Martez Files

Martez Files is an Assistant Professor of Black Studies in Teacher Education at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, holding the Faculty Leadership Fellow position for Political Education at the Center for Urban Education (CUE). His work bridges Black Studies, Black Feminism, and critical race theory to address antiblackness, gender dynamics, and educational justice. Dr. Files earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), M.A.T. from Brown University, and dual B.A. degrees in History and African American Studies from UAB.

His research focuses on Black mothering, critical caring pedagogies, and the intersection of gender/race in education. Recent publications explore topics such as Afrofuturism, community resilience, and post-pandemic teaching strategies in Black rural contexts. His scholarship emphasizes actionable community engagement, reflected in a decade of activism addressing mental health, police accountability, and educational equity. Dr. Files leads workshops and curricula development to advance Black educational studies and has contributed to panels on race, gender, and pedagogy.

Professional service includes leadership roles in organizing critical educational initiatives and community dialogues. His work at CUE amplifies political education for marginalized communities, while his academic writing challenges systemic inequities through interdisciplinary frameworks.