Partnership · Protection · Proximity · Practice

Who we are · NABME founders

The people behind the mission.

“In order to increase the percentage of African American males in education, and to also close the achievement gap for students of color across the nation, we must develop the capacity of Black male educators to achieve results that will yield dramatic outcomes for marginalized students. The National Association of Black Male Educators commits to this charge.”NABME Founders
Dr. Rictor L. Craig, Jr.

Founder & CEO

Dr. Rictor L. Craig, Jr.

Co-Founder and Head of Schools, Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys · Washington, DC

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Joseph Speight

Co-Founder

Joseph Speight

Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Friendship Public Charter School · Washington, DC

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Dr. William L. Blake

Co-Founder

Dr. William L. Blake

Urban education leader; former Director of Redesign XQ, District of Columbia Public Schools · Washington, DC

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Seven Black male educators in The Black Man Can shirts standing together
Three educators smiling together at the 2026 Summit
Educators seated together in the Summit auditorium
Two educators smiling side by side
Black male educators in The Black Man Can shirts gathered around a young student at the 2026 Summit
Educators laughing together outside Howard University's Myrtilla Miner Auditorium
Three educators in The Black Man Can shirts smiling together
Black male educators in conversation during a NABME session

Founded in 2016. Built for the next generation.

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