Honoring Black Leaders in Career & Technical Education

Written by: Treasure Ray | upliftED Coordinator

February is a time to recognize both Black History Month and Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month. Together, they highlight the powerful role education plays in shaping opportunity, building skills, and preparing students for meaningful careers. CTE has long served as a pathway to workforce development, economic mobility, and community advancement. 

Many of the leaders who helped shape this work were Black educators who believed learning should prepare students for real careers and life. They introduced models of education that connected academic instruction with practical skills. Their efforts expanded access to opportunity and challenged barriers that limited who could participate in education and the workforce. 

Throughout this month, we are highlighting pioneers whose leadership helped shape the foundation of CTE. Each week, we will feature individuals whose work connected classrooms to careers, strengthened workforce preparation, and expanded access to skill-based learning. Today, their impact continues to influence how students explore career pathways and prepare for the future. 

CTE continues to evolve, but its core purpose remains the same. It equips students with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in a changing workforce. The leaders we are recognizing this month helped lay that foundation and demonstrated how education can serve as a bridge to opportunity, breaking barriers that once limited access and empowering future generations to rise.  

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