Metro Nashville Public Schools

Celebrating Black Excellence

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of MNPS’s Black teachers, staff, students, and graduates — leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are making an impact in our schools and beyond.

For 2025, our theme is "Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," and we're asking Black role models to talk about the examples that were set for them and the examples they want to set for the next generation. 

While you're here, take a moment to revisit previous MNPS Black Excellence videos, celebrating the stories of our incredible alumni and students.

Robert Taylor

MNPS Board of Education Member

Robert Taylor represents District 1 on the MNPS Board of Education. He was elected in 2024. He is an instructor and program manager at Meharry Medical College in the Master of Public Health program, continuing a long career in public health. Taylor is also the founder of New Life Center, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fisk University and a master’s in public administration from Bowie State University.

Dr. Kelby Garner

Executive Principal, John Overton High School

Dr. Kelby Garner is the Executive Principal of John Overton High School, which is also her alma mater. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Tennessee State University and Educational Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees from Carson-Newman University.

She also has served as a school counselor, dean of student affairs, dean of instruction, and assistant principal; as an adjunct professor at TSU and Trevecca Nazarene University, and as board president for several local non-profit organizations.

Brian Sexton

Metro Council Legislative Affairs Manager

Brian Sexton serves as Metro Council Legislative Affairs Manager for Mayor Freddie O’Connell. An accomplished community development professional, he has welcomed opportunities to connect with government agencies, nonprofits and entrepreneurs to build bridges that unite them with the community at large. Sexton has held board and commission leadership roles with the MNPS Academies of Nashville Partnership Council, Music Makes Us, the National Museum of African American Music and other organizations.

Cheryl J. Wilson

Teacher, Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts

Cheryl J. Wilson teaches eighth grade science at Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts. A 25-year veteran of the classroom, she also serves as a mentor to fellow science teachers, coaches basketball and is the sponsor of the Creswell Drone Club. She was a recent finalist for MNPS Teacher of the Year.

Gaston Williams

Dean of Students, Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary School

Gaston Williams is the dean of students at Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary School. A 28-year MNPS veteran and a graduate of the district’s Pearl-Cohn High School, Class of 1985, Williams is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for students, staff and the community. His lifelong dedication to education, leadership and community engagement reflects his passion for empowering others and making a lasting impact.

Valentine Yiborku

STEAM Teacher, Smith Springs Elementary

Valentine Yiborku is a STEAM teacher at Smith Springs Elementary School, where she works to design and deliver engaging, student-centered learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. A graduate of MNPS’s Antioch High School and Tennessee State University, she also has worked as a substitute teacher and in healthcare and finance roles in the private sector.

Yiborku holds numerous certifications in management/leadership. She remains dedicated to continuous professional development and to fostering a positive, growth-oriented educational atmosphere.

Bethany Tolson

Librarian, Rose Park Middle School

Librarian Bethany Tolson, a 29-year MNPS educator and Whites Creek High School graduate, comes from a long line of proud Black learners and leaders, including one of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers. Talking about Black history, Tolson notes: “It is so important to learn all you can so you can inspire others and create legacies of your own.”

Candice Storey Lee

Vanderbilt University Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs

Candice Storey Lee has been Vanderbilt University’s vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director since 2020. She is Vanderbilt’s first female athletic director and the first Black woman to lead an SEC athletics program.

A former member of the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team who was a team captain, four-year letter winner, five-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection and 2002 SEC Tournament champion, Lee graduated from Vanderbilt with a bachelor of science degree in human and organizational development in 2000. She then earned her master’s degree in counseling in 2002 and a doctorate in higher education administration in 2012.

Lee has played important roles in Vanderbilt’s athletics administration since 2002 and is also a national leader in college athletics, serving on the Southeastern Conference’s Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice. She previously served on the executive committee of the Black Athletic Directors Alliance.

We are grateful Vice Chancellor Lee worked with us to launch Black History Month 2025.

Read more about Vice Chancellor Lee.