8 Powerful Ways Black Male Educators Show They Care

Recent research describes Black masculine caring in educational environments as a culturally grounded way that Black men support students. In Black Male Leaders Care Too (Bass, 2019), Black male school leaders demonstrate care that is active, relational, and rooted in lived experience.

These practices challenge narrow ideas of what care and leadership should look like in schools—and offer a powerful alternative. 8 ways Black male educators demonstrate care in schools:

• High Expectations with Support – Pushing students to do well, while helping them reach their goals

• Relational Accountability – Building strong relationships and expecting students to show up for themselves and others

• Culturally Relevant Leadership – Making space for students’ identities in the classroom and school culture

• Visible Emotional Investment – Showing pride, concern, and encouragement through open expression

• Community Engagement and Advocacy – Building trust with families and standing up for student needs

• Discipline as Care – Using discipline to teach and support growth, not just to punish

• Protection and Shielding – Looking out for students and helping them navigate unfair systems

• Mentorship and Role Modeling – Being visible examples and guides, especially for Black boys

Bass argues that recognizing these caring practices expands how we understand leadership—especially in schools serving Black and Brown communities. It also affirms that care, when grounded in culture and community, is a powerful act of leadership.

Citation: Bass, L. R. (2019). Black Male Leaders Care Too: An Introduction to Black Masculine Caring in Educational Leadership. Educational Administration Quarterly, 56(3), 353–395. https://lnkd.in/emJv9kkf