Meet the Team

Dr. Archie Moss, Jr. was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Prior to beginning teaching, Dr. Moss received his Bachelor’s Degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences and Business from the University of Florida. Following graduation from the University of Florida, Dr. Moss moved to Charlotte, NC with Teach For America Charlotte, where he taught 6th and 7th grade math at Whitewater Middle School, and also served as the Dean of Students for fifth and sixth grade at the Whitewater Campus. In addition to his teaching roles at Whitewater, Dr. Moss has served as an Academy Facilitator, the Boy’s Track and Field Team Head Coach, the 6th and 7th grade Math PLC Lead, The Boy’s Football and Basketball Assistant Coach, as well as the Math Counts Club Advisor. Dr. Moss is a graduate from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where he received his Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education. In August 2020, Dr. Moss graduated from the University of Memphis with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

After leaving Charlotte, NC, Archie moved to Memphis, TN to pursue school leadership through a program called New Leaders. Archie first served as the Resident Principal at Bellevue Middle School before being named Principal at Bruce Elementary School. Archie was the youngest Shelby County Schools principal and the first Teach For America Memphis Alum to lead a district school. During his tenure at Bruce, Archie led the school to State of TN Reward School Status, went viral due to his weekly bedtime stories series, and was featured in USA Today and on the Ellen Show. Through his nonprofit, Archie founded Shelby County Schools' first ever Elementary Basketball League. Archie also had the opportunity to deliver a TEDx Talk on Small Ideas leading to Big Change. Dr. Moss has a true passion for ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and deeply known. Archie’s dissertation title, #BlackBoysMatter: Dismantling Systems of Oppression for Black Boys through implementation of School-Based Mentorship Programs, speaks to his passion for dismantling the school to prison pipeline. Dr.Moss’ passion led him to founding The Gentlemen’s League. Dr. Moss serves as an Impact Leader for Profound Gentlemen, where he supports male educators of color across the country.

Dr. Archie Moss, Jr., Founder and Executive Director

Mr. Jarrett Brock, Board Member

Originally from Southfield, Michigan Jarrett Brock has spent the past 8 years working in the field of education. He has had stints working for both Chicago Public Schools and Detroit Public Schools Community District in their Human Resources Departments. Jarrett currently works as a Recruitment Manager for Specialized Education Services INC (SESI Schools) where he oversees the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of teachers and other school-based staff. He is also the owner and Principal Consultant of J.Brock Consulting Group LLC. He also serves at Profound Gentlemen (PG). PG is a national organization that supports male educators of color. He has served as an Impact Leader and is currently the Partnerships Coordinator. Jarrett truly enjoys what he does, it gives him the opportunity to connect with different stakeholders who directly affect the education the students in our schools receive. Jarrett is a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences with a concentration in History and Human Resources. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Mr. Cotton received a B.S. in Communication Education with a minor in English Education from Illinois State University. In 2016 he finished his M.A. in Educational Administration at Concordia University Chicago. Javin Cotton taught Freshman through Senior English Honors and AP, directed credit recovery, and was a dean of students. Currently he is the Assistant Principal at Lincoln Elementary School Bellwood. He is extremely active in his community, tutoring and volunteering at his grammar schools. He serves on the Board for Sowing Seeds, a nonprofit organization helping to propel urban communities in Education. He is a purpose-driven individual that strives to push everyone to reach their highest potential. His ultimate goal is to provide students living in an urban community the resources provided in the suburbs!! He was honored with Teacher of the Year 2016- 2018 at North Lawndale. His favorites include: Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison; Harlem Nights; Lion King and Broadview. His interests are: Bowling, Music, Dance, and Singing. His favorite quote is: “What does that have to do with the Price of Tea in China?”

Mr. Javin Cotton, Board Member

Mr. Vincent Hale, Board Member

Vince is a singer, dancer, actor, and educator. He is an HBCU and PWI grad with degrees in music and education. He taught PK-8th grade music and theatre for six years at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in New York City before recently stepping into the Dean of Fine Arts role at Center for Creative Arts in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He serves as the Adwera Impact Leader and Elementary Electives Community Content Circle facilitator for Profound Gentlemen. Vince is committed to spreading joy near and far through the power of the arts. He desires for children and educators alike to breathe and believe in their ability to make their dreams their reality.

Darnell Riley has 10 years of experience in education as a teacher and grade team leader. He’s taught every subject within the HS Social Studies sphere. He currently works within the District of Columbia Public Schools as a 12th grade Social Studies He enjoys the work of decolonizing classroom curricula so students can see their full selves in the classroom space. He recently launched a non profit organization focusing on his passion: creating black joy. The Black Joy Foundation is a think tank that researches the science of Black Joy. The research is used to deploy funds to projects that create and sustain black joy.

Mr. Darnell Riley, Board Member

Mr. Josh Stanley, Board Member

Mr. Josh Stanley is a teacher in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Crichton College where he studied Education and Urban Youth Ministry. He holds a master’s degree in Education from Union University. For the past 11 years he has had the pleasure of serving the youth of Memphis as a math educator.