Dr. Ashley Taylor’s high school teacher told her she wasn’t cut out for a career in science. She didn’t listen. She went to Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and obtained her B.S. in Chemistry. A professor in graduate school said there are no quality students at HBCUs. What did Dr. Taylor do? She kicked ass and obtained her Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry from Louisiana State University.

Moral of the story, be like Dr. Taylor and never accept a no from someone who doesn’t have the power to tell you yes.

Follow Nigel Alston, Executive Director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, member of Sigma Pi Phi, Dale Carnegie trainer, and Board of Trustee member at Livingstone College, on a journey through his professional career. 

Ify Walker, founder and Chief Talent Officer at Offor, discusses strategies for negotiating salaries, killing the interview, and how she ensures Blacks are present in the C-Suite. 

John King Jr. may be the first Secretary of Education that was kicked out of high school. However, that did not stop him from ascending from a classroom teacher to school leader, to chief of America's federal education department. His insights on microaggressions, racism, and his  personal journey show us what it is like to be a Black man in education. 

Welcome to the first episode of Revel 1851. This episode explores the life and journey of former Secretary of Education, John King, and how he faced racism and microaggressions on his way to leading the Department of Education.  John's journey is similar to many of ours. Many of you may be the first or only person of color at your job, know that your journey, although isolating and difficult, can get better.