Through innovative teacher training programs, Dr. Akbar is building a pipeline of teachers who have a deep commitment to practicing equitable teaching practices for New Orleans students, who are predominantly Black. Dr. Akbar’s work aims to address the national teacher shortage and the departure of educators in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Leaders of Color alum Jason Sharif founded RESPECT the Haven CDC to serve the Whitehaven community in Memphis and remove those barriers to success. 

To help set students up for success, Leaders of Color 2023 alum Letisha Vinson is working to establish a comprehensive wellness program for students in Washington, D.C.

Leaders of Color Welcomes the Class of 2024

In January 2024, the Louisiana state legislature approved a new congressional voting map that includes two majority-Black districts. We are proud of the Leaders of Color who played a part in this decision. Learn more about the work from State Representative and Leaders of Color alum Vanessa Caston LaFleur.

Leaders of Color, Memphis, an organization focused on identifying, training and elevating Black and Latinx leaders in Memphis to become civic and political education leaders, released results of a new public opinion poll commissioned by the organization focused on the beliefs, aspirations, and priorities of likely voters in Memphis. The survey found that voters overwhelmingly support public school choice in Memphis and have a strong preference for an expansion of public school options as opposed to the creation of private school vouchers.

This Black History Month, we are celebrating our Leaders of Color alumni who have made history in their communities!