Issue 53: Third
Noun. One that is next after second in rank, position, authority, or precedence.
Photo Description: Two white arrows are pointed from the bottom left to the upper right of the frame. One red arrow is pointed straight up. Copyright: inimalGraphic from shutterstock.com
Check-In:
“I didn’t make up the problems. All I did was look around at the problems we’re neglecting now and give them 30 years to grow into full-fledged disasters.”
These are words from science fiction writer Octavia Butler when asked about the premise of her novels, Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents.
I’ve been thinking a lot about these words and wondering what will our world and education systems, in particular, look like in 30 years if we continue on its current path. Will we end up with no public education systems at all? Will education become a privilege only available to those with wealth? Will church and state be so intertwined leaving no space for other religions outside of evangelism? I wonder what will stop our current problems from manifesting into full-fledged disasters and do we as Black people and people of the global majority, need to be part of the movement to save our education system or create our own?
I was recently reminded of what W.E.B. DuBois wrote in Black Reconstruction in America, "Public education for all at public expense was, in the South, a Negro idea." DuBois’ statement amplifies the significant role that African Americans played in advocating for universal public education during the Reconstruction era. Despite facing immense opposition and systemic racism, Black leaders and communities were instrumental in pushing for the establishment of public schools accessible to all children, regardless of race or class.
We were there for its creation so how do we reclaim it and make it work for us again?
“There is nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns." - Octavia Butler
I’m in search of a new sun. A third way. Not fully like the"third way," the political philosophy that seeks to reconcile the traditional values of left-wing and right-wing ideologies, creating a centrist or moderate approach. Not fully like third places -informal public spaces where people gather, socialize, and build community outside the home (the first place) and work or school (the second place).
But a third way that takes into consideration these concepts as foundations for a reclaiming of our education system that builds on freedom schools and what was lost with Brown vs. Board of Education. A way that marries practice with policy and research. A way that puts those minoritized at the center of learning and at the decision-making table.
If we don’t find the way, our future is already predicted for us.
What are you seeing in our future?
#mondaymotivation:
"So can you promise that you won't take your gifts for granted?"
I promise that I'll use my gifts to bring understanding
"For every man, woman and child, how much can you vow?"
I vow my life just to live one in harmony now
"You crushed a lot of people keeping their thoughts in captivity"
And I'm ashamed that I ever created that enemy
Then let's rejoice where we at
I rewrote the devil's story just to take our power back, 'carnated
-from “reincarnated” by Kendrick Lamar
Interview with a Leader of the Global Majority:
Tiffany is a principal in NYC. She has been in the role for over ten years. The comments below are Tiffany’s and do not reflect the opinions of her school system.
Mary: Partnerships seem to play a crucial role in education. How do you approach building and sustaining these connections, especially with community members?
Tiffany: For me, building partnerships is about being intentional and personal. One of the lessons I’ve learned is that you have to step out of your comfort zone and make yourself the face of your school. For example, when my school didn’t have an after-school program, I had to connect with local assembly members and councilwomen to advocate for our needs. It wasn’t just about sending emails; I had to invite them to see our school, share our story, and show them our heart for the students.
Mary: That sounds like a challenge, especially if you're not naturally extroverted. How did you overcome that?
Tiffany: It was a learning curve. I’m naturally more of an introverted extrovert, so stepping into the spotlight wasn’t comfortable. But I realized that if I didn’t put myself out there, the school’s needs wouldn’t be addressed. For instance, working with nonprofits and local leaders meant I had to attend events, speak on podcasts, and even host legislative visits at the school. These interactions helped me secure funding for programs and sustain partnerships.
Mary: How do you measure success in these partnerships?
Tiffany: Success isn’t just about immediate outcomes; it’s about building trust and creating a network of support for the school. When a council speaker decides to fund an after-school program for two years or when a nonprofit keeps our school on their roster despite budget cuts, I know we’re making progress. It’s about showing people that we’re more than just numbers or metrics; we’re a community that values its students.
Mary: What advice would you give to other principals working to build partnerships?
Tiffany: Know your story and be prepared to share it authentically. Step into different roles, even if it’s uncomfortable. You don’t have to change who you are; you just need to draw on different strengths to connect with people. Be proactive, listen, and always frame your message in terms of how it benefits the children and the community. Partnerships thrive when there’s trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for what’s possible.
Please let me know if you would like to be interviewed and/or if you would recommend someone to be profiled in this section. I need new interviews!
What I’m Reading, Watching, and Listening To:
READING: We're Alone: Essays by Edwidge Danticat is a short collection of essays that is distinctively in the voice of Danticat. I did something different in that I read and listened to the book at the same time which I recently learned is called immersion reading. You can find a full list of my book recommendations here. Please note that I am an affiliate with Bookshop.org and receive a small compensation for your purchase when you use the book links provided.
LISTENING TO: Kendrick Lamar’s new album GNX is on repeat in my house. “luther (with sza)”, “man at the garden” and “reincarnated” are personal favorites but highly recommend the whole album.
WATCHING: Keep thinking back to the movie Don’t Look Up. Art has given us so many predictions of where we are headed if we continue on our current path.
How to Continue to Support Leading-Within:
Go to Amazon and rate or review the book there! Reviews are a great way for others to see that this book is worth the time to read.
Post about the book on social media using the hashtag #leadingwithin. Even better if it includes a picture of you WITH the book!
Host a book club with your affinity/ERG group. Two study guides are also available on the ASCD website - one for leaders of color and one for white co-conspirators that are perfect for starting a group conversation. For book clubs with participants who have purchased and committed to reading the book, please reach out to me so I can support your journey!
Connect with me to speak to your organization or group about topics covered in the book, like ‘practicing love and rage’, ‘building a coalition’, and ‘taking a stand’.
If this is your first time reading, please go back and read my Introductions post.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think. If you like it, please share it with your network!