacyThis episode is a must-watch for parents, educators, advocates, and anyone who wants to better understand how laws are made — and how your voice fits into the process.📣 Get involved. Stay informed. Be intentional.👉 Learn more and connect with us: www.blackal4edu.org👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations centered on education, policy, and family empowerment in Alabama.

Get ready for a warm, joyful, and laughter-filled episode!For Episode 9, the entire Black Alabamians for Education team hit the road and recorded on location in Huntsville, Alabama for a special Holiday Edition of The Advocates Chair.This episode is all about connection, storytelling, celebration, and looking ahead with hope.Pull up a seat as the BA4E crew shares:✨ Their favorite holiday traditions🎬 Their must-watch holiday movies🎁 The memories and moments that made 2025 unforgettable💬 Honest reflections on advocacy, community, and growth🌟 Heartfelt wishes for a bright and powerful 2026This is a different kind of episode; warm, relaxed, full of personality, and a perfect way to close out the year with gratitude and joy.Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or simply taking time to reflect, this episode will leave you smiling and inspired.

In this inspiring episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Melissa Capehart, educator, mother, innovator, and founder of the proposed Extreme Minds Academy, a charter school coming to Birmingham in 2027.Together, they unpack the powerful intersection of personal experience, purpose, advocacy, and educational design.Dr. Capehart opens up about her K–12 journey through Birmingham City Schools, the educators and summer programs that shaped her, and the family legacy rooted in the Civil Rights Movement that taught her the power of education and community. She discusses her path from history teacher to technology integration specialist, her doctoral journey, and the moment everything changed: her son’s autism diagnosis.This episode dives deep into:🏫 Growing up in Birmingham and being shaped by the legacy of Civil Rights🎓 Her path from Ramsey High School → University of Alabama → Samford University👩‍🏫 Early teaching experiences and the importance of summer exposure programs💻 How technology, STEAM, robotics, and personalized learning transformed her vision🧩 The reality of navigating Alabama’s limited options for neurodiverse learners👶 Her “aha moment” as a parent and why she felt called to build a new kind of school🚀 The birth of Extreme Minds Academy — a charter school designed for all learners🔎 Understanding neurodivergent learning and what diverse learning environments can look like🎨 STREAM education (Science, Tech, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math) and why literacy + digital citizenship matter🧠 The school’s mission to help every child discover their superpowerDr. Capehart describes Extreme Minds Academy as a place where:✨ Every student has a personalized learning plan✨ Neurodivergent and accelerated learners are supported✨ STREAM learning is embedded from kindergarten✨ Social-emotional skills and purpose discovery are central✨ Inclusion, diversity, and whole-child development lead every decision“We don’t just look at a student for who they are in kindergarten — we look at who they will be at 35.”Her passion is unmistakable, her vision is bold, and her heart for families shines through every moment of this conversation.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Dr. Linda Warren, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist who delivered more than a thousand babies over her remarkable 30+ year career.Born in Nashville and raised on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Warren shares an intimate, deeply moving look at her childhood, her family roots in healthcare, her homeschooling experience, and the early spark that led her to pursue medicine.Dr. Warren opens up about:🏫 Growing up at Oakwood College and discovering a love for reading👩‍⚕️ Being inspired by her parents’ work in an all-Black hospital📚 Her mother’s decision to homeschool three children and build their confidence early🧬 The moment she realized medicine was her calling💥 Being told she “didn’t have what it takes” — and the resilience that pushed her forward🏛️ Transferring to Meharry Medical College, where an HBCU community lifted her up👶 Delivering thousands of babies and the stories she’ll never forget👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How she raised two children who both became physicians💡 Her advice to the next generation: “Whatever you choose, don’t give up — you can do it.”This episode is a celebration of Black excellence, family legacy, faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of parental involvement. Dr. Warren’s journey is a blueprint for anyone facing obstacles on the path to their purpose.Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or simply someone needing encouragement — this story will move you.

In this inspiring episode, Neonta Williams, host of The Advocates Chair and Executive Director of Black Alabamians for Education, sits down with State Representative Ontario Tillman (District 56) for an authentic, energetic conversation about leadership, advocacy, and education in Alabama.Rep. Tillman shares his powerful journey from being raised by a civic-minded grandmother in Bessemer to becoming a special education teacher, coach, and now legislator. He discusses how those experiences shape his work today—championing bills that improve teacher pay, support students with disabilities, and revitalize underserved communities.Together, Neonta and Rep. Tillman dive into:🏫 How classroom experience fuels education policy💰 The fight to make teacher pay more equitable and competitive♿ The importance of recognizing invisible disabilities in state IDs🌆 His vision for redeveloping communities through brownfield revitalization⚖️ Why advocacy and accountability must go hand in handRep. Tillman’s message is clear: public service begins with listening to the people you represent — and leadership means standing up for them every day.🎧 Tune in to hear how he’s turning classroom compassion into legislative action, and why his grandmother’s legacy still drives his mission today.

In Episode 4 of The Advocates Chair, host and BA4E Executive Director Neonta Williams takes listeners behind the scenes of her journey into educational advocacy. From her days as a student-athlete and Army veteran to launching Black Alabamians for Education, Neonta reveals the calling that led her to build a movement for parent empowerment and equitable school choice.💬 In this episode:The personal story that sparked a statewide education movement.Why parent engagement is the foundation of student success.How poverty, preparedness, and policy collide in Alabama’s schools.Lessons on leadership, equity, and faith-driven courage in advocacy.🎧 Listen + Subscribe:👉 Watch all episodes of The Advocates Chair on YouTube:   / @blackal4edu  🌐 Learn more at: https://www.blackal4edu.org

What if school looked completely different? In this episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with Ryan Delk, CEO and co-founder of Primer, a K–8 micro school network that is opening new schools across Alabama.Primer’s motto is simple yet powerful: “Take kids seriously.”Ryan shares how Primer is reimagining education by:Empowering great teachers to teach without limitsMaking private education affordable (many families pay little to nothing)Designing schools where every child’s unique needs are taken seriouslyOpening pathways for parents and community leaders to start their own Primer micro schoolsThis episode dives deep into what micro schools are, why they’re growing in Alabama, and how families can get involved.📌 Learn More About Primer: https://primer.com/📺 Subscribe and Watch More Episodes:💬 What do you think about micro schools? Could they work in your community? Share your thoughts below!Follow Black Alabamians for Education (BA4E):    / @blackal4edu  Facebook -   / blackal4edu  Instagram -   / blackal4education  LinkedIn -   / blackalabamiansforeducation  X - https://x.com/Blackal4edu

n this episode of The Advocates Chair, host Neonta Williams sits down with LaShundra D. Richmond, a lifelong educator from Memphis, TN with 18 years of experience in the field.LaShundra believes teaching is her calling — a way to impact lives and build strong leaders. Together, they dive deep into:What Next Level Leaders really meansWhy authentic leadership matters in educationHow growing leaders creates lasting change in schools and communitiesThis is more than a conversation about leadership — it’s a call to action for anyone who wants to make a difference.📺 Subscribe here:    / @blackal4edu  🌐 Learn more:https://www.blackal4edu.org/

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Advocates Chair by Black Alabamians for Education! 🎙️In this powerful conversation, attorney and education advocate Ashlee Taylor, ESQ shares the heart behind Black Alabamians for Education, why advocacy is essential for Black students in Alabama, and how communities can rally for real change.📌 In this episode, we discuss: The mission and vision of Black Alabamians for Education Why education advocacy is critical now more than ever How policy impacts our students and communities Ways YOU can get involved in the movement for equity🎧 Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode of The Advocates Chair💬 Join the Conversation:What’s YOUR “why” for advocating in education? Drop it in the comments!Follow Black Alabamians for Education:🌐 Website:https://www.blackal4edu.org📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blackal4eduwww.facebook.com/Blackal4edu📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackal4education/