Q & A

How has your identity influenced the way you lead and engage with others?

My racial identity as a Black woman is just one piece of who I am—but it is a very integral piece of me, and one that impacts the way others see me and I see myself in this world. As a Black woman who grew up in the urban core, I know the stark realities and impact of poverty, inequality, and the lack of resources on communities of color. I also know the privilege of premiere education, as I was able to attend a private school on the westside of the city. But despite my learnedness, my friendliness, and my ability to be “articulate”—I was still Black. A “foreign” creature in mostly white spaces. One to be curiously observed, touched, and mildly feared. As a young woman, I learned the “respectable Negro” routine. Hold your tongue and don’t seem “too Black”; meet ignorance and racism with poise and calm—after all, offenders don’t mean to offend; and no matter what, protect white feelings. As I’ve grown older, I have learned how to strip away the behaviors myself and many other BIPOC are conditioned to adopt in an effort to be perceived as “non-threatening” and worthy of acceptance in a white world. As a result, I am a “freer” me. And, the “freer” me is able to accept and engage with the plurality of my other identities—along with the other circles where they flourish.

What advice do you have for current and future corps members about serving as leaders and advocates for their students?

Be authentic. Listen to truly learn. Connect with students on their level. Spend time learning about implicit bias, the school-to-prison pipeline, and systemic oppression.