Brian Knowles

Background

About Brian Knowles

Brian Knowles is a dynamic speaker, writer, researcher, and educator with the distinction of being twice named by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s Top Black Educators (2018 and 2022). His research and writings have been featured in the Journal of Literacy Innovation: Rethinking Literacy Instruction and XanEdu Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Blog. Brian is the founder of Power Builders Curriculum and Pedagogies, LLC - an educational consulting company that supports schools, community organizations, and education-focused nonprofits in creating culturally affirming spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, policy, curriculum, research, professional development, and professional speaking engagements. Brian also serves as Manager of the Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Gender Studies within the School District of Palm Beach County, the tenth–largest public school district in the United States. The Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Gender Studies has been in existence for 26 years with a major focus on providing best teaching practices for students of color and developing a culturally responsive curriculum. Brian and his team have been instrumental in supporting schools to create environments that are conducive to the academic success of all students. His work has served to eliminate systemic barriers and interrupt discriminatory practices that create predictable outcomes for some groups of students. During his tenure, he is proud of several accomplishments including authoring the SDPBC Equity and Access Policy 1.041. He has also designed a series of state-wide, secondary-level courses that highlight the historical contributions and experiences of African Diasporic people: • Great Men and Women of Color Who Shaped World History • Examining the African American Experience in the 20th Century through Music and Visual Arts • Exploring Hip Hop as Literature, and • The History and Contribution of Haiti in a Global Context