Melanie Acosta, an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University, is holding an event at the African-American Library Research and Cultural Center focused on the Jeanes Supervisors, a group of Black women educators who revolutionized education in the South in the early 1900s.
Courtesy of Harris Public Relations
I learned about the Jeanes Supervisors when I interviewed Melanie Acosta, an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University.
Formed in 1907 in Virginia, Jeanes Supervisors were Black women educators who taught vocational skills in the rural South. Their work extended beyond the classroom, with them advocating for better facilities and creating clubs and organizations to develop Black communities.
In other words, their work was communal. While the program no longer exists, Acosta said their presence is still felt in similar nonprofit organizations that center the work of Black educators and their role in the community.
Need to know:
Speed-zone cameras outside Miami-Dade schools are generating over $2M a month
Miami zoning change would allow housing on church land
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INSIDE THE 305:
They transformed Black education in the South. This professor is telling their story
FAU professor Melanie Acosta is educating the masses about the Jeanes Supervisors at an event in Broward County.
He bought back the block in Liberty City. Now he’ll lead Miami’s MLK Day parade
I had the pleasure of interviewing Broadway Harewood Jr., a Liberty City native who has been revamping his community. Harewood was a grand marshal in the MLK Day parade.
‘We can change the world’: Miami rap icons honored by 5000 Role Models on MLK Day
Miami rap legends, including Trick Daddy, Flo-Rida and DJ Khaled, were honored by the esteemed nonprofit 5000 Role Models for their volunteer work in Miami-Dade County.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Sinners sets a record with 16 Oscar nominations
Sinners set a record for the most Oscar nominations in history with 16, receiving nominations for best film and the newest category, best casting. Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku received acting nominations, and Ryan Coogler received three nominations as a director, producer and screenwriter. Coogler’s wife Zinzi is also nominated as a producer.
Dr. Gladys West, Mathematician Whose Work Made GPS Possible, Dies at 95
Gladys West, the mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS technology, died Saturday. She was 95.
HIGH CULTURE:
Florida Memorial University performs “America The Beautiful”
While the Miami Hurricanes go another year without winning a football championship, the College Football Championship game provided an opportunity for local talent to shine. FMU’s Chorale sang “America the Beautiful” during pregame ceremonies. Their performance can be viewed on Sports Center’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
