This Black History Month, the School District of Philadelphia proudly celebrates the living legacy of the educators, mentors, and staff whose daily work uplifts Black culture, honors community, and inspires excellence in every classroom and hallway. Throughout February, we are highlighting remarkable individuals whose leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to students reflect the strength, brilliance, and enduring impact of Black history – past, present, and future. Join us as we recognize those who continue to shape opportunity, belonging, and hope across our District.
Ms. Kathleen Robbins, a dedicated classroom assistant at James R. Ludlow School, embodies the spirit of a living legacy through more than 30 years of faithful service to students, families, and the broader school community. A constant and caring presence in predominantly Black school communities, she is known for treating every child like her own grandbaby, blending “old school” tough love with heartfelt encouragement that nurtures both confidence and academic growth. From supporting small-group instruction and helping students with homework during breakfast to creating vibrant bulletin boards that celebrate Black excellence and monthly cultural themes, Ms. Robbins ensures that learning is meaningful, affirming, and rooted in pride. Her commitment to growth, including mastering new technology to support school operations, reflects the same excellence she instills in others. Beloved by colleagues, students, and families across generations, Ms. Robbins offers wisdom, kindness, and timely encouragement that uplift the entire Ludlow community, shining as a powerful example of devotion, heritage, and hope in action.
Mr. Ansel Fields, Algebra educator, football coach, and mentor at Olney High School, is a steadfast leader whose work reflects deep pride, care, and commitment to uplifting Black students and the broader school community. Leading by example in both the classroom and on the field, he challenges students to pursue excellence while holding them accountable, supporting their growth, and teaching the values necessary to become meaningful contributors to their communities. Through the continued development of Olney’s football and flag football programs, he creates pathways for student athletes to build discipline, confidence, and teamwork, serving as a coach in every sense of the word. Beyond athletics and academics, Mr. Fields extends his impact by mentoring a group of young Black male advisees, providing intentional guidance, academic support, and opportunities to strengthen essential life skills. A consistent beacon of positivity and integrity for students and staff alike, Mr. Fields embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and community investment that defines lasting legacy and true educational excellence.
Ms. Tiara Dogan, a second-grade teacher at James Rhoads Elementary School, beautifully reflects the heart of Black excellence through her presence, purpose, and unwavering commitment to children. A proud Black woman, Temple University graduate, and lifelong member of the West Philadelphia community she serves, Ms. Dogan has spent nearly a decade pouring wisdom, patience, strength, and care into the lives of young learners. Her calm, firm, and nurturing spirit models what greatness looks like for every student who enters her classroom, while her belief in their brilliance pushes them to grow both socially and academically. Through thoughtfully created social studies instruction and year-round celebration of Black achievement, especially during Black History Month, she ensures students see the depth, diversity, and power of their heritage. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Dogan is a trusted leader, mentor to future educators, and joyful supporter of her colleagues, embodying the very spirit of Black teacher joy and community uplift that shapes lasting legacy.
Ms. Nymeesha Womack-Newman, Autistic Support Teacher at Olney High School and proud alumna of Cheyney University, embodies a deep commitment to Black excellence in academics, character, and social responsibility. She intentionally weaves the history, leadership, and lived experiences of Black communities into daily instruction, guiding students through meaningful research, reflection, and challenging academic work that calls them to high standards and purposeful growth. By encouraging students to examine the qualities of Black leaders – courage, justice, perseverance, and hope – she empowers them to see their own potential to create positive change in the world. Her classroom impact extends throughout the school, from student-created Black history bulletin boards to joyful service through the student-run café, while her leadership during Black History Month and advocacy for minority voices ensure that learning is respectful, informed, and transformative. Through her dedication, Ms. Womack-Newman is cultivating confident advocates and compassionate leaders, leaving a lasting and meaningful imprint on the Olney High School community.
Mr. Rasheed Abdullah, a teacher at James G. Blaine School, is a dedicated educator and mentor whose work powerfully uplifts Black culture, critical consciousness, and community pride. Through intentionally challenging and supportive instruction, he guides students to question narratives, analyze bias, and recognize the strength and brilliance within Black communities, empowering them to see education as a pathway to both personal growth and collective advancement. By connecting historical context with present-day realities through rich Black literature, media, and thoughtful dialogue, Mr. Abdullah transforms awareness into action, even using modern cultural expressions to challenge harmful stereotypes and cultivate accountability, respect, and truth. Beyond the classroom, he serves as a steady pillar within the Strawberry Mansion community, mentoring students and neighbors alike with patience, wisdom, and vision. By planting seeds of knowledge, unity, and equity, Mr. Abdullah is shaping a generation prepared to lead with understanding, courage, and excellence.
Mr. Labrant Davis, Climate Manager at Gloria Casarez School, is a powerful force in cultivating a culture where Black excellence, belonging, and restorative community are lived out every day. As a cornerstone of the school’s cultural identity and a co-leader of Black History Month for the past five years, his leadership extends far beyond events, using data-driven insight, the ROAR philosophy, and daily assemblies to ensure that affirmation, accountability, and pride are woven into the daily student experience. Mr. Davis intentionally aligns school priorities, budgeting, and climate programming to reflect a diverse and inclusive vision while fostering authentic two-way communication that builds deep trust with families and strengthens lasting community partnerships. Grounded in service and restorative justice, he champions recognition over punishment, collaborates to implement restorative practices, and empowers student leadership through initiatives such as training Tiger Ambassadors. His continued growth through Temple University’s Pathway to Leadership reflects a future principal already shaping tomorrow’s schools with humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to uplifting every child and family he serves.
Ms. Nekiel Jackson-Butler, a teacher at Olney High School, uplifts Black excellence through the power of language, history, and community-centered care. Drawing on the richness of Renaissance poetry and literary tradition, she uses writing as a bridge to historical knowledge, cultural pride, and personal expression, helping students see themselves reflected in both past brilliance and present possibility. Her matriarchal, effervescent presence brings warmth, wisdom, and strength to the school community, while her academic achievement and spirit of collaboration make her a valued leader among colleagues. Beyond the classroom, she extends her impact through meaningful after-school programming designed to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring they are supported intellectually, creatively, and emotionally. Through her words, presence, and service, Ms. Jackson-Butler cultivates confidence, connection, and cultural awareness, leaving a lasting imprint of excellence within Olney High School.
Mr. William Sax, African American History teacher at South Philadelphia High School, is a visionary educator whose work transforms history into a living, daily experience of pride, identity, and possibility. Through the creation and ongoing stewardship of a dedicated African American Museum within the school, he offers students a powerful, tangible connection to their heritage, ensuring Black history is honored with the same reverence as any professional institution and experienced year-round rather than confined to a single month. His leadership in organizing African American History Month programs, assemblies, and community engagements makes Black excellence visible and attainable, while partnerships with civic leaders connect students directly to mentorship, voice, and real-world empowerment. Rooted in service, cultural care, and the spirit of Sankofa, Mr. Sax serves as historian, mentor, and bridge builder, treating every student as a future author of history and investing deeply in their sense of belonging and purpose. His lasting legacy is not only the museum he built, but the generations of young people who walk its halls reminded that they carry the strength, brilliance, and responsibility to shape the future.
Mr. Matt Kay, English teacher and founding educator at Science Leadership Academy, is a visionary leader whose work has transformed how students across Philadelphia, and educators nationwide, experience voice, identity, and the full dignity of Black life. In 2006, he founded the Philly Slam League, the nation’s only season-long, school-based slam poetry league, which now serves nearly 300 students weekly from 22 schools and empowers young people, particularly Black youth, to discover and amplify their voices through spoken word. Under his leadership, students have achieved national recognition, winning the Brave New Voices youth slam competition three times, including a 2015 championship centered on #BlackLivesMatter, demonstrating how artistic excellence and social justice can rise together. Through both his classroom practice and his influential book Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom, Mr. Kay advances authentic, courageous dialogue about race while honoring the richness of Black culture beyond narratives of struggle alone. Grounded in humility, community listening, and a deep belief in student agency, he has built lasting institutions, networks, and pathways that equip generations of young people to speak truth, shape culture, and lead meaningful change. His legacy lives not only in poetry and classrooms but in every student empowered to tell their own story with confidence, brilliance, and purpose.
Ms. Jada Blackwell, teacher and Future Teachers Academy leader at Olney High School, is cultivating a powerful legacy by preparing Black and African-heritage students to become the next generation of educators, leaders, and changemakers. Grounded in the rich tradition of Black teaching practices and a commitment to justice in education, she equips students with the knowledge, courage, and vision to challenge inequity and transform the systems they will one day lead. Through meaningful internships at Olney Elementary School and within Olney High School classrooms, her students actively practice the art of teaching, mentoring younger learners while deepening their own sense of purpose and possibility. By helping young people envision schools where Black children and communities of the global majority are honored, valued, and protected, Ms. Blackwell ensures that her influence will extend far beyond her classroom, living on through every student she inspires to educate, uplift, and lead.
