Leadership Rooted in Culture, Faith, and Community
The Elimu Initiative stands on the belief that education is not just instruction—it is liberation, identity formation, and community transformation. Our leadership team reflects this mission. Each member brings lived experience, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to serving Black children, families, and communities with excellence and cultural integrity.
Together, our team bridges faith, education, advocacy, digital media, and cultural learning to shape a new model of community-centered education. From early childhood through adulthood, from public policy to arts and digital engagement, these leaders guide ELIMU’s mission with passion, vision, and purpose.
Meet the men and women called to this transformative work—
SERVING ONE STUDENT, ONE EDUCATOR, ONE FAMILY, ONE SCHOOL, ONE COMMUNITY
at a time.
Meet the Team
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![A man with glasses dressed in a dark suit and white shirt against a plain gray background.]()
Dr. La'Markus R. Cook
Founder & Chief Strategist
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![A man with dark curly hair, glasses, and a beard, wearing a black sweater, sitting indoors with a neutral background and a green plant in the background.]()
Ms. Anderia Bishop
Executive Director
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![Smiling Asian woman with dark hair, wearing a blue top, indoors with green plants in the background.]()
Dr. LaTroya Bishop
Director of Policy, Advocacy & Government Relations
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![A smiling woman with curly hair wearing glasses, hoop earrings, a necklace, and a striped blouse in an indoor setting.]()
Dr. Kenya W. Taylor
Director of Adult, Family & Community Learning
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![A man with dark, curly hair, a beard, and glasses with clear frames, wearing a dark sweater, is looking slightly to the side with a calm expression. There is a blurred plant in the background.]()
Ms. Whitney Brown
Director of Elementary Learning & After-school Programs (K–5)
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![A mountain peak at sunset, with the sky in orange hues and dark clouds below the mountain.]()
Mr. Brandon Kilpatrick
Director of Middle Grades Learning & Black Cultural Education (6–8)
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![Mountain silhouette at sunset with an orange sky.]()
Mr. Joshua Brown
Director of High School Learning & Summer Leadership Programs (9–12)
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![A mountain peak at sunset with a sky in shades of orange and yellow.]()
Mr. DeAndre Brown
Director of Arts & Young Adult Development
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![A silhouette of a mountain at sunset or sunrise, with a sky transitioning from dark to light blue and orange near the horizon.]()
Mr. Marvin Bailey
Director of Digital Content & Public Engagement
