The morning sun cast a golden hue over the bustling streets of Trenton as Jerell Blakeley made his way to Trenton Central High School-West, his mind already buzzing with plans for the day ahead. It was a routine he had grown accustomed to over the years, a routine that spoke to his unwavering dedication to education and advocacy.
Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Blakeley’s journey into the world of education and policy began long before he ever set foot in a classroom. Growing up in a city marked by poverty and inequality, he witnessed firsthand the profound impact that education could have on individuals and communities. It was a realization that would shape his future and fuel his passion for social justice.
“As a kid, I saw how education could be a lifeline,” Blakeley recalls, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “It was a way out, a way to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future.”
Determined to make a difference, Blakeley pursued his education with unwavering determination, earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Howard University and a master’s degree in the social and philosophical foundations from Rutgers University-New Brunswcik. Armed with a deep understanding of the intersection between policy and education, he set out to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing his community.
In 2014, Blakeley embarked on his teaching career at Trenton Central High School-West, where he taught U.S. History, Leadership Civics, and African American Studies. It was a role that allowed him to not only educate young minds but also to instill in them a sense of empowerment and agency.
“As a teacher, my goal was not just to impart knowledge, but to empower my students to become agents of change in their own lives and communities,” Blakeley explains, his eyes alight with passion. “I wanted them to see themselves as leaders, capable of shaping the world around them.”
Outside the classroom, Blakeley was equally committed to driving change. In 2018, he ran for and was elected as a City Councilman-At-Large in Trenton, becoming one of the youngest elected officials in the city’s history. As a member of the city council, Blakeley worked tirelessly to address issues ranging from economic development to public safety, drawing on his background in education and policy to inform his decisions.
“I saw my role on the city council as an extension of my work in the classroom,” Blakeley says. “It was about advocating for policies that would create opportunities and improve the quality of life for all residents of Trenton.”
During his time on the city council, Blakeley also served as the council liaison to the Trenton Board of Education, where he worked to bridge the gap between city government and the school district. It was a role that allowed him to advocate for the needs of students and educators at the highest levels of local government.
“I believe that education is the cornerstone of any thriving community,” Blakeley asserts. “And as a councilman, I was committed to ensuring that our schools had the resources and support they needed to succeed.”
In 2019, Blakeley’s commitment to education and advocacy took him to the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), where he served as the Associate Director of Government Relations. In this role, Blakeley played a key role in advocating for policies that would benefit educators and students across the state.
“At NJEA, I had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated and passionate advocates for public education,” Blakeley reflects. “Together, we fought tirelessly for policies that would support our schools and empower our educators.”
One of Blakeley’s most significant accomplishments during his time at NJEA was his leadership of the NJEA Members for Murphy organizing campaign during the 2021 election cycle. Charged with leading a dynamic statewide campaign, Blakeley and his team mobilized NJEA members to support the reelection campaign of Governor Phil Murphy, resulting in historic voter turnout and support for the governor.
“It was an incredible experience to see so many educators and supporters come together to make their voices heard,” Blakeley recalls, his face breaking into a smile. “We showed that when we stand together, we can achieve truly remarkable things.”
In addition to his work at NJEA, Blakeley also served as a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, where he taught undergraduate courses on Black workers in American society. It was a role that allowed him to share his passion for social justice and equity with the next generation of leaders.
“As a lecturer, my goal was to challenge students to think critically about the world around them and to inspire them to become advocates for change,” Blakeley explains. “I wanted them to understand the historical context of the issues we face today and to see themselves as part of a larger movement for justice.”
In 2022, Blakeley’s journey took him to Indiana, where he is the Inaugural Director of Government, Community, Racial, and Social Justice for the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA). In this role, Blakeley led a team dedicated to advancing the rights of educators and students in the Hoosier state, advocating for policies that would promote equity and inclusion in schools.
“At ISTA, we are committed to creating positive change,” Blakeley says. “We built coalitions, lobbied lawmakers, and championed initiatives that addressed the root causes of educational inequity.”
Under Blakeley’s leadership, ISTA is a driving force for social justice and equity in Indiana, spearheading efforts to dismantle barriers to success and create pathways for opportunity. Through initiatives like the Indiana Educational Equity Coalition, Blakeley and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that all students had access to the resources and support they needed to thrive.
But Blakeley’s journey was not without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of state politics to confronting entrenched interests, he faced obstacles at every turn. Yet, he remained undeterred, drawing strength from his unwavering commitment to the cause.
“It hasn’t always been easy,” Blakeley admits. “But every obstacle has only reinforced my resolve to keep fighting, to keep pushing for a future where every child has the chance to succeed.”
As the sun began to set over the horizon in his office that overlooks the Indiana State House,, Blakeley paused for a moment of reflection. Despite the challenges and setbacks, he remained hopeful – hopeful for a future where education was not just a privilege, but a fundamental right; hopeful for a future where every child had the opportunity to fulfill their potential and chase their dreams.
“I believe that change is possible,” Blakeley says, his voice ringing out with conviction. “And as long as there are people willing to fight for it, I know that we can build a better, more equitable world for generations to come.”