How Community and School Choice Transformed Denisha Merriweather’s Life
Oct 8, 2025
In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous introduces Denisha Merriweather, founder of Black Minds Matter and a leading advocate for education freedom. Her path includes failing third grade twice, growing up amid instability, earning a scholarship, and becoming the first in her family to graduate from college before completing a master’s degree. The theme is second chances in education reform, and the promise is access and dignity for every child, especially those too often left behind.
Key Moments
[00:00] Failing third grade twice and early
struggles
[03:00] Poverty, instability, and how it shaped her learning
[06:00] A godmother’s support and the chance of a scholarship
[08:30] Finding a school culture that believed in her
[11:30] First in her family to graduate college and earn a
master’s
[13:00] From personal story to national advocacy
[16:00] Founding Black Minds Matter and building a directory of
schools
[21:00] Why diverse school leaders matter for real choice
[25:00] Hopes and concerns for the future of education freedom
Guest
-
Denisha Merriweather — Founder, Black Minds Matter; education reform advocate; former U.S. Dept. of Education staffer
-
First in her family to earn a college degree; later completed a master’s
-
Testified before Congress; active national voice on education freedom
-
Founded Black Minds Matter in 2020 to uplift Black school founders
-
Led work documenting 500+ Black-founded schools across the U.S.
Resources Mentioned
-
Black Minds Matter — National initiative uplifting Black school founders — https://blackmindsmatter.net
-
Step Up For Students — Florida scholarship granting organization — https://www.stepupforstudents.org
-
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — U.S. education data — https://www.nationsreportcard.gov
Connect with Denisha
-
Company: https://blackmindsmatter.net
-
Socials:
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisha-merriweather-a0521820b
X / Twitter — https://x.com/DenishaMweather
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/deni_mweather/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/denisha.b.merriweather/
Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways
K12’s innovative programs give students a head start on their future.
Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.
✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction
✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs
✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more
✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success
Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child’s education.
🔗 Learn more about K12’s career pathways:
https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479
🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:
https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25
Join the Conversation
Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?
📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective.
📱 Follow us:
🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast
🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast
🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let’s reshape the conversation around education.