Charlotte Hawkins Brown Fellowship
A year-long, statewide fellowship that supports early-career educators in exploring the rich history of Black education in North Carolina and applying that knowledge to their classrooms, schools, and districts.
WHAT?
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Fellows Program is a year-long, statewide fellowship that supports early-career educators in exploring the rich history of Black education in North Carolina and applying that knowledge to their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown and the Palmer Memorial Institute, the program equips fellows with historical context, culturally responsive pedagogy, and a professional network of support. Participants deepen their understanding of Black educational excellence while developing inclusive, equity-centered teaching practices that reflect and honor the diverse experiences of students across the state.
Aligned with North Carolina’s DRIVE initiative to increase educator diversity and retention, this fellowship is designed especially for educators in their first five years of teaching, a critical window when many new teachers—particularly teachers of color—leave the profession due to isolation, lack of mentorship, or culturally disconnected environments. The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Fellows Program addresses these challenges through historical learning, practical tools, and sustained professional connection.
The fellowship is led by the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity in collaboration with partners across the state. Together, these partners work to honor the past and build capacity for today’s education leaders.
SO WHAT?
THE WORK
Despite a growing and diverse student population, North Carolina’s educator workforce remains disproportionately white, and too many teachers—especially those new to the profession—lack the culturally responsive training and support they need to thrive.
The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Fellows Program helps close this gap by:
- Reclaiming and uplifting Black education history as foundational knowledge for all educators
- Equipping fellows with culturally responsive pedagogical strategies rooted in that history
- Creating statewide, cross-district communities of practice to reduce isolation and build support
- Developing educator leadership capacity to promote equity at the school and district level
Through this program, fellows gain the tools, knowledge, and community to shape more just and affirming educational spaces for all students—starting with their own.
FELLOWSHIP COMPONENTS
NOW WHAT?
GET INVOLVED
The 2025–2026 Fellowship cohort has been selected, and applications are now closed. If you’re interested in future opportunities, connect with the Dudley Flood Center to stay informed.
To learn more about how the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Fellows Program contributes to educational equity in North Carolina—or to explore ways to partner—please reach out to our team or visit the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum to experience the legacy firsthand.
For more information and resources about recruiting and retaining a diverse teacher workforce visit the DRIVE Coalition webpage.
Camry Wilborn Mercer, MA
Research, Learning, & Professional Learning
The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Fellowship Program is led by Camry Wilborn Mercer.