A college-prep elective that supports Black male achievement through culturally grounded instruction and real-world learning.
What’s Included
Crowns Curriculum equips educators with a full suite of culturally responsive, academically rigorous materials designed to engage Black boys and support their growth as readers, thinkers, and leaders.
Lesson Plans
Facilitators Guides
Worksheets (with facilitator copies)
Unit Summaries
Icebreakers
Historic/Primary Source Documents
Black History Resources
Literature: Books, Articles, Poems
Contemporary Media: Videos, Podcasts, KOO Music
Projects/Assessments
Reading/Writing Supports
“It creates not only a learning environment, but a safe environment for students to challenge themselves”
— Glenn Bell, Program Manager African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative
Why Crowns?
Academic Excellence – Standards-aligned, culturally responsive content that drives student achievement
Student Engagement & Success – Interactive, real-world learning experiences that captivate and empower
Culturally Affirming – Builds strong racial and cultural identity to foster student confidence
Future-Ready – Equips students with critical thinking, leadership, and community-building skills
Early Impact Data
By the end of the Fall 2024 Crowns Curriculum classes:
100%
of Black boys surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that they:
“feel comfortable and safe in their class”
identify “positively” with their race
“have a responsibility to improve their community”
90%
of Black boys surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that they:
“succeed in cheering themselves up when something unpleasant is said to them”
“can control their feelings”
Voices from the Classroom
Robert Bishop, Student, Crowns Curriculum
“It helps me understand who I am, my culture, and my background...”
Glenn Bell, Program Manager African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative
“It creates not only a learning environment, but a safe environment for students to challenge themselves”
Emory Walters, Facilitator, Crowns Curriculum
“I believe that Crowns Curriculum should be implemented in all schools...”
Our Team
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Nia Lundkvist
Curriculum Designer
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Matin Abdel-Qawi
Chief Program Officer
