Last year, I released my first book and launched an educational consulting business. My book, ‘Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity,’ has been one of Routledge Publishing’s bestselling texts. My book has sparked engagement with school throughout the U.S. and internationally- it’s been a blessing! However, while working in a full-time DEI practitioner role for a school district, it was challenging to meet the requests to support schools across the country and connect with people who interacted with my book. I turned down many consulting opportunities, book talks, and speaking engagements (during the year my book was published) due to career-related responsibilities, and sacrificed my time with family to support organizations when I was available. More…
Note: This was originally published on Medium (January 2022). The Education Matters Bill, HB1134, is now declared dead, but we must continue to apply pressure and denounce harmful legislation as it arises.
Within my spirit, there’s a constant tension between grief and joy. I breathe deeply, drifting to a place where my existence is free from ideologies that threaten my authenticity. When I exhale, I release the pain from walking in a truth that is not widely embraced. I think about the spaces where people can just be without the confines of oppressive structures; to thrive and engage in a community where profound care is evidenced for humanity. However, my freedom dreams are often distorted by the harsh realities of a world that upholds pegs of injustice in every system.
One of the most powerful words of advice received, came from my friend, Dena Simmons:
“Sometimes, you have to save yourself.”
There are environments that serve as an obstruction to body and mind. You experience suffocation as you breathe in the context of your surroundings, knowing your voice holds no value. Your adherence to self-affirmations and mantras of joy become a complicated relationship while trying to love yourself in a place that has a disdain for your existence. And while you know and process the forces that strive to dim your light, you continue to share genius with those who have a hunger for your truths and neglect the one person who needs you the most: Yourself.
When I look at social media outlets, the pain is transparent from a strong majority of Black people. We are exhausted, weary, praying over our children, and outraged. And then, I look at the timelines of many white people who claim to be allies or friends to find mostly silence.
