It’s almost time!
This time next week brings you the first full edition of my newsletter. Today, I’m giving you some snippets of what to expect next week….
Check-In:
It’s the last Monday of July. Summer is often perceived as the “slow down” period in the cycle of K12 education but for a system-level leader, it’s the exact opposite. All of the leadership institutes, hiring, strategic planning, etc.make it a non-stop push while also trying to take some vacation time. I’m feeling it as well as CHANGE. Lots of changes with new staff, programs, initiatives and opportunities.
As I look to embark on the month of August, I’m thankful to be able to start this new school year with some clear goals to build on our pursuits organizationally to be a more equitable organization with a focus on listening and communication. Deeping my commitment and support of principals of color and equity officers and centering the power of my written word as a vehicle for advocacy, love and liberation.
Looking forward to officially connecting with everyone next week!
Some #mondaymovitation for you:
“The moment we choose to love, we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.” -bell hooks
Profile of a Leader of the Global Majority:
I’ve interviewed over 35 leaders mostly equity officers but also some principals and superintentendents as well. In each newsletter I will share an excerpt of an interview here. Some quotes from interviews so far:
I don't really have a lane to drive in. I'm driving in everybody's lane. -Johnny
Don't waste your time with people that are just resistant to your humanity –Stephanie
Ask yourselves if you are just tinkering around the edges of this thing or are you really trying to do some transformative work –Lisa
Model vulnerability in ways that can actually move your organization forward, it can serve as an example as to how others can also have the permission, especially folks of color can have the permission to be vulnerable. –Benny
Let me know if you would like to be interviewed or recommend someone to be profiled in this section.
What I’m Reading:
Every newsletter will share a summary of a current book I’m reading that may help you in your practice. I’m currently reading, Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace by Daisy Auger-Dominguez
About the author: Current chief people officer at Vice Media Group. Formerly leading diversity and talent efforts at Google and Disney ABC Television Group.
Book Audience: BIPOC or white organizational leader
Favorite quote so far: “The experience of women of color in the workplace- women like me- is like walking a tightrope every day. I have to make daily decisions that take a toll on my physical and mental well-being -which parts of myself to bring forward and which parts to blend. Which parts will threaten or offend the least? How much space can I take? How many mistakes can I afford? Will I constantly have one foot in and one foot out always exceeding the most unreasonably high standards while watching mediocrity succeed upwardly? Or will I be able to breathe and be me?
The book is broken-down into 4 parts:
Reflect: On what you and others are experiencing at this moment
Visualize: What is possible for you and your organization
Act: On what you’ve heard and learned
Persist: When obstacles appear, because they will
You can find a full list of book recommendations here.
Resources:
Every newsletter will share some resources to continue your own learning, share within your community and/or immediately apply. Today…
The Teachers in the Movement podcast was created by Derrick Alridge from the University of Virginia. The podcast features the voices and stories from educators who taught between 1950 and 1980 throughout the South. This podcast highlights their pedagogy, curricula, and community work were instrumental forms of activism that influenced the Civil Rights movement.
Thanks for reading this sneak peak. I hope you found it informative. I will see you next week with the full first newsletter. Let me know what you think. If you like it so far, please share with your network!