Guest:  Dr. Michael Allen

As a school principal at Oakton Elementary School near Chicago, Dr. Allen recognized the huge need for reading materials that depict young Black boys in a manner that is authentic and relatable as well as positive and life-affirming. Named the 2020 Elementary Principal of the Year (North Cook Region) by the Illinois Principals Association, Dr. Allen tirelessly advocates to end policies that hold students of color down and replace them with trauma-informed practices, equity, emotional intelligence and mindfulness in schools. To that end, Dr. Allen recently founded Wholistic Equity (WE) Leadership Consulting, where he empowers and equips educators, administrators, and all types of leadership teams to center racial consciousness in their work.

We hope you enjoy :)