LET THE LEARNING BEGIN, AGAIN. Black Parents and Churches Celebrate Landmark Texas School Choice Bill as a Path to Build Faith-Based Schools in Our Communities.

LET THE LEARNING BEGIN, AGAIN. Black Parents and Churches Celebrate Landmark Texas School Choice Bill as a Path to Build Faith-Based Schools in Our Communities. 

Texas Just Passed A Billion Dollar Blessing for Our Babies.

Austin, Texas — A new chapter in Black education is being written today. With the Texas House’s passage of Senate Bill 2, Black families and faith leaders across the state are rejoicing. The legislation opens the door for parents and churches to take the lead in shaping a brighter future for our children—right in the heart of our own neighborhoods.

“This is a billion-dollar blessing for our babies and a rebirth for our communities,” said Pastor Kyev Tatum, President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas. “It’s time to bring the schoolhouse back to the church house.”

The bill creates a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) program, giving parents the power to choose the best educational path for their children—whether that’s a traditional public school, charter school, homeschool, or now, a church-based school rooted in Black faith, values, and excellence.

For generations, the Black church has been more than a place of worship—it’s been the beating heart of our communities. It’s where we organized, educated, and raised up leaders. Now, this legislation gives us the tools to reclaim that sacred role by launching church-based schools that teach our history, affirm our identity, and prepare our children for greatness.

“For too long, we’ve been forced to send our babies into systems that don’t reflect our values or respect our culture,” said Pastor Tatum. “Now we have the freedom—and the funding—to build our own.”

Senate Bill 2 passed alongside an $8 billion investment in public education, including teacher raises and better special education services, showing the state’s commitment to both reform and choice.

Recent polling from Texas Southern University and the University of Houston found that Black parents support school vouchers more than any other group, with 70% in favor of universal choice and 72% supporting vouchers for low-income families.

“This is not about politics. It’s about purpose,” Pastor Tatum added. “We are not just asking to be included—we’re preparing to lead. From Sunday School to Sanctuary Schools, we are taking our children’s future into our own hands.”

As Senate Bill 2 heads to the Texas Senate for final approval, Black churches across Texas are already mobilizing. Plans are underway to launch church-based learning centers, develop culturally grounded curriculum, and train certified educators with a heart for our children and a calling to serve.

“Our babies are coming home,” Pastor Tatum said. “Home to learn. Home to thrive. Home to rise.”

About Black Texans, Inc.

Black Texans, Inc. is a grassroots, faith-based policy and advocacy organization committed to advancing educational equity, economic justice, and historical truth for Black communities across Texas.

To learn more, schedule an interview, or support our mission to plant church-based schools across Texas, please contact us at (817) 966-7625 or kptatum1@gmail.com.