The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) has been a driving force for equity, leadership, and Black excellence in education since its founding in 1970. In this powerful episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sito Narcisse, we sit down with NABSE’s leadership team to reflect on the organization’s history, its present-day mission, and its vision for the future.

NABSE is more than an organization—it is a movement dedicated to supporting Black educators, elevating student outcomes, and shaping educational policy across the nation. With roots grounded in advocacy and excellence, NABSE provides a platform for educators, leaders, parents, and community members to share best practices, strengthen networks, and ensure Black students thrive.

This episode features six incredible leaders carrying NABSE’s legacy forward:

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney – President, NABSE | Superintendent of Aldine ISD

Dr. Kimberly McLeod – President-Elect, NABSE

Dr. William Blake – Secretary, NABSE | Educator, Leader & “Dr. KOOL”

Phyllis L. Williams – Executive Director, NABSE

Statia Paschel – NABSE Conference Secretary | SEL Leader & CASEL Fellow

Charlette Butler-Strickland – NABSE Conference Secretary | Principal, DCPS

Together, they discuss:

The history and legacy of NABSE and its founding vision

Why NABSE remains the premier organization for Black educators in America

How NABSE supports educators at every level—from parents to superintendents

The importance of resilience, perseverance, and critical thinking in shaping future-ready scholars

How NABSE conferences empower members with networking, mentorship, and shared solutions

The role of volunteers and community in driving NABSE’s impact

Learn more about NABSE and its leadership: https://nabse.org

Why This Episode Matters

NABSE represents hope, connection, and power for educators who may feel isolated in their districts. As the guests share, NABSE provides not only professional development but also the inspiration to persist, innovate, and lead with excellence.

From overcoming educational inequities to preparing the next generation of leaders, this conversation highlights why NABSE continues to matter more than ever in today’s shifting educational landscape.

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Why does everyone think they’re an expert on schools, just because they went to one?

On this episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, hosts Dr. Sito Narcisse and Tatiana Echevarria sit down with David L. Thomas, Jr., a national thought leader and influencer on education governance. Together, they unpack the politics of education, the role of school boards, and the realities behind decision-making that impacts millions of students.

About David L. Thomas, Jr:

David L. Thomas, Jr. is the National Vice President for Strategic Sales at RethinkED, where he drives national growth in social-emotional learning and mental health solutions for K-12 schools. A recognized sales and business development expert, Thomas has advised school boards, district administrators, and education leaders across the country.

Previously, Thomas served as Executive VP of Business Development for Accelify Corporation, leading strategies that helped drive its acquisition by Frontline Education in 2019. His career also spans leadership in higher education and community institutions, including serving as Director of Adult Education and Workforce Development, Director of Alumni Affairs, and Acting Director of the Black History Museum and Research Library at Bishop State Community College.

With advanced academic training toward a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development, a Master’s in History, and years of experience shaping governance at the intersection of policy, education, and leadership, Thomas brings unmatched insight into how school boards shape the future of education.

This episode explores:

Why school governance is more complex than most people realize

How school boards influence every student’s future

The politics behind education decisions in the U.S.

Why bridging divides in education requires stronger leadership and community trust

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In this powerful episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sito Narcisse and Tatiana Echevarria, we sit down with Manal Al-Ansi, MAT, Esq. — a visionary leader in global education, workforce development, and the founder of Diaspora District.

Manal’s journey spans from the classroom as an elementary school teacher to becoming an attorney and senior-level executive shaping global education policy. Through Diaspora District, she is spearheading a transformative workforce and education conference in Ghana, connecting brilliant Black minds, creatives, and professionals from across Africa and the diaspora.

This isn’t just a conference — it’s a movement of Black excellence, building bridges between education and industry while creating pathways from classrooms to careers. With over a decade of experience advising top government officials, developing impactful policies, and driving sustainable growth, Manal brings unmatched expertise to the conversation on how we reimagine education for the future of Africa and beyond.

Register & Learn More: https://diasporadistrict.com/

Follow on Instagram: @diasporadistrict

Diaspora District Ghana 2025 (Dec 17–20, 2025): Education Reimagined: Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders Through AI, Entrepreneurship, and Global Partnerships.

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What does it really mean to face setbacks — and then redefine success?

In this powerful episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, host Dr. Sito Narcisse sits down with Dr. Karlton Odell Johnson, an experienced educational leader, CEO of TASK Educational Consultant Group, and CTO of The Ed-Tech Group Inc. With over 20 years of leadership in Broward County Public Schools and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge on organizational leadership, instructional design, and building resilient communities.

Together, they explore:

How setbacks shape leaders and educators.

The role of education in guiding students toward Destination Excellence.

Why setbacks don’t define us, but how we redefine success does.

Lessons on perseverance, leadership, and vision that apply in schools, organizations, and life.

This conversation is for educators, leaders, parents, and anyone striving to transform challenges into opportunities.

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Bilingual education is more than learning two languages—it’s about unlocking opportunity, identity, and confidence.

In this episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, guest Ulysses Navarrete—a respected Latino education leader and advocate—shares how bilingual learning transforms the lives of Latino students. From boosting cognitive skills to strengthening cultural identity and community bonds, Ulysses brings both personal experience and professional expertise to the conversation.

The cognitive benefits of bilingualism, Personal stories from Latino families, Expert insights on educational strategies, and The role of bilingual education in cultural preservation

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In this conversation, Dr. Sito Narcisse and Alexis McLaughlin discuss the integration of AI in education, exploring its potential benefits and challenges. Alexis shares her journey from a theater background to becoming an advocate for minority students and the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI. They address the anxiety surrounding AI, the impact on human connection, and the need for ethical considerations in its use. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adapting educational practices to prepare students for a future where AI plays a significant role.

Takeaways

AI is already present in education, and we must adapt to it.

Engagement is key; bored students lead to discipline issues.

Standardized testing often fails to reflect a student's true abilities.

Ethical considerations are crucial when using AI in education.

Real-world skills must be prioritized alongside academic knowledge.

AI can enhance critical thinking if used correctly.

Teachers need professional development to integrate AI effectively.

Mental health crises may arise from increased reliance on technology.

Students learn better through collaboration and interaction.

We must prepare students for a future where AI is prevalent.

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"Education Without Limits”

Featuring: Jerry Bell, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and University of South Florida Foundation Board Member, with guest co-host Dr. Luz Randolph.

What happens when an NFL leader turns his focus to education reform? In this powerful episode of Unlearned & Unlimited, Jerry Bell shares how his journey from the field to the boardroom led to a bold vision for reimagining education—one that puts equity, innovation, and identity at the center.

Theme: Redesigning Education from the Ground Up

Our current education system was built for a different time—and it's failing too many students today. This conversation explores what it means to break free from outdated models rooted in compliance and standardization, and instead build an ecosystem where curiosity, culture, and creativity drive learning.

You’ll hear insights on:

The role of athletes and philanthropists in shaping education

Education meets leadership. Sports meet social impact.

Why college readiness requires more than just test scores

How culturally responsive education empowers marginalized communities

Building future-ready learning rooted in purpose and identity

Whether you're an educator, policy maker, student, or leader in sports or philanthropy, this episode will challenge your thinking and fuel your passion for change.

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In this eye-opening episode of the Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, Dr. Courtney Wright breaks the silence on mental health in education—from depression and anxiety to intrusive thoughts and self-sabotage. Hosted by Dr. Sito Narcisse, this clip explores how untreated emotional struggles affect students, educators, and families—and why understanding mental wellness is essential in today's classrooms and communities.

Mental health is not a weakness—it's part of the learning journey.

“Life sucks sometimes. And that’s okay.”

Discover the book that’s transforming lives:

Spiraling in Control by Dr. Courtney Wright

A reflective guide to healing, growth, and reclaiming your power

Buy now on Amazon

Book Dr. Courtney Wright for speaking engagements: @ https://drcourtneywright.org

Follow her on TikTok & Instagram: @doccourtneywright

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