Our Mission

James H. Allen ( Executive Director )

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Since 2001, Mr. Allen has served as Executive Director of the Knowledge-First Empowerment Center.  Through his vision, Knowledge-First, has created an accredited educational environment of learning aimed at motivating students to do more than just acquire knowledge. “At Knowledge-First, we believe education should not only address the intellectual capacities, but should be a matter of attaining proficiencies that lead to lifelong resiliency.”  We believe, as did Plato, that the purpose and ultimate value of education is not to stick thoughts into the pupils’ head, but inspire them to think for themselves.  

As a University of Houston graduate with a Bachelor in Music and a Masters in Education, James has sung with the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and he is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Before arriving at Knowledge-First, James served over 25 years as an educator and assistant principal in the Houston Independent School District.  While with the district, he empowered students to maximize their potential, discover the importance of education, work to break the cycle of dysfunctional behaviors and learned to create their own personal significance.  

In 2013, Mr. Allen transformed Knowledge-First into an accredited K-12 Academy.  This accreditation allows students who have dropped out of school due to personal hardships, and are now given an opportunity to return to school and obtain their high school diploma.

 
As a 501 (c)(3), Knowledge-First has received major funding that supports this very unique paradigm.  In 2010, Mr. Allen was presented in Who’s Who In Black Houston for his outstanding contribution and service in education to the City of Houston.  A Houston, Texas native, Mr. Allen is married and the proud father of Thaddeus, Lauren and Gian.