Black History Month 2025 | E4E-LA Educator Spotlight

1. Name: Antoine Taylor

2. Role: Literacy Interventionist/Coordinator

3. E4E-Chapter: E4E-Los Angeles

4. Why is it important in 2025 to support Black educators in the classroom?
It is important to support Black educators in the classroom because that transforms
into student success in the classroom. Black educators work with all students, and their success will help students throughout the district achieve in math, language arts, science, and athletics and aspire to go to college.

In addition, Black educators can serve as role models for our Black youth throughout LAUSD. Black students can thrive off seeing Black people in their community doing well and succeeding professionally.

5. Who is a Black figure in your life that has inspired you?
A Black figure in my life who has inspired me is Dr. Keyisha Holmes. She is a family member and an educator in the Riverside School District. We grew up together in the tough South Central neighborhood. Despite this, we both became teachers.

Dr. Holmes became a teacher, coordinator, coach, principal, director, and author of the book “Change the Ending.” Her success has encouraged me to dream big and aim high as a professional. She is a true inspiration to our family and profession.

6. What is your favorite quote from a Black figure in history?
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

This quote is pertinent to life as a whole and the students we work with at school. To me, it means that you must work hard and struggle (at times) to achieve the great things in life. For our students, we should expect progress not perfection. As long as we see growth, despite their struggles, there is always hope.