PTA, Black History, and the Next Generation

Written by Anna King



February 17, 1897, marks National PTA Founders Day, a day that celebrates the beginning of an organization built on the belief that families are essential partners in education. From the very start, PTA has been guided by values of advocacy, community, and leadership, ensuring that families have a voice in shaping all opportunities for children. Those founding values are why, to me, Black History Month and PTA’s mission are inseparable. February isn’t just days on a calendar, it’s personal, generational, and deeply connected to why I advocate for all children and families.

In my family, Black history lives in our stories, our faith, and our resilience. It reflects the sacrifices of our parents, grandparents, aunts, and our uncles who believed education could open doors, even when opportunity was limited. That belief is also at the heart of PTA.

Few people realize that PTA’s history is deeply connected to Black leadership. In 1922, educator and community advocate Selena Sloan Butler founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers during a time of segregation and exclusion. She understood when families are informed, engaged, and valued, our children succeed. Her leadership strengthened the PTA movement and expanded its reach, ensuring that Black families and communities had a voice in education.

Black History Month matters because representation matters. Children, including my grandchildren and all children, deserve to see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. They deserve to know their history includes brilliance, courage, and community, not just struggle. Honoring these stories strengthens understanding, unity, and leadership.

Most importantly, from generation to generation, Black history is leadership. When our young people know where they come from, they are better equipped to shape where they are going. Knowing their roots helps them understand the generations that came before, the sacrifices made, and the resilience that surrounds them. As PTA leaders and families, we carry a responsibility to advocate, educate, and create inclusive spaces where every child belongs.

I often think of something my Big Mama used to say to me, “If you don’t know where you come from, how can you honestly help with the present and the future?”

She may have been blind, but that never stopped her from pouring her wisdom into us. Her words are not just memories for me; they live in my heart and continue to guide me every day. They also remind me that honoring Black history isn’t about looking back, it’s about moving forward with purpose and passion, ensuring our children, including my grandchildren, are confident in who they are and empowered to build a better tomorrow for all children. Through FLPTA, we continue that work every day, creating spaces where families are valued, leaders are nurtured, and every child belongs.

Leadership Spotlight!

A lot happens behind the scenes to keep FLPTA moving forward, and Karen Mazzola is one-of-a-kind. Please get to know your FLPTA Leadership & Development VP in our new Leadership Spotlight!

What inspires you to be part of PTA?

I was initially inspired to be a part of PTA by a friend when my child was in kindergarten. The needed a programs co-chair. What continued to inspire me was how PTA was addressing the needs of students and families. Finally, the more I volunteered, the more I understood that PTA was not just about my school or my county but was far reaching and its primary goal was advocacy. I am hooked and I love it.

How long have you been involved in PTA work?

17 years

What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?

My husband and I have gotten into cruising!

What's your favorite TV show right now?

I have so many. My guilty pleasure is Bravo.

Could you share a few sentences of advice for PTA leaders as we head into the Spring season?

Plan for your replacement" meaning organize your work so there is a smooth transition for someone taking on your current role. It does not mean they need to do things how you did it, but it gives them an opportunity not to have to start from scratch, Most of all, have fun and focus on the mission!.

What to know about the Membership Challenge!

I currently serve as the FLPTA Vice President of Leadership Development working with the following committees: DEIJ, Leadership Development and Student Empowerment. Once a month we hold a listening tour. "L3: Listen. Learn. Lead" where we address any of your needs. Please join us for Friday, February 27th at noon. Other opportunities to look for in February is a DEIJ Real Talk (Virtual), a Livestream student panel and a leadership focus on Succession both to be held in the state office!

2025-2026 Award Application Date Updates!

Early Bird Award:

This award will be given to each local PTA/PTSA submitting an application form and payment of state and national dues for 100% membership or any amount over last year’s membership (See the Celebrate Membership Award criteria for details on 100% membership. Note that if the total school population decreases, the total membership may be lower than last year, but it can still meet the calculated 100% membership target. 

• Golden Early Bird Award - Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before October 1.
• Silver Early Bird Award - Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before November 1.
• Bronze Early Bird Award - Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before December 1.

Awards Workshop via Zoom: January 14, 2026

Awards deadline Submissions: May 1, 2026

Finalists notified: June 30, 2026

Awards Luncheon (at Convention): July 10, 2026

Click Here to watch the Awards Workshop Zoom Recording. Password: #tt69tjm

2025-2026 Florida PTA Scholarship

As we approach the end of the academic year filled with promise and potential, the Florida PTA is excited to announce the launch of our annual scholarship program. This program recognizes and supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

The application window is now open and will remain so until March 2nd, 2026.

We encourage all 12th-grade students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their achievements and aspirations. Every application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Florida PTA Scholarship Committee, which comprises dedicated education professionals, parents, and community leaders.

Please ensure that you have completed all the required fields.

If you have any questions, please email Scholarship@floridapta.org.

Application Requirements:

• Must be a Florida PTA Member
• Submit a completed and signed application by March 2nd, 2026
• Must include a High school transcript showing a GPA of at least 2.5
• Submit a Letter of Recommendation 
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION HERE

The Florida Department of Education released a proposed rule on Schools of Hope and school co-location following advocacy from families and educators across the state. While this shows that collective action matters, the Florida PTA remains concerned that key issues remain unresolved.

We continue to urge the repeal of the Schools of Hope law through SB 424 and HB 6023 this session.

Ongoing concerns include:

• Unclear and inequitable cost-sharing for utilities, safety, transportation, and support services

• Financial advantages for charter operators over district schools

• Inconsistent safety practices on shared campuses

• Lack of insurance, facilities oversight, and local district approval

🎥 Watch the discussion: https://tinyurl.com/School-of-Hope-Discussion

📝 Submit a public comment: https://tinyurl.com/Submit-Comment

Florida PTA believes students, families, and communities deserve transparent, equitable policies — and a real seat at the table.

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite Florida students and educators to participate in the 2026 Black History Month Contests, celebrating the theme “Celebrating Black History.” Observed each February, Black History Month honors the lasting contributions of African Americans to Florida’s history, culture, and communities.

Students across the state are encouraged to participate, with art contests open to grades K–3 and essay contests open to grades 4–12. In addition, nominations are now open for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award, recognizing outstanding full-time educators who bring history to life and inspire learning beyond the classroom. Entries and nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, February 9, 2026. Full contest guidelines and submission details are available at

Floridablackhistory.com

Founders Day Membership Challenge is HERE!

Step up to the plate for our Founders by reaching new fans in honor of PTA Founders’ Day on February 17! We’re challenging you to go beyond your usual roster—enlist non-traditional members, such as neighbors, friends, and local businesses, to join your PTA team. Share your success stories and winning strategy for identifying hidden members by the deadline. PTA units that rise to the challenge will earn a digital badge and be recognized on the Florida PTA website and social media platforms.

APPLICATION HERE

JOIN YOUR FLORIDA PTA DEIJ COMMITTEE, ALONG WITH SOME AWARD-WINNING LOCAL PTA UNITS, TO PRESENT THEIR IDEAS FOR “DEIJ PROGRAMMING AROUND THE WORLD”

Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:00pm via zoom

Registration Link Here

Membership Monday MEMO

Please join your Florida PTA Membership Commission on Monday, February 9th, at 7:30 PM for an interactive roundtable on strategies to grow your membership, family engagement, male engagement, and teacher engagement! Learn resources and tips! Please register in advance by clicking here.

2026 Florida PTA Leadership Convention Registration Opening this month!!

General Registration: $150 - through June 1, 2026

$200 - June 2, through June 19, 2026

K-12 Students Registration: $25 Students K - 12 Grade (with delegate status) 

Children under the age of 5 enter at no cost

Founders Day Open House

Saturday February 21

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Succession Blueprint: From Now to Next, Preparing Future Change-makers

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: PTA Open House 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Please RSVP at Info@FloridaPTA.org

Treasurer Q & A

These sessions are open to all of our PTA officers, and the focus will be on PTA finances. They are very informal, with not a slide deck in sight!

Registration Link

L3- Listen Lead Learn

Join your FLPTA Leadership Development Commission for their listening tour on February 27th at 12:00 PM. Let us answer your questions and help us plan your leadership development. You can send your questions in advance if you wish to Karen Mazzola: vp.leadership@floriapta.org

Registration Link

5 Effective Strategies: For Family Engagement

Our PTAs know that when families and schools come together, amazing things happen for our children! Family engagement is all about building strong connections between parents, teachers, and our community to help every child succeed. Getting involved doesn’t have to mean attending every meeting or volunteering for every event. It’s about staying connected, showing support, and being part of your child’s learning journey in whatever way works best for you.

Here’s what family engagement means to us:

• Teamwork: Families and schools working side by side to help students grow.
• Inclusion: Every family has a voice and a place at the table.
• Empowerment: Giving parents and caregivers the tools they need to help their children shine.
• Community: Celebrating the unique strengths that every family brings to our school.

When families feel welcome and connected, students do better academically, socially, and

emotionally. That’s why PTA is dedicated to creating more ways for families to get involved, share ideas, and make lasting memories together.

Standing Up and Speaking Up for all Children

PTA’s mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Become Advocates who will be aware of what is happening at all levels of government that impacts the education and well-being of all children. Designate a PTA/PTSA member to be your resource person regarding School Board, City and County Commission meetings. Your PTA/PTSA should know your elected officials' names, office locations and contact information. 

Your resource person should obtain a schedule of upcoming meeting dates and verify if there may be an agenda item that applies to the quality of life of a school aged child. 

Verify if FLPTA (flordiapta.org) or NPTA (pta.org) has position statements that will provide support for or against a particular agenda item. Decide if the President or designee will speak on behalf of PTA regarding the agenda item. Remember PTA is nonpartisan; we speak on issues not the individual who is handling the items.

FLORIDA PTA

Advocacy Committee

Questions or concerns - contact - advocacy@floridapta.org  

Our Teachers Matter! Keep the "T" in PTA! Here is how they play a role in PTA

FLPTA Committee Member Openings!

If you want to be a part of the FLPTA leadership team, we have openings in the following FLPTA committees:

• Awards
• Coalition & Outreach
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
• Education Professionals
• Literacy
• Male Engagement
• Media & Marketing
• Programs
• Resolutions

Please submit an interest form here

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https://wedoflips.com/acrobatic-science-live/

Hi Everyone — We hope you’re doing well.

Our TEAM has had the opportunity to support many schools over the years through a variety of programs, and we wanted to personally share something new that many of our school partners have been excited about.



We’ve launched Celebration Signs — a simple, school-branded way to recognize student milestones while also creating a meaningful fundraising opportunity for schools and PTAs. These have been especially popular for end-of-year celebrations and pair nicely with existing spirit wear or apparel programs.

If you’d like to see how everything looks and works in action, you can view a short demos here:

Elementary School Template:  https://pyrapromotions.chipply.com/Eleven30Elementary

Middle School Template: https://pyrapromotions.chipply.com/Eleven30Middle

High School Template: https://pyrapromotions.chipply.com/Eleven30HighSchool

If your school or PTA prefers to place a bulk order without using the website, we can absolutely accommodate that and will deduct an additional 10% from the order.

If this feels like something that could be a great fit for your school or PTA, I’d be happy to walk through the details or answer any questions.

As always, we truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you.

Scott D Harris

President, PYRA Promotions

Phone 561.330.2490  

Mobile 561.573.7598

Email sharris@PYRAPromotions.com

Website www.PYRAPromotions.com