"...We love who we are, and we want to be proud of who we are, all the time." - Prideful Kid K & Prideful Kid D

Dr. Candace Dawson, Cofounder of Prideful Kids (IG: @PridefulKids2, www.pridefulkids.com) joins us this week. We discuss the importance of representation in history, helping parents have the language to teach authentic history to their children, the trauma of remembering, and ways to bring culture & history to the classroom.

"I bond with my students when they're in kindergarten, and I keep that bond with my students, no matter how old they are."

Kindergarten teacher Delia Williams Bey joins the podcast to reflect on her 12 years in the classroom. Over the years, she's noticed a shift in the demographic of teachers in her district, and we explore the questions... 

We talk standardized testing, how kindergarten is the new 2nd grade, and the impact of having a lasting bond with dream teachers.

"Do you need a college degree to become a full-time influencer?"

Jamilah Mottley Brown (IG: @JMInteriorStylings) visits the podcast to reflect on her career journey through education, which began as a teacher recruiter and ended as a Director of College Partnerships. Jamilah and I talk about the college match process, what it means to have a "college going culture", strategies to reduce college debt, and how her first day of kindergarten changed her life. 

"Ms. Jackson actually taught three generations of my family... she wrote my letter of recommendation and she said, 'I wrote it not because you asked, but because I knew you could do it. So, when you get there... do it...' I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to be the male version of Ms. Jackson."

Tune in as Dr. Jared Deane, Associate Dean of Health Science and Career Programs at Malcolm X College, visits the podcast! He speaks about the teachers who changed his life, the importance of understanding college and career opportunities, and how he has learned to identify brilliance in his students.

"In terms of institutional barriers... You can't escape it... but you sure as hell can make noise about it."

On this week's episode, Principal  (...Math teacher, Instructional Coach, Dean of Students, Director of Curriculum & Instruction...) Taquia Hylton reflects on her personal and professional educational experiences. Through the lenses of advocacy and evolution, we explore her 18 year career: discussing the state of education in Black America, equity, equality, & excellence, using our voice for the collective good, and how why she continues to do it for the culture... "You can't be, what you can't see."

Porsche Walker's pursuit of a meaningful career in criminal justice led her into the classroom and beyond. From various perspectives based on her experiences (as a crisis case manager, teen health facilitator, special education classroom assistant, and attendance coordinator),  Porsche is able to speak on the power of a collaborative action plan, the importance of trusting parent relationships, and why Black Educators Matter.

Kelli Hobson, Founder of Liberating Leaders, LLC talks about the ego of homework, ways to build a coalition, and the challenge of respecting dopeness. We also are visited by two students who want to thank their Black teachers. 

"I learned so  much about myself through my students and their families. It's all about relationship." 

Today's guest is educator, school co-founder & organizational effectiveness coach Julianne Boulware. Julianne reflects on her personal journey through poverty, privilege, and power, highlighting the incredible role that family plays in shaping who we become.

Educators / Musicians Ms. Griffin (Alabama State University, Trumpet/Flute) and Ms. Savage (University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Clarinet) join us to share how they integrate their love of music, culture and their HBCU experiences into the classroom.