As language education professionals who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our discipline, we know first hand the benefits of a teacher leader workforce that reflects the population it serves. The College of Education at Tennessee State University (TSU) is committed to diversifying the ESL teacher leader pipeline in Nashville, TN and beyond. It is one of few historically Black colleges/universities (HBCUs) that prepare ESL teacher leaders who aim to bring about positive change for ELs and Black language speakers through advocacy and collaboration. Established as Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes in 1912, Tennessee State University is one of the nation’s top producers of Black teachers and school leaders. Thel ESL teacher preparation program uniquely and intentionally empowers ESL teachers to utilize their cultural and raciolinguistic experiences to advocate for language-minoritized students, build strong communities of practice, and demonstrate subject-area and instructional expertise. Since 2016, more than 50 teachers have earned advanced degrees in teaching ELs and ESL endorsements. For more information on language education programs at TSU and other HBCUs, contact me at kbryan@tnstate.edu.