Dr. Daniel Thomas III has earned a competitive grant to lead his research on the lasting impact of Black-led independent schools on teaching the humanities.

The grant from the Spencer Foundation will be used for a year-long study of two Black-led independent schools in the United States. “These are educational sites of refuge and reimagination around the humanities for Black families, educators, and students,” said Thomas, an Assistant Professor in our Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture.

Thomas’ idea to pursue this topic was motivated by the lessons he learned from his grandmother, who spent decades growing up in a segregated society. He says she, “instilled within me a deep love and reverence for Black history—particularly as it pertains to the history of Black education.” Thomas hopes this research will show how these independent schools can serve as beacons of education for Black students and lead to lessons that other schools can apply.

The Spencer Foundation has been a leading funder of educational research for over five decades and awarded $50,000 to fund this research. Thomas’ colleague, Dr. John Williams III, and Dr. Evan Willis will serve as Co-Principal Investigators for the study.

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