Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Dr. Brenda Kay Williamson

Who is Dr. Brenda K. Williamson?
(Brenda, Bren, Ms. Brenda, Dr. BK, and Dr. Williamson)

If asked the question, “Who is Dr. Brenda K. Williamson?”  The initial responses one may hear are “She’s a passionate educator who demands no less than the BEST from her students regardless of age and ends all correspondences with Knowledge is powerful!”.  She reiterates, “to whom much is given much is required and why it is so important to give back for the betterment of our fellow human beings which must be done from the heart.” And, from the visions given by God, she’s a “mentor, encourager, motivator, and stretches one out of their comfort zone towards their greatest potentials”.

Let’s dive a little deeper in the life of Dr. Williamson who has been an educator for 36 years.  After graduating from NC Central University with a BA in Elementary Education, she secured a position as a Kindergarten teacher where all her students were African American and ended her teaching career with Pre-K students whom she’s often referenced as “this class looks like the United Nations” (diverse).  She has been facilitating culturally responsive practices way before it became key terms to articulate.

While attending required and optional professional development training where most facilitators were White and Brenda questioned, “Why weren’t there Black presenters?”  So, her childhood memories came into play. “What are you going to do to change the situation?”  Therefore, she started Brenda’s Educational Consultant Services (BECS) so Black educators could see and hear someone who looked like them who was knowledgeable of content and articulate it in a manner for application of best practices.  The next step of her career lattice started teaching at Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) in the Adult Basic Education program where she relied on degree and elementary teaching experiences then transferred to the Early Childhood Education program where she got the representation of being “a hard but fair teacher”.  During this time, she secured her master’s degree in Human Sciences (Thesis – Parenting Styles of African Americans with Preschool Age Children) and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Early Childhood Education (Dissertation – Early Childhood Practitioners’ Strategies for Working with Aggressive Children). Coinciding with obtaining her terminal degrees, she began her tenure at four-year institutions of higher education which were NC Central University, University of Mount Olive, Shaw University and Anderson University in the departments of Human Sciences and Education as assistant and associate professor where students heard quite often “Yes, they said in unison”. 

Brenda has been blessed with a plethora of career opportunities which has expanded her experiences in addition to ones shared above where she conducted research at Frank Porter Graham on strategies to lessen aggressive challenging behaviors of children enrolled in Head Start programs, a contributor to the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development book (see page vii) along with being a consultant for Teaching Strategies traveling throughout the United States building both professional and personal friendships.  In addition, she served on NCaeyc Board of Directors chair of Public Policy, NAEYC’s Higher Education Accreditation Peer Reviewer, Durham Technical Community College Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee and Durham Head Start School Readiness Committee.

God has brought multiple events full circle for Dr. Williamson through giving, to the County Outreach Ministry (food, STEM summer camp, Back-to-School), proctoring at local elementary school, providing food during Thanksgiving and Christmas for selected families, and donating along with delivering school supplies to “Dr. Williamson loves Pre-K teachers” recipients.  It was important that she modeled what was reiterated to her students throughout the semester, “we are called to service through our actions”.

From childhood, her maternal grandmother Lottie Louise Barksdale Gunter instilled the importance of being still and listening to God as He guides one’s life.  One visionary call to action God laid on Brenda’s heart was the focus on equitable work ensuring she leaves an impactful mark on lives of young and mature adults. The three action steps taken were, where she championed DTCC Early Childhood Education faculty to intentionally interweave equity cultural anti-bias practices into all coursework at county level and at the State level she started the NCaeyc Equity Circle in Education with phenomenal co-facilitators Dr. Valerie J. McMillan and Angela Wilson.  After approximately after six months, additional co-facilitators were brought on and there were Margo Ford-Crosby, Kelly Green, Tammy Sneed, and Joanna Aquillar where the format has been a safe brave candid space for conversations on timely issues along with self-reflections for actionable changes for a better society at-large.  In addition, the central focus of her presentations has centered around strategies/techniques to reduce/eliminate the suspension/expulsion of African American preschool age children which has presented at NAEYC and Smart Start.

Every morning as Brenda rises, she carves out time for morning devotion to commune with God through scripture readings and spiritual songs which are followed by reciting affirmations.  Here are three of those daily affirmations (1) I expand in abundance, success, and love every day, as I inspire those around me to do the same, (2) I commit to living in my Zone of Genius now and forever, and (3) I commit to maximizing my money by expanding my mind.

Scripture~ . . . the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

Knowledge is powerful towards being an agent of social justice change through ACTIONS living in your purposeful life using skills/talents bestowed upon you.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Dr. Valerie J. McMillan

 

Dr. McMillan is a seasoned early childhood professional of 35 years in early care and education.  She has a broad background in human development and family studies, with specific training and expertise in the areas of child development, early childhood education, family systems, assessment and evaluation of young children, and culturally relevant and responsive perspectives and instructional practices.

Dr. McMillan is a leading Associate Professor in Child Development and Family Studies in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University.  She is the Program Coordinator of the M.A.T. Child Development, Early Education and Family Studies (Birth-Kindergarten) program, Interim Program Coordinator for the M.A.T. Family and Consumer Sciences Education program, and faculty liaison for the Child Development Laboratory.  Dr. McMillan has facilitated 100+ undergraduate students’ successful entry into the early childhood workforce as teachers, center directors and assistant directors, parent educators, family advocates, program coordinators, child development specialists, early interventionists, and extension agents.

Dr. McMillan actively engages in scholarship that includes obtainment of teaching and research grants totaling over $1.2 million, published articles and technical reports, and delivered 100+ presentations at local, state, national, and international meetings and conferences that focused on the care, education and support of diverse young children and their families. 

In 2007, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences recognized Dr. McMillan as the Academic Advisor of the Year.  In 2011 and 2019, she received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Award for Excellence in Teaching from the N.C. A&T Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society.  She received the Early Childhood Champion Award from Guilford Child Development in 2017.  Dr. McMillan received the University of North Carolina System’s 2019 Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

Dr. McMillan dedicates herself to professional service that positively impacts the lives of young children and their families.  Her portfolio of service includes former membership on the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children’s Governing Board, North Carolina Curriculum and Ongoing Assessment Committee, North Carolina Partnership for Children Board of Directors, North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council, and National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Leadership Council.  Currently, Dr. McMillan is a one of three founding Legacy Leaders of the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Circle.  Furthermore, she currently serves on the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences Board, North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten Higher Education Consortium, Ready for School, Ready for Life Board of Directors (Equity Strategies Committee), School Readiness Collaborative of Guilford County, and Guilford Basics Advisory Board.

Dr. McMillan earned a B.S. in Child Development/Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Elementary Counseling both from South Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. degree in Human Development and Family Studies (emphasis:  Early Childhood Education) at Iowa State University. 

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Angela Morse

 

I was born and raised in a small and rural town - South Hill, Virginia. Even as a child, I knew that I would end up in the field of education since I was surrounded by it. My parents were also educators. I have been in the field of early childhood education since high school. 

I started volunteering at St. Paul's College's Child Development Center, with their preschool classroom and with school agers. After having my experiences with SPC, I wanted to continue my journey in the field of early education. I attended North Carolina Central University and received my bachelor's degree, majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Child Development and Family Relations. 

After receiving my bachelor's degree, my experience in early childhood continued while teaching at New Beginnings Child Care in Warrenton, North Carolina, which then lead me to becoming a T.E.A.C.H Corp Volunteer and Teacher at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center. 

When the child care center closed at FPG, I tried my hand with teaching Kindergarten. Teaching Kindergarten helped me to realize that child care is where I truly belonged- preparing little ones for Kindergarten and beyond. I decided to go back into the child care setting and teach preschoolers at UNC Horizons. My experience there was like no other experience in child care. I worked with young children and mothers as they tackled through the challenges of recovery. While serving women and children in recovery, I also began supporting co-teachers with increasing their knowledge in early education. Doing so, encouraged me to take a try and supporting even more teachers in the field of early education by becoming a Technical Assistant with the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. While increasing my knowledge in Technical Assistance, I pursued and completed my master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington-majoring in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Advocacy, Policy, and Leadership. Currently, I'm currently a Mentor/Evaluator with the Early Educator Support Office at East Carolina University.

I enjoy learning and sharing information that focus on social-emotional skills and diversity to early educators. Most importantly, I enjoy observing children and teachers increase their knowledge and experiences!

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Tasha Owens-Green

 

Ms. Owens-Green is Senior Researcher for National Center on Subsidy Innovation and Accountability (NCSIA) and provides support to state grantees on the Child Care and Development Fund to help them reach goals related to child care subsidy eligibility, integrating quality child care environments and subsidy, strengthening program integrity, payment rules, rate setting, and other policies and practices that support providing high-quality care to diverse children from low-income with high needs families. Ms. Owens-Green is Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Families Experiencing Homelessness and Equity Inclusive & Cultural Linguistic Responsive Practices (EI&CLRP).

Ms. Owens-Green has more than 25 years of combined experience in early care and education, human service administration, and supporting healthy families though counselling and therapeutic services. Ms. Owens-Green is passionate about advancing racial equity in early care in education. She has spent over twenty years training and facilitating discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Owens-Green has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has been an early care and education and obtained a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and focuses heavily on the operation of families and other relational systems.

Ms. Owens-Green served as the state of Tennessee Child Care Director. Ms. Owens-Green was responsible for the development and implementation of the Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) for the state of Tennessee and was formerly the CCDBG Coordinator for the state of North Carolina. Ms. Owens-Green was and Instructor for early childhood education courses in the North Carolina Higher Community College system for over seven years.

Ms. Owens-Green has provided therapeutic services in clinical and group home setting to young children, adolescents, and adults experiencing emotional and behavior problems and substance abuse disorder. Ms. Owens-Green provided individual and group therapeutic services to couples; at-risk consumers (ages three to adult) diagnosed with a variety of trauma-based issues; and guiding clients through transitional crises such as job loss, homelessness, and loss of a loved one. Ms. Owens-Green served as a court-appointed child advocate (Guardian ad Litem) to inform the court of a child's wishes and feelings and to advise the court on the child's best interests.

Ms. Owens Green is currently completing her Doctoral degree in Education Leadership with a focus on Organization Change.

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators - Angela Wilson

 

Angela A. Wilson believes strongly in the lyrics of her paternal grandmother’s favorite song, “if I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Influenced by a host of strong Black women, since a very young child, Angela has sought to live her life based on biblical principles of honesty, integrity, compassion, and justice, to name a few. “My heroine taught me my most memorable lessons. She taught me to live a principled life, to value myself, and to share my gifts and talents through service to others; I call her mom.”

As a lifetime resident of High Point, NC, Angela’s life has been dedicated to the service of others in her family, community, and state. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and later enrolled in the Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development Master’s program there. Angela has provided leadership in her community by serving on civic and advisory boards for the City of High Point, Guilford Technical Community College, Communities in Schools, Greater High Point Food Alliance, and Providence Church. Additionally, she serves as an Education Specialist for PBSNC, and a Legacy Leader with NCaeyc.

In the spring of 1999, she and her family established the Ark of Safety Preschool, Inc., which later became High Point, North Carolina’s first Five Star childcare facility. She served as Owner/Director of the preschool, prior to being employed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, her current employer. The preschool was much more than a learning environment for young children, it was also a meeting place for the City of High Point “Five Points Community Pride” Neighborhood Association, a distribution site for the Bread of Life Food Ministry, a beacon of light in a “highly impacted” neighborhood, and most importantly, a non-judgmental place where children and their families could feel welcome and safe. For nearly 25 years, she and her family have continued to operate the Bread of Life Food Ministry that feeds from 35-50 households each month.

Angela enjoys light construction work and operating power tools. In the summer of 2019, she flipped her first house, and is looking forward to the next major project. In the meantime, she is engaged in other hobbies that include sewing, vermicomposting, organic gardening, and cooking big Sunday dinners for her family.

“I want to leave this world better than I found it. I want my children, my unborn grandchildren, and all children who are marginalized or discriminated against because of their black or brown skin color, to know a world of peace, prosperity, opportunities, equity, and justice…then my living shall not be in vain.”

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Holly June

 

I am Holly June, an avid crafter, teacher, and blogger. I began my teaching journey as a dance teacher for young children. I have taught kindergarten and first grade as well. Currently, I am serving as full-time College Success Instructor at Durham Technical Community College alongside of serving as the Interim Director for Advising Services.

This spring, I was given an opportunity to share my expertise in Early Childhood Education through teaching Child Development II. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education from Western Carolina University. My master’s degree is in College Student Personnel from Western Carolina University. My doctorate degree is in Educational Leadership with a concentration on grades P-12 from Trident University International.

When I’m outside of the classroom, I enjoy inspiring young girls through my company Posh Party Palace and presenting workshops for youth through Posh GLAMOUR (Girl’s Learning About Manners, Oneself, Unity, and Respect) Academy.  I began a craft blog 2 years ago and have been featured in Voyage Raleigh Magazine to discuss crafting.

I believe learning can happen in and outside of the classroom and it is my hope that every student or person I meet knows they can be successful and crafty. It is my goal that everyone strives to #MakeSomethingFabulous.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Kathy Grace

 

I AM Black History! I AM an Educator inspiring, encouraging, and opening minds of greatness that resides within each child. I don't see disabilities, but I see great abilities in every one of them and often remind my kiddies you are not the negative people say you are or believe you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!

My goal is to "see" them wholly for they are...the whole child and not just in part. When I can show a child that they are loved, that they are amazing, that I've got their back, and that I believe in them to the utmost, walls of doubt and insecurities begin to break down and the foundation begins to be added to or even laid for a future that is outstanding, mind-blowing, and life-changing.

I was born and raised in the small town of Grifton, NC to William and Nannie Farrow and the oldest and only girl of three. I remember from as early as first grade loving to help the teacher erase the chalkboard at the end of the day and then being promoted to beating the erasers. That was like winning the lottery! Reading everything I could get my hands on and playing school was one of my favorite pastimes and my dolls had more education than many. My desire was to become a teacher and follow in the footsteps of many of my family who worked in education. My Aunt Pauline who was an awesome Home Economics teacher and I got to go and help her set up and break down her classroom every year. My Uncle George was one of the greatest Principals and Administrators to ever walk this earth and his wife, Aunt Myra led learning through books as a librarian. My Aunt Twinkle encouraged and empowered young people and still tutors to this day. My cousin Cookie, the best Kindergarten teacher God ever created. My Aunt Johnnie Bell who was the Math whiz even taught me geometry in High School. There may have many more, but the passion had been ignited and my heart was set.

Unfortunately, I was persuaded to strive for jobs that would financially sustain me and put my dreams on hold. NC State was the money-making school and gave me the opportunity to work for over 15 years at some of the best companies in the world like IBM and Siemens Medical Solutions. That desire and passion to empower, educate and teach was still there and could not be diminished. My baby brother was one of her biggest supporters and when he passed, she realized life is short and that my dream of being the teacher is always what I wanted to be, regardless of the salary, was my true passion and true calling. I remembered…it’s not about the income, but truly the outcome and changing lives. Therefore, I left Corporate America and went after her dream full force.

I went back to Mt. Olive College at that time and met Dr. Brenda Williamson, the woman who would mentor me, be an exemplary example for me, and the epitome of a true educator for the children teaching me. The very first class I knew I was at home…where I was supposed to be and knew that a dream deferred does not make a dream lost! With hard work, dedication, determination, and with a little Summa Cum Laude my BS in Early Childhood Education was completed. I couldn’t stop there and later received a MS in Educational Management and received a MS in Education/Instructional Technology K-12 both Magna Cum Laude.

Walking in my calling, I am presently teaching 5th Grade at Hilburn Drive Academy. In March of 2021, I was inducted into one of the greatest sororities ever created, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated founded by seven educators at Butler University who wanted to make a difference and be a light to empower young black women across the land. I hold the position of Rhoer Coordinator for chapter, Delta Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Fayetteville, NC. consisting of a diverse group of young ladies between the ages of twelve and eighteen who demonstrate high scholastic standards and consist of training and guidance in education, community service, vocation, fine arts, and social affairs.

Yes, I am also a Pastor, Family/Youth Counselor, mentor, playwright/director, author, singer, and holds several positions that allow her that opportunity to educate, empower and strengthen the lives of our youth now and in the years to come. Because of my village, my family, my Professors, my God I know that each child that crosses my path will have someone instilling in them a legacy that is greater than could ever imagine and destined for indescribable success.

I start each day believing and walking in a quote by the great educator, Rita Pierson, that states, “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” So, who am I? I AM that one that will never give up on any child! I AM Black History! I AM an Educator!! I AM Kathy Farrow Grace!!! Grateful...thankful...BLESSED!!!