Steven Becton

- Board of Advisors

Steven Becton is the Chief Equity Officer for Facing History and Ourselves. based in Memphis, TN.  He writes and speaks for Facing History on urban education and equity issues in and beyond the classroom. He presents at national conferences, writes blogs, and conducts workshops and webinars for educators and for the larger community centered on having courageous conversations about race and education. He is a skilled facilitator and experienced presenter.

Becton leads an Urban Civics Learning Lab in one of the poorest zip codes in Memphis, Tennessee, supporting a team of Facing History staff who are working deeply in these schools to create whole school culture and transformational educational experiences to equip educators, while also empowering students, to overcome systemic issues that have placed them at risk. 

Becton joined the staff of Facing History in 2001 after 11 years of exemplary teaching.  He has been recognized nationally as a leader among educators, earning Junior Achievement’s State Teacher of the Year. Award in 2005. In 2008, he was inducted into the Rhodes College Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding football, academic, and community service accomplishments. In 2011, Tri-State Defender recognized him as one of its 100 Outstanding Black Men.

Becton has a BA in Economics from Rhodes College, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and an advanced certificate in Urban Education.  He is a 2020 doctoral candidate at the University of Memphis with a major in Urban Education.