Rooted in Memphis, Recognized Statewide. Head of School James Johnson Is Kind of a Big Deal.
This past April, 40 Black male educators from across Tennessee were honored at the State Capitol as part of the Tennessee Black Male Educators Recognition, and one of them was ours. James Johnson, Head of School at Freedom Prep Whitehaven Elementary at Millbranch, stood in that building and received what he has quietly been earning for years. Mr. Johnson has been in Memphis classrooms since 2007, a military kid from San Diego who put down roots here and never looked back. Teacher, assistant principal, interim principal, school leader. Fourteen years of showing up for kids and families, one decision at a time.
The formal recognition began in 2021 under Representative Torrey Harris and has since become a tradition celebrating Black male educators. When asked what the recognition meant to him, he said it simply: “This recognition affirms my commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring the next generation, and leading with integrity, service, and an unapologetic belief that all students deserve access to an excellent education.” That last part, the unapologetic part, is very him.
Black men make up just 1.3% of the national teaching workforce. That number is why this recognition exists, and why it matters so much when legislators walk onto that Capitol floor and say, out loud, that this work is worth celebrating.
Stories like Mr. Johnson’s are happening at Freedom Prep because educators choose to bring their whole heart into this work every day. If that sounds like you, we would love for you to join us. Explore open positions at freedomprep.org/careers.
