Lawmakers Praise Black Male Teachers for Guiding Their Paths

Bipartisan group of lawmakers share how Black male educators made a lasting impact on their lives and careers.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In interviews with ABC News, lawmakers across the political spectrum discussed the pivotal role Black male teachers played in their formative years. Figures like Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries credited their Black male teachers with providing life advice, guidance, and inspiration that put them on the path to success. However, experts note that Black men make up less than 2% of all U.S. public school teachers, a shortage stemming from the aftermath of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling.

Why it matters

The lack of Black male teachers is a longstanding issue that has deprived many students, regardless of race, of positive role models and mentors. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the outsized impact these educators can have, underscoring the need to address the systemic barriers that have contributed to their scarcity in the profession.

The details

Lawmakers like Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., fondly recalled their Black male teachers who guided them through difficult times, got them involved in student government, and inspired them to pursue careers in public service. However, experts attribute the shortage of Black male teachers to the backlash against the Supreme Court's 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which ended racial segregation in public schools and led to the forced removal of many Black educators.

  • The Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education ruling was issued in 1954.
  • Black History Month was first observed 100 years ago.

The players

Rep. Gregory Meeks

A Democratic congressman from New York who credits his Black male teacher, Mr. Ozzie, with guiding him through difficult times and inspiring him to pursue a career in politics.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

A Democratic congressman who believes having a diverse group of educators, including Black men, benefits all students, not just Black students.

House Speaker Mike Johnson

A Republican congressman from Louisiana who had several Black male teachers, including his middle school band director, Mr. Tilmer Keels, whom he described as a great inspirational leader.

Leslie T. Fenwick

The author of "Jim Crow's Pink Slip: The Untold Story of Black Principal and Teacher Leadership," who told ABC News that the resistance to the Brown v. Board of Education ruling by mostly white Southern politicians helped cause the shortage of Black male educators.

Eric Duncan

The director for preschool-12th grade policy at the nonprofit organization The Education Trust, who argued that Congress has the power to bolster the Black male educator workforce through various incentives and funding programs.

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What they’re saying

“In high school, my [Black] male teacher was Mr. Ozzie and he guided me, you know, through some difficult times and through good times.”

— Rep. Gregory Meeks, Democratic Congressman from New York (ABC News)

“One of my favorites was Mr. Tilmer Keels. He was our band director in middle school. He was such a great inspirational leader.”

— House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican Congressman from Louisiana (ABC News)

“People need someone to look up to. That's why we should be pushing specifically for more African American males in science, education, humanities, histories and all the other good things.”

— Jonathan L. Jackson (ABC News)

What’s next

Congress is considering several bills to address the shortage of Black male teachers, including measures to provide scholarships, mortgage assistance, and teacher tax credits to incentivize them to enter and remain in the profession.

The takeaway

The bipartisan appreciation for the impact of Black male teachers underscores the urgent need to address the systemic barriers that have contributed to their scarcity in the classroom. Increasing the representation of Black men in education can provide powerful role models and mentors for students of all backgrounds, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.