Celebrate Black teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week
When I think about the people that shaped me, I think a lot about my teachers. Outside of family, they are some of the first nurturers we encounter. For Black students, having a Black teacher increases the likelihood of graduation outcomes and increases their test scores.
That’s why Leon Smith, a Black male AP U.S. History and African American Studies teacher in Pennsylvania, earning National Teacher of the Year Leon matters. Smith’s story embodies those attributes as well as a desire to be a Black male teacher – something he rarely saw growing up.
Smith’s journey reinforces why Black teachers matter, and why he hopes to increase the number of Black people in the teaching field. As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, I hope people reflect on why Black teachers are needed.
. Need to know:
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INSIDE THE 305:
With voting rights changes, what’s at stake for Florida’s young Black voters?
The Voting Rights Act has been chipped away once again. After the latest ruling by the Supreme Court, historians wonder what this means for young Black voters in Florida, who have not been taught their history.
‘Not race neutral’: How Florida’s new voting maps favor white voters
Voting rights groups have criticized the new Florida maps as giving an unfair advantage to the GOP and the white communities that make up the majority of the party’s voter base.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Beyoncé’s ‘B’Day’ at 20, An Oral History
Billboard’s Kyle Denis chronicles the oral history of Beyonce’s second album B’Day, which came as the then starlet was in the film version of the musical “Dreamgirls.”
Paramount to shutter ‘Love & Hip Hop’ franchise, ending an era of reality TV
You won’t see the “Love & Hip Hop” cameras around South Florida anymore. The series is coming to an end, culminating in a special later this year.
HIGH CULTURE:
OneUnited Bank launches podcast
What’s your undeserved shame? That’s the question OneUnited Bank asks its guests on its new podcast with the hopes they’ll confront it and discuss how it shaped their success. The podcast, which launched Thursday, is co-hosted by bank president Teri Williams and marketing ceo Suzan McDowell.
This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 3:03 PM.