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Welcome to Up For the Challenge, the podcast where faith, innovation, and history intersect to tackle America’s most urgent issues—especially the education crisis. Hosted by Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, founder and CEO of Black Pastors United for Education, we dive deep into transformative discussions with experts, historians, entrepreneurs, and pastors. Rooted in an Afrocentric perspective, our conversations celebrate Black excellence, explore the untold stories of history, and amplify groundbreaking ideas to empower urban communities. From reimagining education to addressing systemic barriers, we shine a light on the vital role of the church in shaping brighter futures. Join us as we navigate solutions to today’s pressing challenges with bold faith, cultural pride, and a commitment to change. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, education reform, or the rich tapestry of Black history, Up For the Challenge is your space for inspiration, action, and community. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music, and be part of the movement to transform lives through knowledge and faith.
Episodes
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
In the second episode of the "Up for the Challenge" podcast, host Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, Senior Pastor of The Rock Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Founder and CEO of Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE), engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Irvin Scott, Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Together, they explore pressing issues surrounding education in America, focusing on equity, leadership, and the transformative power of faith-based initiatives in educational reform.
About Rev. Joshua C. Robertson:
Rev. Joshua C. Robertson is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment. Alongside his wife, Shaniqua Robertson, he established The Rock Church, a community committed to evangelizing, equipping, and empowering individuals. In response to escalating crime, violence, and underperformance among youth, he founded The Rock City Learning Center, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 7 to 18 to focus on their studies and personal growth. Building on this initiative, Rev. Robertson launched Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE), a network of like-minded pastors and congregations that strategically partner to educate under-resourced children in non-traditional learning spaces and advocate for necessary resources and partnerships to uplift impoverished communities.
About Dr. Irvin Scott:
Dr. Irvin Scott is a Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he focuses on Educational Leadership. Before joining Harvard, he served as the deputy director for K–12 education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, leading significant initiatives to transform teacher recruitment, development, and reward systems. Dr. Scott began his career as an English teacher and choral director, later becoming the principal of McCaskey East High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he led efforts to reform the 3,200-student high school into smaller learning communities. He holds degrees from Millersville University, Temple University, and Harvard University.
Listeners are encouraged to support Black Pastors United for Education by visiting www.bpue.org.
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
In the debut episode of Up For the Challenge, host Rev. Joshua C. Robertson sits down with renowned scholar, activist, and philosopher Dr. Cornel West to discuss the education crisis in America. Dr. West, a prominent public intellectual and former professor at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, brings his deep insights on race, democracy, and social justice to the conversation.
Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, a leading voice in Black Pastors United for Education, has dedicated his work to advocating for equitable education and empowering communities through faith and action. Together, they examine the systemic challenges facing students, particularly in underserved communities, and explore solutions to bridge the educational divide. This thought-provoking discussion sets the stage for the podcast’s mission: tackling tough issues with faith, wisdom, and a commitment to change.
www.bpue.org