For many Black male educators, the journey into and through the classroom is not just about teaching—it’s about representation, mentorship, and building community impact. Brothers Liberating Our Communities (BLOC) was founded in 2016 by a group of Black male educators in Kansas City, MO, who recognized the urgent need for support, professional development, and recruitment efforts specifically for Black men in education. BLOC began as a way to connect Black male educators across the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area and has become a powerhouse for educator retention, leadership development, and systemic change.
Since its start, BLOC has created a network of over 150 Black male educators, offering social gatherings, networking events, and professional development. Their efforts extend beyond educators themselves—BLOC actively engages the communities these men serve through mentorship, volunteer work, and tutoring opportunities. Their impact is undeniable: BLOC has retained 100% of its members in the past five years, proving that a strong support system and a sense of belonging are crucial to keeping Black men in education.
Building a Pipeline for Black Male Educators
Recognizing that representation in the classroom starts long before employment, BLOC has expanded its mission to include recruitment and career advancement for Black men interested in the field of education. Through high school and college partnerships, BLOC introduces young men to the profession, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to thrive. This goes beyond Kansas City, as BLOC has created partnerships with like-minded organizations nationwide, building a movement to increase Black male representation in education. Cornell Ellis, BLOC’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, made the bold decision to leave the classroom and lead this initiative full-time. Under his leadership, BLOC continues to push toward a future where students of all backgrounds can experience equal representation and be guided by revolutionary Black male educators who inspire and empower the next generation.
A Lasting Impact: Julian Johnson-Marshall’s Perspective
Julian Johnson-Marshall, a BLOC fellowship graduate, knows firsthand the impact of the organization’s work. He shares his journey: “When I came home to Kansas City in 2018, I came home as a teacher. I was lucky to be in a school with 10-12 Black men on staff, including Cornell Ellis, who introduced me to BLOC. I wouldn’t still be teaching today if it weren’t for the community and development opportunities BLOC provided. When the Akoma Ntoso Fellowship launched, I knew it was exactly what I needed to advance in my career—and the best part was going through it with my friends in education. BLOC’s model is transformative, creating a space where Black male educators can grow, support each other, and stay in the field.”
Through fellowship programs like Akoma Ntoso, BLOC provides structured support to help educators solidify their long-term commitment to the field. It was a defining moment for Julian: “The fellowship helped me realize that I’m in education for life. It gave me a space to explore what a transformative learning experience should look like—not just for students, but for their teachers as well. The community BLOC fosters among Black male educators is immeasurable.”
A Career-Saving Community: Micah Daniels’ Journey
For some educators, the path to teaching isn’t always planned—but it can be life-changing. Micah Daniels found himself in education unexpectedly after college when job opportunities in his field were scarce due to the pandemic. A friend introduced him to working in schools, and while he had always loved mentoring youth, stepping into a classroom felt unfamiliar.
“In the beginning, I struggled because it was all new, and I was in an unfamiliar content area,” Daniels shared. “I met Cornell and learned about BLOC as he told me about the fellowship. It was the best thing that happened to my career because I was on the brink of quitting. The fellowship literally saved my career in education.”
Daniels credits BLOC’s mentorship, professional development, and support system for keeping him in the field. “Without these tools and support, I wouldn’t have graduated with my master’s nor remained in education. It was the saving grace that kept me.”
The Future of Black Male Educators in KC
Julian shares a message for aspiring and current Black male educators: “Dr. Jarvis Givens wrote, ‘Black teachers’ pedagogy was like a river, and it moved through the lives of their students. It ebbed and flowed, took unexpected turns but it always continued in the direction of a new world.’ To my brothers in classrooms and school systems now, or those soon to be: our work goes far beyond curriculum, standards, and assessments. What matters most is how well we create space for belonging, meaning, and impact in the world our students will soon lead. ”Through connection, development, and engagement, BLOC is transforming the educational landscape in Kansas City and shaping a future where Black male educators are fully supported, empowered, and celebrated.
To aspiring Black male educators, Daniels offers a powerful message: “Keep inspiring and making positive change. We are unicorns in the education world, so the power and influence we hold can change future generations. We need more of us in education to keep breaking barriers, being at the table to advocate for our kids, and opening up doors for the next world-changer.”
This Black History Month, we recognize BLOC’s unwavering commitment to advancing Black communities and ensuring that the next generation of students sees themselves reflected in the leaders who guide them.
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