Leaders of Color is proud to announce the 2024 graduation of 79 amazing fellows who join our growing alumni network of 271 exceptional community leaders!

The 2024 class of Leaders of Color has worked hard to support equitable education in our communities in Louisiana, Memphis, and Washington D.C. 

Here are some highlights from an impactful year of leadership:

‍Louisiana 

• Leaders of Color-Louisiana graduates Niles Haymer and Anthony Kenney are running for office. Niles Haymer is running for Baton Rouge City Court Judge in November, and Anthony Kenney is running for Metro Council District 2. Several Leaders of Color alum have joined their campaigns in support. 
• This year's cohort consisted of a diverse group of fellows actively focused on areas that positively impact the lives of black and brown children across the state.  From health care advocacy, education policy advocacy, voting rights reform, and college readiness and access. 

‍Memphis 

• Several Class of 2024 graduates ran strong campaigns and supported campaign operations this summer for the August primaries. We are proud to share that Leaders of Color won three seats on the Memphis-Shelby County School Board in recent elections! 
• Leaders of Color fellows joined local coalition partners in advocating against the proposed School Voucher Bill (HB1183/SB503). Their successful advocacy ensures that public funds will continue to be used to support students at public schools in Tennessee. 
• Leaders of Color-Memphis 2024 graduate Raul Ramirez Perez received the following recognitions: Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance Fellowship, the Education Leaders Academy Fellowship, the Democracy Outreach Coordinator for TIRRC Votes, and being honored for the Early Career Educator of Excellence Award at the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance’s (TECA) inaugural E3: Elevating Excellence in Education Awards Dinner in September.

‍Washington D.C.

• This year’s class included 20 astounding individuals whose backgrounds range from classroom educators to Federal Bureau of Investigation employees
• These graduates recently supported LaJoy Law a Leaders of Color alum running for the DC State Board of Education. Together, Leaders of Color knocked on over 340 doors in Ward 8 in two hours.
• Two members of the 2024 Leaders of Color-D.C. class recently filed to run for State Board of Education seats.