Dr. Angela Lang Shapes the Next Generation of Alabamians

Townsend Nissan proudly presents the 2026 Black History Makers of Alabama, a celebration of excellence, impact, and legacy. This special initiative is brought to you by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and The Tuscaloosa Thread, alongside our valued community partners, the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP and the Tuscaloosa County–West Alabama Chapter of the NPHC, united in honoring the individuals who shape our community and inspire the next generation.

I Dream Big Charter School (IDB) proudly highlights the dedication of its aspiring journalists through this article, authored by 7th grader Abigail Reese. This piece stems from a collaboration between Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa and The Dream Collective Media & Journalism Club at IDB, showcasing the skills and talents of our Dreamers.

2026 Black History Maker of Alabama - Dr. Angela Lang

Dr. Angela Lang is a veteran educator who was born, raised, and is now settled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Her roots run deep within the West Alabama community; her extended family has lived in Tuscaloosa for more than nine decades. She is a self-described “struggling student with no desire to attend college” who, after high school, transformed her challenges into motivation for growth and achievement and became a first-generation college graduate.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Augusta State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of New Orleans, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Leadership from the American College of Education; her education helped elevate her family from poverty. She is guided by gratitude and purpose and committed to pouring into others what was poured into her while working to disrupt systems that fail to affirm students and education leaders of color.

She is a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading schools in five states. She has served as a turnaround principal, elevating a low-performing elementary school to exemplary status, helped lead a $30 million Personalized Learning Technology Initiative, and later served as the founding Principal of Pike Road High School in Alabama. As a director at Pike Road Schools, she helped open a K–8 school and a high school while establishing comprehensive career and technical education programs.

When she reflects on Black history, she does not think of famous names; she thinks of the unknown men and women who endured hardship, prayed for moments like this, sacrificed, and paved the way for the life she now lives. She also thinks of those who continue to fight for justice and advancement for present and future generations. Dr. Lang upholds that spirit of legacy and sacrifice and is now writing her own chapter of history in West Alabama to ensure the next generation has even greater opportunities than the last.

As one of the founders and executive director of I Dream BIG Charter School (IDB), located on the campus of the historic Stillman College, the first HBCU-partnered charter school in Alabama, and the pilot school for a national model. At IDB, students are taught to dream big and given the tools to succeed, providing opportunities they may not have had access to, helping them believe in themselves, and cultivating a clear path to college and meaningful careers.

She leads with a heart of servitude and encourages students to dream: “If you can dream it and believe it, you can achieve it.” Her ultimate goal is to ensure that every student has access to college and career opportunities, leaving high school not just with a diploma but also with college credit, certifications, and a clear plan and purpose. She is equally committed to helping families build pathways toward long-term financial stability so they can help the next generation.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks Townsend Nissan for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. Be sure to visit them at 2620 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

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