WASHINGTON, DC – Today – Tuesday, February 26th – the White House will honor ten leaders who have devoted their time and efforts to helping further education among African Americans. These individuals have provided exemplary leadership in the area of education in the African American community at the local, state or regional level.

“President Obama has made providing a complete and competitive education for all Americans – from cradle to career – a top priority,” said Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett.  “That’s why, last summer, he signed an executive order to establish the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. This week, we look forward to welcoming Champions of Change who have been working to ensure that all African American students receive an education that fully prepares them for high school graduation, college completion, and productive careers.”

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative.  Each week, the White House features a group of Americans – individuals, businesses and organizations – who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.

An announcement will also be made at the event by Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan about the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. This initiative was established by an Executive Order signed by President Obama in 2012. The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans will work across Federal agencies and with partners and communities nationwide to produce a more effective continuum of education programs for African American students.  The Initiative aims to ensure that all African American students receive an education that fully prepares them for high school graduation, college completion, and productive careers.

Among the ten individuals recognized will be Phillip Jackson, founder and executive director of the Black Star Project. Jackson has done and continues to do phenomenal work; he is truly a worthy recipient of this honor.

Congratulations to Phillip Jackson, as well his co-honorees.

Read more at BlackStarJournal.com