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Meet Queen Taese “The Queen of Black Homeschooling”

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Queen Taese “The Queen of Black Homeschooling.”

Queen, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story
I have always had a special place in my heart for children and my Afrikan culture. As a child, I was always very intrigued about the story of my people throughout the diaspora and very enthusiastic as well as passionate about Afrikan-centered education and expressing my creativity in ways that would assist others in living their best life. Even as a young child, I was dedicated to being a better version of myself every day never to let fear stop me from doing what others sometimes deemed impossible. I had a strong family foundation and support system of love and guidance that encouraged me to grow infinitely and be my own measuring stick. So it only seemed plausible that once I had my first child, I would embark on a journey of liberation education for my children, of which now I have seven.

In 1996, I made a lifetime commitment to fully be present and in the driver’s seat of my children’s education, which began in the form of homeschooling. The experience was beyond fulfilling and lifechanging. I was super excited about the study of how to build an Afrikan-centered pathway of education and custom craft my curriculum to foster the genius in all of these beautiful children that I was now educating in addition to my own. I realized that our children were capable of so much more than what I had previously learned through formal western and mainstream educational standards.

One day while walking through Harlem among the awesome street vendors that were the heartbeat of 125th Street, I had the honor of divinely being lead to the book “Awakening the Natural Genius of Black Children” by Dr. Amos Wilson. This book complemented what I was learning from my experiences and natural insights as a mother and educator. The process of seeing our children truly thrive became such a passion that I truly began to open up my quest for more knowledge and training sitting at the feet of my elders and Afrikan scholars, sparking a vision of educational greatness that became such a soulful imprint. This was “Liberation Lifeschooling”, a version of homeschooling that offered an ancestral roadmap for our children to actualize their brown brilliance.

This road less traveled has definitely had it’s challenges, yet the triumphs outweigh them by far. On this Blacknificent journey, I have been able to see my children grow and thrive within infinite possibilities of mind, body and spirit where their morals, values, cultural identity, confidence, and love of self were able to be nurtured. As far as entrepreneurship, my daughter was running her successful vegan and raw food catering business at 12, my “sun” becoming a pilot at 16, my other daughter starting her own dance company at 15, to name a few. This choice has provided me amazing opportunities for travel as well as educating and learning from thousands of children from around the world instilling a positive cultural identity and sharing the love and abundance that has assisted our babies in reaching Black excellence and actualizing their divine purpose. On February 29th, I had the opportunity to share some of my story in my first published book called African American Families: Why We Homeschool, which climbed to an Amazon Bestseller in the 3 categories of 1)Homeschooling 2)Education and Reference 3) 90-Minute Parenting.

I would never have imagined that homeschooling would be a segue into such fruitfulness and joy. I am now going on 25 years of being a homeschool mom and educator, in which now I also am a speaker that trains parents, conducts staff development workshops, designs curriculums, and assists people in setting up homeschool co-ops and institutions. This allows me a chance to share master tools and resources that have proven effective for me and many others.

In addition, I now host a series of education conferences and children’s events geared towards Black families who are serious about their children receiving a quality education. To name a few, some of those entities are Roots to Fruits Homeschool & Cultural Collective, The Children’s Afrikan Ball, The Children of The Sun Fun Fest, The Watoto Kwanzaa Jamboree, and my signature gathering, The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool and Education Expo. I am also the editor and writer for the best-selling Liberated Minds Black Homeschool & Education Magazine, which is the first of it’s kind. Since then, I have founded the Liberated Minds Black Homeschool & Educational Institute, which is an educational empire forging a new reality for the wholistic cultivation of children throughout the Afrikan diaspora. Its trifold mission consists of the cultural development of Black children as scholars, leaders, passionpreneurs, and innovators that serve the Black community; empowerment of the Black family, and the creation and maintenance of the intergenerational wealth that is needed to shape a future full of prosperity, power, and legacy. The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool & Education Institute serves as a pillar that provides culturally relevant resources, training, and vast options of everyday support for those who have taken on the great responsibility of “Educating Our Own.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There definitely have been challenges, lots of them. Yet, they do not even come close to outweighing the successes. When I first started homeschooling, it took us two years to find a homeschool collective where we could collaborate with other families of like mind in reference to curriculum, educational and social outings, parenting etc. A strong support system is a must when homeschooling. We are not meant to do it alone. There were also times when finances became a challenge, whether it was for educational resources, rent, or other necessities. I truly had to get creative in problem solving and making a way where sometimes there seemed like there was none. There were many healing modalities that I had to learn to keep balance in my life, such as yoga, meditation, and so much more. I now embody the mindset that “Obstacles do not exist!”. It is simply a chance for us to grow and reach our next level of greatness. When I approach life’s challenges with this outlook, the focus is on gathering helpful info and solutions, rather than settling into a place of fear and disempowerment. I choose power!

Tell us about your company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool and Education Institute is an educational empire forging a new reality for the cultivation of children from throughout the Afrikan diaspora (around the globe). Our trifold mission consists of holistic development of our youth, empowerment of the Black family, and the creation and maintenance of the intergenerational wealth that is needed to shape a future that is full of prosperity and power.

From under the Liberated Minds umbrella arises a multitude of solution-based resources and certified support to build the utmost competence and confidence to assure success. I am now going on 25 years of being a homeschool mom and educator, in which now I also am a speaker that trains parents, conducts staff development workshops, designs curriculums, and assists people in setting up homeschool co-ops and institutions. This allows me a chance to share master tools and resources that have proven effective for me and many others.

As a company, I am most proud of The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool and Education Expo, which was founded in 2012. July 17-19, 2020 will be our 9th Annual and this year, we will be debuting our first documentary, “Liberated Mind: One Million Black Homeschoolers Rising.” This is one of my favorite gatherings because thousands of families come from all over the country and world to attend. It offers over 40 educational workshops and training that are offered on homeschooling from a cultural and holistic perspective, including for children. In addition. We have over 100 vendors with culturally relevant educational materials and resources. This is such a magical weekend that it feels like a family reunion. The relationships and support systems that are built are priceless.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to naturally fill many voids that our families need to be successful in homeschooling. I also have a genuine love for my people and our children. I want to see more happiness and joy in our community and people living in their divine purpose!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is living a life of radiant joy that is contagious. It is having an internal peace than emanates from knowing our rich culture and living it every day on a mental, physical, and spiritual basis. Family is at the core of me as well. So much of my sacred time is with my love ones, both family and extended family. It brings me happiness to be doing what I love. I have an awesome legacy that was left by my Ancestors, and I have a legacy to leave for those who are here and come after me. Standing in my true power is an everyday task, yet the ultimate success!

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Image Credit:
The image with me dancing with the children is by Shakeesha Semone.
The pic with me holding magazine is by Damaris Insight.
The pic with award in frame is by Tafari Melisizwe
All others are fine to use without photographers names.

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