About BKH II
Award winning Educator
Brian’s Story
Brian Keith Harris II is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and motivational speaker, recognized for his work in transforming the landscape for black and brown children through teaching history, poetry, and dance. He is the Founder of Cultivating Young Kings, an organization that provides best practices and training for teachers, school districts, and community leaders who educate and work with black and brown boys in and out of the classroom. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Sons of Freedom Dance Institute, an organization that nurtures character, increases social awareness, and builds a spiritual foundation for black and brown boys through classical and contemporary forms of dance and movement.
In 2019, Brian was named one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s BeModern Men of Distinction for his creativity in teaching children black history and culture through modern and lyrical dance. Brian has received numerous awards and recognition for his passion in education and empowering urban and culturally diverse communities.
He has traveled throughout the country lecturing at professional education conferences and facilitating workshops discussing innovative teaching practices in the classroom. He has worked with many educational organizations including the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, Black Male Educators for Social Justice, The LEEP to College Foundation, Atlas Theater, and The L.I.G.H.T. Teen Summit to name a few.
As an emerging Subject Matter Expert, Brian’s workshop and research interests include: equity in urban schools, the Arts and culturally responsive pedagogy, teacher education, student wellness, and mindfulness practices in the classroom. Brian’s experiences as an elementary school educator and school administrator gives him a first-hand perspective on the role of educators and school systems in improving the quality of education for students of color. Brian currently serves as the Director of Outplacement and Graduate Support at Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, a tuition-free Episcopal school educating boys in underserved communities in Washington, DC.
Brian is a 2003 graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Print Journalism. He is a May 2006 graduate of The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology with a Master in Divinity degree with a concentration in Christian Education. Brian is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry degree with a concentration in Public Engagement at Wesley Theological Seminary.
Brian is the author of Freedom’s Design: 30 Days of Empowering Black Kings and a proud member of Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Best Sellers
I AM MY HISTORY
“Now more than ever our kids need to know they are royalty and that their roots run deep and ripens into greatness. Remind your child, they are great and have them repeat these words, I AM MY HISTORY.”
-Briana Perkins
Founder, LIT for Black Kids
FREEDOM’S DESIGN VOL. I
“Just as Harriet Tubman led hundreds to Freedom through the Underground Railroad, so will Freedom’s Design : 20 Days of Empowering Black Kings liberate our sons from the shackles of cultural ‘Mis-Education.’ Brian Harris has provided Black boys with 20 days of powerful affirmations and poems guaranteed to inspire them to be their authentic selves. It’s a must read”
– Ron Walker
Executive Director, The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color
Education is the work of liberating the souls of our children and challenging systems that keep them from their authentic being
– Brian Keith Harris II
Featured Articles
November, 2019
BLACK ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE, 2019 BeModern MAN of Distinction
“Being a black man means you have a chance to be a symbol of strength and courage while also projecting a sense of sensitivity and love for our boys”…Read More
April, 2018
BLACK MEN SMILE, Monday Sons of Freedom Dance
“I SMILE when I see black boys who are fearless in expressing their hurt, their pain, and their experiences through dance and use it as a vehicle to become more loving, kind, creative, and DOPE human beings”…Read More