A Legacy of Advocacy.

 

From 1990 to 2025: Pastor Kyev Tatum, The Voice of School Choice for Black Texans

For over three decades, Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., has been a steadfast champion for educational equity and a prominent advocate for school choice in Texas. From his early days as a young civil rights leader to his current role as pastor of the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Pastor Tatum has consistently fought for the empowerment of Black families through education. His unwavering commitment to providing underserved communities with access to quality educational opportunities has cemented his legacy as a transformative voice for school choice in Texas.

The Beginnings: A Call to Action in the 1990s

In the 1990s, Pastor Tatum recognized the widening educational gap for Black students in Texas. Public schools in inner-city communities were underfunded, overcrowded, and struggling to meet the needs of their students. Inspired by the civil rights movement and his own experiences, Tatum began advocating for policies that would give parents more control over their children’s education.

His message was clear: educational freedom is a moral imperative. Tatum framed school choice as a pathway to justice, arguing that no child should be forced to attend a failing school simply because of their ZIP code. During this time, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of charter schools, voucher programs, and other initiatives aimed at increasing educational options for Black families.

Building a Movement in the 2000s

By the early 2000s, Pastor Tatum had emerged as a prominent voice in the school choice movement, not only in Texas but across the nation. He collaborated with faith-based organizations, educators, and policymakers to advocate for reforms that prioritized the needs of Black students. His efforts were deeply rooted in the belief that parents, not bureaucracies, should have the ultimate say in their children’s education.

Tatum’s work during this period included organizing town hall meetings, testifying before legislative committees, and engaging directly with families to address their concerns. He also began forming coalitions with other community leaders to push for accountability and transparency in both public and private education systems.

A Critical Decade: 2010–2020

The 2010s marked a turning point in Pastor Tatum’s advocacy. With the rise of charter schools and expanded school choice programs, Tatum intensified his efforts to ensure these options were accessible to Black families in underserved communities. He became a key figure in the debate over educational reform in Texas, frequently speaking out against policies that he believed perpetuated systemic inequalities.

During this time, Pastor Tatum also focused on addressing broader societal issues that impacted education, such as poverty, food insecurity, and racial injustice. His initiatives, like Farm Fort Worth and the Inner City Coffee Exchange, highlighted the interconnectedness of education and community revitalization.

The Voice of 2025: A Legacy of Advocacy

As of 2025, Pastor Tatum’s leadership in the school choice movement remains as impactful as ever. His advocacy now spans over 35 years, marked by countless successes in empowering Black families to make informed decisions about their children’s education. He continues to work tirelessly to ensure that school choice policies are equitable, inclusive, and beneficial to all students.

Tatum’s influence extends beyond policy. His work has inspired a generation of parents, educators, and activists to join the fight for educational equity. Through his leadership, he has shown that school choice is not just about providing options—it is about creating opportunities, fostering hope, and breaking down barriers for future generations.

“From the Classroom to the Community”

For Pastor Kyev Tatum, the fight for school choice has always been part of a larger mission: to uplift Black Texans and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to succeed. As he reflects on his journey from 1990 to 2025, Tatum remains steadfast in his belief that education is the cornerstone of justice and progress.

“School choice isn’t just about schools,” he says. “It’s about empowering families, transforming communities, and giving every child the tools they need to thrive. That’s the fight we’ve been in for 35 years—and it’s a fight we’ll keep fighting until justice prevails.”

Pastor Kyev Tatum’s voice has been a clarion call for change, and his legacy as an advocate for school choice will continue to resonate for generations to come.