Disrupting the Status Quo: Innovation for Equity’s 4th Annual Black Education Forum
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend Innovation for Equity's (IFE) 4th Annual Black Education Forum, which is dedicated to disrupting the status quo and transforming the life outcomes of Black learners of all ages. The discussions throughout the event focused on one powerful theme — “Speaking Our Truths: Storytelling and Counter-Narratives in the Face of Erasure” — and proved to be nothing short of dynamic.
As I sat surrounded by so many passionate agents for change and heard their stories, I became energized by the momentum we’re building together. It was a good reminder that this forum isn’t just important, it’s imperative.
Why Innovation for Equity’s Black Education Forum Matters to Me
IFE’s Black Education Forum is deeply personal and also professionally vital to me. It embodies the mission of IFE and reflects a passion area within my work: ensuring that Black learners are not just included in education initiatives, but centered, from cradle to career. And the urgency of this work cannot be overstated.
Year after year, at events like this, IFE challenges us with a powerful question: “What can we do, and more importantly, what can we do together?” This year’s culminating session, “Telling Our Truths: Storytelling and Counter-Narratives in the Face of Erasure,” was a call to action. It reminded all those in attendance that the stories of Black students and educators are not only worth telling, but are essential to shaping a more just and equitable future.
At Cambium, our purpose — ensuring every teacher and student feels seen, valued and supported — aligns powerfully with IFE’s mission. Because of this, we’ve had the privilege of sponsoring multiple IFE events, highlighting our shared commitment to expanding access to quality education and affirming learning environments.
This sponsorship is more than a financial contribution — it’s a powerful statement of purpose. For me, it means we’re not just cheering from the sidelines of this conversation and this journey. We’re working intentionally and diligently alongside organizations doing transformative work at the national, state, and local levels. We’re standing shoulder to shoulder with leaders who are shaping the future of education, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.
Igniting My Hunger: Key Takeaways and Learnings
One of the most impactful statements during the event came from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a U.S. representative for Massachusetts's 7th congressional district. She said, “Now when you leave here, be a better ‘ancestor’ than ‘descendant’...”
Her statement struck me as a charge for what I’m called to do in this work. It caused me to reflect on the legacy I want to leave behind, not just for my nieces, nephews, godchildren, and the young people I know, but for the countless students I’ll never meet who are depending on other people — including me — to build a better future for them.
The work we do, at our organizations and in our communities, isn’t about recognition or immediate reward. It’s about planting seeds that we may never see bloom, just as those who came before did for us. It’s about showing up with intention, urgency, and heart. It’s about ensuring that every learner has access to a quality education, and every teacher has the support they need to thrive.
At Cambium, it means leveraging our platforms, resources, and voices to create lasting change through our products and services — and remembering that the millions of learners we serve are counting on us to do more to ensure that they continue to be seen, valued and supported.
When thinking back on Congresswoman Pressley’s advice, and the many wonderful insights from others throughout the event, I noted four key ideas that I will never forget from this year’s Forum.
Partnerships across the education ecosystem are crucial to the success of our students and teachers. This includes K-12, higher education, edtech, and community organizations.
Endurance is an absolute necessity during this journey.
In everything we do, we should work to be a better ancestor for those who come after us, rather than a good descendant to those who came before us.
There are spaces and rooms I’ve been able to enter because people before me made it possible. I need to pay it back and do the same for those who come after me.
Meeting Colin Kaepernick and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
The culminating session panel included Colin Kaepernick, American civil rights activist and former professional football quarterback, and Congresswoman Pressley. Both individuals have become icons in the fight for justice and equality, and yet, they showed up with humility, warmth, and a deep commitment to the work.
They were approachable, personable, and kind. Colin, in particular, made time for real conversations and genuine moments of connection with every person who approached him, even after the event ended.
Being able to meet them both was a powerful reminder that leadership in this movement isn’t about being above this important work — it’s about being in it, side-by-side with other people. That energy, that accessibility, and that shared purpose made the experience unforgettable and reaffirmed to me why this work matters so deeply.
What Comes Next
The Forum reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy — both through financial support and by showing up with my time and talent. Whether in K-12 or higher education, I’m focused on turning insight into action. The urgency is real, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact is now.
I’m excited to keep pushing forward, ensuring that our work continues to center and uplift Black students and educators.
Dr. Zach Shirley is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Cambium Learning Group. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his efforts.