Tougaloo College-Research Center for Parity, Justice, and Equity

11/22/2025

Congratulations to the Cohort III GRADUATES🎓 - Teaching in an Inequitable Society: An Equity and Social Justice Fellowship

The NAEYC Black Caucus and the Research Center for Parity, Justice, and Equity at Tougaloo College CONGRATULATES the third cohort for completing their CALL TO ACTION PROJECTS and all of their fellowship accomplishments.

Thank you to all of the previous cohort members who showed their support. Thank you to all of our funders, sponsors, and collaborators who helped to make this fellowship successful.

The mission of this fellowship is to create an engaging, creative, invigorated and action-oriented community of practice among faculty and students in Early Childhood Education (and related degree programs) across the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Germaine to the mission is a thorough understanding of the historical context of the role of Black and Brown women in the creation of the childcare field and the through line from the earliest racist and sexist devaluation of the early childhood workforce to the stranglehold still evident today in attitudes, policies, and compensation.

10/28/2025

***Research Center PJE Spotlighting***
Dr. Jackson serves as a Special Education professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Howard University. His work experience in special education is very broad. He has done evaluation work that started in 1989 with an invitation to evaluate a high school program for teacher effectiveness. Since coming to Howard, he has been engaged in evaluating programs and projects for the United States Department of Justice, the United States Department of Education, the Office of State Superintendent of Education for Washington, DC, Mt. Pleasant High School in Wilmington, DE, and countless public and charter schools. While much of Dr. Jackson’s evaluation experience has focused on teacher quality and development, he has also had opportunities to evaluate programs for the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Chester Mental Health Center for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Jackson has served as a Consulting Editor for the International Journal of Special Education. He has presented multiple workshops and presentations on a variety of topics. His research and publications address the impact of stress on the learning and behavior of students with emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as how the arts can be used to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. His area of expertise is in preparing teachers to serve students with special needs – especially those with learning and behavioral challenges. He has conducted professional development workshops in a variety of areas for school districts. His research interests include identifying stress and its impact on learning and behavior, classroom ecology and its effect on learning, using the arts as a teaching tool for students, and effective strategies to promote inclusive education. He has served on various committees and boards and is currently active in various mentoring activities.

09/04/2025

***Research Center PJE Spotlight***
Khiana Clemons, M.Ed., is a seasoned educator, equity strategist, and education consultant dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. Currently, she serves as an Education Consultant with Scoot Education, where she supports schools and educators through strategic recruitment, talent development, and program implementation to drive meaningful student outcomes.

Khiana’s professional journey is rooted in her passion for equity and social justice. She has held roles ranging from classroom teacher to instructional coach and equity specialist, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within both urban and independent school settings. As an Equity, Justice, and Community Specialist at Sidwell Friends School, she led transformative initiatives such as coordinating the Howard University and Sidwell Friends “LEAD” Conference, a pivotal event focused on equipping youth with tools to promote equity in their communities and careers.

Khiana’s academic accomplishments complement her professional expertise. She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Howard University and is pursuing a Doctorate in the same field. Her dissertation research explores youth mental health and its intersection with equity, offering critical insights to address disparities in marginalized communities. This work underscores her commitment to creating systems supporting student well-being and academic success.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Khiana has a robust history of volunteer leadership. She serves on the Associate Board of New Futures DC, the Board of Directors for Mindworks Collaborative, and is the Vice Chair of Member Recruitment for the Junior League of Washington. Through these roles, she continues to advocate for advancing equity and increasing opportunities for underserved populations.

Khiana’s career is marked by her ability to build relationships, lead strategic initiatives, and inspire others to challenge inequities. Whether working directly with students, mentoring educators, or designing systemic solutions, she is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in education.

08/17/2025

Join us on a powerful journey celebrating Mississippi’s heroes, amplifying today’s voices, and empowering tomorrow’s changemakers.

The Social Justice Empowerment Experience includes two days of dialogue, history, and connection.

Champions of Justice - October 23 at The Westin Jackson
Justice Brunch - October 24 at the Mississippi Museum of Art

Every ticket and sponsorship fuels the Mississippi Center for Justice’s fight for racial and economic equity.

This is more than remembering the past—it’s funding the future.

🎟 Get your ticket or become a sponsor today. https://mscenterforjustice.networkforgood.com/events/90071-social-justice-empowerment-experience?hid=NDk2MzE1NzA=&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4106085

. . .

08/17/2025

Maggie Lena Walker- How the daughter of a former slave became a banking pioneer.

Maggie Lena Walker opened the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond’s Jackson Ward district in 1903, becoming the first Black woman to establish a bank in the United States.

08/14/2025

***Research Center PJE Spotlighting***
Marsanell D. Butler is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over 12 years of experience fostering equitable learning environments and advocating for systemic change in education. Her passion for equity and social justice is deeply rooted in her work with children, families, and communities from diverse and historically underserved backgrounds. As an advocate for inclusive practices, Marsanell has focused her career on addressing disparities in education and empowering young learners to reach their fullest potential.

Marsanell holds a master’s degree in special education and education administration and is pursuing additional certifications to expand her impact in equity-focused leadership. Her professional journey has included roles as an educator, educational diagnostician, and special education liaison, where she has been instrumental in designing and implementing culturally responsive curricula and professional development. Marsanell has consistently worked to create safe, nurturing, and inclusive spaces where every child feels valued and supported.

In her current role, Marsanell serves as an early childhood education professor at the historic Wiley University in Marshall, Texas. Marsanell’s leadership extends beyond her professional responsibilities, as she actively participates in community outreach programs and initiatives that address educational inequities and promote social justice.

Marsanell draws inspiration from her faith and the biblical principle found in Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV): “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” This guiding belief fuels her passion for creating a more just and equitable society through education. Her vision for the future includes developing resources and mentorship programs that support early childhood educators in their efforts to promote equity and dismantle systemic barriers.

07/24/2025

Teaching for Equity, Cohort III book reviews and presentations went great. It’s important to know how to utilize books/resources as tools in your preK-16 learning environment. Sometimes we need more than the primary text assigned to the course. Sometimes courses require a supplemental text or need to require a supplemental text. Be the practitioner that goes over and beyond. Incorporate additional resources when needed.

Order your copies today!!!
-The Brilliance of Black Boys: Cultivating School Success in the Early Grades (Authors: Brian L. Wright and Shelly L. Counsell)
-Cultivating the Genius of Black Children: Strategies to Close the Achievement Gap in the Early Years (Author: Debra Ren-Etta Sulliva)
-Social Justice: Disrupting the Pipeline (Author: Roshunda Harris-Allen)
-Child Care Justice (Edited By: Maurice Sykes, Kyra Ostendorf, Foreword By: Barbara T. Bowman)

07/23/2025

***Research Center PJE Spotlight***
Dr. McMillan is a seasoned early childhood professional of 38 years in the early care and education profession. Dr. McMillan is the leading Associate Professor in Child Development and Family Studies and serves as the Program Coordinator for the M.A.T. Family and Consumer Sciences Education program, Program Coordinator for the Advanced Certificate in Family and Consumer Sciences program, and faculty liaison for the Child Development Laboratory at North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T). Formerly, she served as the Interim Chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and Program Coordinator of the M.A.T. Child Development, Early Education and Family Studies (Birth Kindergarten) program at N.C. A&T.

In 2011 and 2019, Dr. McMillan 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. In 2019, Dr. McMillan received the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Dr. McMillan has obtained teaching and research grants totaling over $1.2 million, published articles and technical reports, and delivered 100+ presentations at local, state, national, and international conferences, meetings, and webinars that focused on various topics in early care and education for diverse young children and their families.

Dr. McMillan’s portfolio of service includes former membership on the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children’s Governing Board (Secretary, Executive Committee Member); 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 serves on the North Carolina Coalition for Inclusion, Not Expulsions (Lead Founder); North Carolina Infant-Toddler Advisory Council; North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten Higher Education Consortium; Ready for School, Ready for Life Board of Directors (Diversity Committee); GenerationEd Board of Directors; and Guilford Basics Advisory Board.

07/18/2025

First black owned airline. What happened to Wheeler Airlines?

In 1969 black aviator Warren H. Wheeler, a native of Durham, North Carolina, established Wheeler Flying Service (Wheeler Airlines), the first African American owned and operated air service in the United States. He successfully headed Wheeler Airlines for over two decades until its closure in 1991.....

07/17/2025

***Research Center PJE Spotlight***
With over two decades of experience in education, Dr. Tonae Flemons is a dynamic and dedicated professional specializing in teaching, curriculum development, and professional training. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Flemons has built a distinguished career-advancing educational programs, advocating for marginalized communities, and fostering excellence in early childhood and adult education.

Dr. Flemons currently serves as the Executive Director at the William L. Clay Center at Harris-Stowe State University, where she leads initiatives to enhance developmentally appropriate practices among staff, optimize the use of state education platforms, and implement innovative policies for program improvement. Her leadership has been instrumental in elevating the center's standards and impact on the local educational landscape.

In addition to her executive leadership role, Dr. Flemons serves as an Adjunct Professor of Early Childcare Education at Harris-Stowe State University. In this capacity, she has the opportunity to guide the learning of the next generation of educators, preparing them for their vital roles in shaping the future of education.

Before her current roles, Dr. Flemons worked as a Business Consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). From 2020 to 2024, she facilitated adult learning, guided entrepreneurs in curriculum utilization, and championed diversified concepts to support inclusive educational environments. She also trained instructors on best practices in adult education, ensuring high-quality training delivery across the state.
Dr. Flemons' entrepreneurial spirit was evident during her tenure as Executive Director of the Land of Oz Academy, a role she held for nearly two decades. There, she authored innovative adult training curricula, introduced cutting-edge technology systems, and transformed the academy's preschool program by partnering with the nationally recognized Head Start initiative. Her efforts significantly improved outcomes for underserved communities, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to equitable education.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Flemons earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Capella University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. This diverse academic background informs her holistic program development and educational leadership approach.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Flemons attributes her success to her faith and family. As a devoted wife of over 25 years and the proud mother of two adult children, she exemplifies resilience, balance, and dedication. Her ability to juggle personal and professional priorities serves as an inspiration to those she mentors.

Driven by a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and nurturing future leaders, Dr. Flemons continues to transform education through innovation, collaboration, and her unwavering belief in the power of lifelong learning.

07/06/2025