The Team

Larry Irvin, Jr., is the founder and chief executive officer for Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T), a leading organization for training men of color to become teachers and increasing the number of Black male teachers in US public schools. Through creative research and development, he ensures the overall vision and culture of the nonprofit.

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Utilizing innovative programming, mentorship, and paid fellowships, BE2T works to identify, nurture, and develop the next generation of black male educators. Simultaneously, BE2T is changing school culture by aggressively deconstructing the deficit perspective that has plagued scores of black males on both sides of the coin – students and teachers. 

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Recently, Larry was selected as a TED Fellow, joining a class of 20 remarkable individuals who are collaborating across disciplines to spark positive change around the world. He is 1 of 3 Americans chosen in his cohort. He is a 2016 Camelback Fellow, and a member of the WKKF Kellogg Leadership Network. Larry is also the creator and mastermind of “The Cipher”, BE2T’s in-house personal and professional development space.

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Prior to this role, Larry taught high-school and was a football coach. A native of New Orleans, La., Larry earned his Associate Degree in Journalism and Media Arts from Delgado Community College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Rhetorical Theory and Public Address from Louisiana State University.

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Educational attainment was always a point of emphasis for Larry growing up. Raised by an early childhood educator, his mother spent 23 years as a teacher for the Jefferson Parish Head Start program. Larry was most inspired by his mother’s perpetual benevolence, which extended from the classroom deep into the community, and he continues to apply those same principles through his work, today.

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