In this foundational episode of Beyond the Margins, Dr. Sohn A. Butts interviews Dr. Angie Boyd, a veteran educator with over 40 years of experience in traditional and alternative school settings. She shares her journey from aspiring TV news reporter to passionate teacher, revealing the accidental beginnings of a lifelong vocation in education.

The conversation highlights her philosophy of teaching beyond academics, focusing on relational engagement, trauma-informed practices, and holistic support for students—many of whom face incarceration or complex life challenges. Dr. Boyd offers concrete strategies for restoring trust, addressing emotional and academic gaps, cultivating supportive school cultures, and advocating for students’ futures, sharing real-world examples of academic success and GED achievement.

At its core, the episode underscores the transformative impact of dedicated educators and the importance of seeing potential where others see limitations.

In this deeply personal and expansive conversation, Dr. Sohn A. Butts sits with educator, leader, and bridge-builder Mr. Hakeem Croom to explore a journey shaped by culture, disruption, resilience, and purpose. Growing up in Harlem during the height of the crack era, Mr. Croom’s childhood combined instability with profound cultural grounding—foster care, family reintegration, poverty, and a home rich in Black history, literature, and political consciousness. Early influences from his family, community elders, and educators instilled a love of learning, leadership, and self-determination.

A pivotal turning point comes when Mr. Croom leaves New York for a military boarding school in Virginia, an experience that brings cultural dissonance, discipline, global exposure, and ultimately, a sense of belonging. Small affirmations, like a teacher telling him, “You belong here”, catalyzed his growth, shaping both his confidence and leadership development. The conversation also touches on moments of grief and triumph, including the loss of his mother and the communal support that reaffirmed his commitment to education and perseverance.

From these experiences, Mr. Croom critiques traditional schooling and advocates for holistic, liberatory education; one that centers mind, body, and spirit; identity and culture; and purpose and flourishing, rather than mere compliance or credentialing. Drawing on Black history, culturally responsive pedagogy, entrepreneurship, and healing-centered practice, he challenges educators to rethink success and design learning experiences that honor students’ lived realities, helping learners not just decide what they want to be, but how they want to live and equipping them to build toward that vision.

Dr. Sohn A. Butts sits down with veteran educator and prison education leader Dr. Ja’Ken Caston to explore what it truly means to teach beyond the margins. Drawing on over 25 years of experience across traditional schools, higher education, and correctional classrooms, Dr. Caston reframes education not as compliance or control, but as liberation.

The discussion traces Dr. Caston’s journey from urban classrooms in Richmond and Baltimore to teaching behind prison walls, highlighting how rapport, authenticity, and cultural respect are not “soft skills,” but essential tools for transformation. Together, they unpack the critical role of exposure, code-switching, and relevance in learning spaces; particularly for incarcerated men and disinvested learners who are too often underestimated or misunderstood.

At the heart of the episode is a deep dive into liberatory pedagogy: teaching in ways that free learners to think critically, honor their lived experiences, and define success on their own terms. Caston challenges deficit-based narratives about incarcerated learners, underscores literacy as a linchpin of justice and civic engagement, and calls educators to meet learners where they are; without condescension, ego, or fear.

The conversation closes with reflections on Black masculinity, truth-telling, and voice as a form of power, reminding listeners that education, when approached with humility and humanity, can restore dignity, awaken possibility, and change lives.

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Welcome to the foundation.

In this zero episode of Beyond The Margins, Dr. Sohn A. Butts introduces the vision, the mission, and the movement behind the podcast. This isn’t just another education show, it’s a call to rethink how we engage students, empower educators, and elevate communities.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “Beyond The Margins” matters in today’s educational landscape
• Who this podcast is for — urban, alternative, and non-traditional educators, leaders, and stakeholders
• What you can expect from future episodes
• How this platform challenges traditional narratives while offering real, actionable strategies

Education is at a crossroads. Too many students exist on the margins of systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. This podcast exists to move those margins — and sometimes erase them entirely.

If you believe engagement is essential. If you believe culture belongs in classrooms. If you believe education should transform lives, not just produce compliance, you’re in the right place!

This is where it starts. Welcome to Beyond The Margins.

This is the official 60-second introduction to Beyond The Margins, hosted by Dr. Sohn A. Butts.

Beyond The Margins is a transformative education podcast focused on student engagement, culturally grounded teaching, and innovative strategies for urban, alternative, and non-traditional learning environments.

Each episode features real conversations, practical insights, and leadership perspectives designed to engage, educate, empower, and elevate educators, students, and communities.

If you’re ready to challenge conventional thinking and move education forward, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to Beyond The Margins.