Challenging Stereotypes. Advocacy Strategies for Black Families

In this conversation, Cheryl Poe and Kathryn Wiley discuss the critical intersection of neurodivergence, advocacy, and racial inequality in education. They share their personal experiences and motivations for advocating for Black neurodivergent children, emphasizing the historical context of educational disparities. They also explore their collaborative research initiatives aimed at raising awareness and fostering community engagement. This conversation explores the importance of race-conscious education and the impact of systemic inequities on Black neurodivergent students. They emphasize the importance of empowering parents with knowledge and resources to navigate the educational system effectively. They emphasize the importance of political power in advocating for educational equity and the necessity for community empowerment through alternative education options like homeschooling. About Cheryl A. Poe, M.A.Mrs. Cheryl A Poe hold a Master’s Degree in Urban Education and Counseling and extensive postgraduate studies in psychology, Mrs. Poe brings a wealth of expertise. Cheryl A. Poe is a nationally recognized special education advocate, speaker, and trainer whose work centers on advancing equity for Black neurodivergent students and their families. As the Founder and Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a Virginia-based nonprofit, Cheryl leads transformative advocacy and training initiatives that challenge systemic inequities within public education and empower parents to use their voices as agents of change. She is currently spearheading the Advocating While Black™ Research Project in collaboration with Dr. Kathryn E. Wiley of Howard University. This groundbreaking study examines how racial bias and ableism intersect to shape the educational experiences of Black students with disabilities across Virginia. The project not only documents the barriers families face but also uplifts their resilience, data-driven advocacy, and community-led solutions.Through her work, Cheryl has become a powerful voice for dismantling the policies and practices that harm Black neurodivergent youth. Her advocacy blends lived experience, professional expertise, and unapologetic truth-telling—reminding schools, policymakers, and communities that Black children deserve safety, belonging, and the full protection of the law.About Dr. Kathryn E. WileyDr. Kathryn E. Wiley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University in the School of Education. She is an expert in school discipline, climate, and safety, with a focus on race and educational opportunity. She uses multiple methods and a historical lens to understand contemporary education policies in the context of longstanding racialized inequalities. An avid public scholar, she is passionate about supporting education leaders, advocates, organizers, lawmakers, and students in equity-oriented change. Dr. Wiley’s research has been published in Review of Educational Research, Educational Administration Quarterly, Race Ethnicity and Education, The Urban Review, among others. She perspectives on race, equity, and education policy have been featured in news outlets including Chalkbeat, EdWeek, EdTrust, and Inside Higher Ed.Her recent research projects include the (1) a multi-state study of civil rights advocacy strategies in the Southern U.S. under diminished federal civil rights enforcement (2) the Advocating While Black partnership with Advocating4Kids Inc., a project dedicated to advancing Black parental advocacy within K-12 special education systems and (3) Building racial literacy and civic engagement networks among white K-12 educators. She most recently served as a 2025 Senate Congressional Fellow where she worked on education policy. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Foundations, Policy, and Practice from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a proud Community College Graduate from Dayton, Ohio.