A member of the first cohort of Cultivating New Voices among Scholars of Color (CNV) and now its director, the author details the importance of fostering the work of scholars of color. As recognized by CNV, the presence and scholarship of scholars of color are essential, especially in public debates on education, advocacy, and social (in)justice. There is an urgent need for long-term "and" funded mentoring programs dedicated to cultivating meaningful relationships with scholars of color whose voices have been long marginalized in educational research and professional organizations. The author hopes the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), in addition to other professional organizations, will continue to rise to the challenge by offering mentoring opportunities, professional development, and other forms of sustained support to new and emerging scholars of color.