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More than a Mission: Paying It Forward for the Future of Education

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — I believe in paying it forward, not just within the walls of my school or community, but across the profession. Over the years, I’ve mentored first-year teachers, student teachers, and National Board Certification candidates nationally.

Published

5 months ago

February 23, 2026

Oakland Post

By JoMeka Gray

JoMeka Gray is a self-contained Kindergarten teacher at Kennedy-Powell STEM Elementary School in Temple, TX. She is also one of the five educators who received the 2026 Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence from The NEA Foundation.

Growing up in a rural community, I experienced firsthand the barriers that can limit a child’s potential. The lack of broadband internet, access to high-quality instructional materials, or simply the chance to be truly seen and valued, especially when your name or culture doesn’t fit the mold. That only fueled my drive to be the educator I wish I had, to represent and remove barriers for others like me.

As an educator, my mission has always been clear: to ensure every student, regardless of background, ZIP code, or circumstance, has access to a high-quality education. Over the years, that mission has deepened into a full-scale advocacy effort for underrepresented populations. A movement that champions opportunity for students often left behind: military-connected youth, children living in poverty, students with emotional and behavioral needs, and those students historically underrepresented in STEM fields. I see my work as an act of justice, and I know what it is like to rise anyway.

It Takes a Village

To advance that mission, I founded Kennedy-Powell Elementary Stars-Helping-Stars, a campus-based initiative that unites families, staff, and community partners to pay it forward by supporting students in need. As a National Board Certifiedteacher, I knew the work had to go beyond my classroom. Through this program, we launched projects that addressed both academic growth and human connection:

• Students used STEM skills to create and sell recycled products, raising funds to donate holiday gift cards to their homeless peers.

• Families volunteered as tutors, stepping in where academic support at home was limited. As a result, our campus saw measurable growth in Texas Accountability scores between 2024 and 2025.

• Currently, I collaborate with other educators and community members to “pay it forward” through a monthly Breakfast Club, where students build relationships with local mentors in a safe, affirming space. These moments are givingstudents a sense of belonging and mentors a way to reflect on their impact.

What began as a small act of support has grown into a sustainable, community-driven model that meets students where they are—academically, emotionally, and socially—both in and beyond the classroom.

Mentee to Mentor: Passing the Torch to Next Generation of Educators

I believe in paying it forward, not just within the walls of my school or community, but across the profession. Over the years, I’ve mentored first-year teachers, student teachers, and National Board Certification candidates nationally. Helping educators navigate their early careers and refine their practice has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I take pride in knowing that these are the teachers who will carry the torch forward. Through structured mentorship, reflective practice, and collaborative planning, I’ve watched them grow from uncertain beginners to confident educators shaping lives. I do this work because I remember what it meant to be mentoredmyself. The encouragement, wisdom, and accountability my mentor teachers offered shaped not only my practice but my belief in what’s possible. Their impact still echoes in my classroom today, in how I reflect, how I lead, and how I support others. By paying it forward, I’m honoring their legacy and helping ensure the cycle of support continues for the next generation of educators.

What I Needed Then, I Advocate for Now

I have faced many barriers, as both a student and a teacher, and made it my mission to pay it forward by opening doors for others. I know what it feels like to be unseen, on both sides of the classroom. Opportunity shouldn’t depend on your zip code, your income, or how others perceive your background. It is why I encourage students to connect beyond their world such as zooming with classrooms in Italy. It is why I have championed access to quality instructional materials for all Texas students that are adapted for our high population of Spanish-speaking students. It is why I have advocated for strong teacher training, so every educator is prepared, no matter their path.

Every student deserves a strong education. Every teacher deserves real support. And every school deserves a system built for all. When we pay it forward in education, we don’t just change one life; we ignite a ripple that can transform generations.

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Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park

ATLANTA VOICE — A mural depicting late journalist Jovita Moore, painted on the exterior wall of a building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, was painted over in April. Moore passed away in 2021 after decades of working in Atlanta television news. Bellwood Coffee owners stated in May they were unaware of Moore’s identity or significance to the community before painting over the mural.
The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

At the corner of Boulevard, SE. and Rosalia St., SE., directly across the street from an abandoned home and a Methodist Church, is Bellwood Coffee. One of hundreds of coffee shops in Atlanta, this place of business would not be worth a solitary discussion if not for the way its exterior walls are currently painted. There was once a mural depicting the late Jovita Moore, a beloved journalist who worked in Atlanta for decades. Moore, who passed away in 2021, mentored many of the people you see on television newscasts today. Though her legacy will never be forgotten, it was the mural of her image that was erased.

In April, members of the Grant Park community voiced their disgust at the mural, which graced a side wall of the building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee’s Grant Park location, before it was painted over. In its place are the words “Bellwood Coffee; Cocktails, Biscuits, Dry Goods, Air Conditioning. *Heat Too”. In May, the business owners responded to the community pushback on social media by acknowledging they did not know who Moore was before painting over her image. And later admitted that they did not attempt to find out what she meant to the community.

On May 21, the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account had a post about being “in close contact with Jovita’s family and are actively working on next steps in this process.” Two months later, the mural has not been replaced, repainted, or repositioned on the property. Nothing has been done. Black history is often erased, most recently by the current Presidential administration, but oftentimes on a smaller, quieter scale. The mural was originally painted by muralist Tommy Bronx, who had been in contact with the business owners about repainting it. As of July 6, Tommy Bronx had responded to a direct message via his Instagram account from The Atlanta Voice about any updates on his plans to repaint the mural.

“We’re currently working on it. You should see some movement in the weeks to come,” he wrote in a response.

On Monday, July 6, the business had several patrons inside and was running smoothly with three employees manning the counter. The Atlanta Voice dropped by Bellwood Coffee to get a look at the exterior wall where the mural once stood as a memorial to a journalist and mother who lost her life to brain cancer at the young age of 54. Moore’s image added some color to the block. The grey wall in its place does not.

A direct message was sent to the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account, and there hasn’t been a response as of 7 p.m. on Monday.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Voice.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — A New York man faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly posting a threat against New York State Senator Lea Webb. James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a social media news post about a Juneteenth celebration.
The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

A New York man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly posting that he’d be “proud to hang” New York State Senator Lea Webb from a tree in response to a news story about a Juneteenth celebration.

James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested June 23 by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a WBNG 12 News Facebook post. “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree,” Crosby wrote, according to WBNG.

Crosby was charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a class C felony, per the New York State Police. He is currently being held at Broome County Jail.

During the subsequent investigation, state police found Crosby was in illegal possession of firearms despite being prohibited from owning them due to a prior felony conviction. Investigators recovered a rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and a firearm suppressor — all prohibited under New York state law, per the NYSP.

Crosby was charged with four additional counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, all class D felonies.

Webb, who represents New York’s 52nd Senate District, had been a featured speaker at a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall, where the celebration included prayers and the singing of the Black national anthem.

Police said Crosby’s comment was posted in response to a WBNG news story covering the event.

The day before his arrest, Crosby posted a Facebook apology claiming the comment “was not intended to be racial in any way” and was made in reference to what he described as a “criminal,” citing criticism of Webb over her use of nonprofit legal aid in a foreclosure case — a matter state watchdogs said created an appearance of a conflict of interest, per the Ithaca Voice. He was arrested the following day.

Webb issued a public statement June 25 condemning the threat.

“It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America,” she said. “Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous. We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms.”

She thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and law enforcement for their “swift response.”

Following Crosby’s comments, social media users called for a boycott of his contracting business, Crosby Home Improvements.

The Binghamton City Democratic Committee also called for an investigation into the incident before his arrest.

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The post ‘Proud to hang her from a tree’: Man arrested for threatening Black Senator appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.

The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations

NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on regional leaders to build a stronger and more effective Caribbean Community that benefits future generations. Speaking at the 51st Regular Meeting, Drew urged modernization of governance structures and improved implementation of Community decisions to make CARICOM safer and more prosperous.
The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

Speaking Sunday at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Dr. Terrance Drew said the region must modernize its governance structures, improve the implementation of Community decisions, and ensure CARICOM becomes safer, more prosperous, and more relevant to the lives of its citizens.

The meeting, being held under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” coincides with the Community’s 53rd anniversary. During the ceremony, Dr. Drew formally handed over the rotating CARICOM chairmanship to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

Reflecting on his six-month tenure as chairman, Drew praised fellow regional leaders for maintaining their commitment to democracy, good governance, unity, and the rule of law despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.”
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He highlighted progress made in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including deeper trade cooperation, expanded labour mobility, and efforts to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Drew also noted the Community’s growing partnerships beyond the Caribbean, particularly with the African Union, while stressing that every international partnership should advance the interests of all parties involved.

The outgoing chairman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Carla Barnett and the CARICOM Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support during his tenure.

“Whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence.”

Dr. Drew urged the Secretariat to continue preserving its impartiality while faithfully implementing decisions made by Heads of Government, saying that balance has helped strengthen the regional integration movement.

The conference continues in Saint Lucia with regional leaders expected to deliberate on key issues including regional security, climate resilience, trade, economic integration, food security, Haiti, reparations, and strengthening the CSME.

Based on reporting by New York Carib News.

The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.