Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast Danielle Moneyham and Brooke Brown

“We aren’t looking for allies… we are looking for co-conspirators…”

Cecily My-art Cruz

6th and 7th English Teacher, President, United Teachers Los Angeles

https://utla.net/contacts/cecily-myart-cruz/



“All I knew was Black educators showing us Black excellence on a daily basis.”

In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Cecily My-art Cruz, a passionate educator and president of United Teachers Los Angeles. With 29 years of experience, Cecily's journey in education has been deeply influenced by her upbringing in Los Angeles, where she was surrounded by Black educators who exemplified excellence and instilled a sense of pride in their students. She draws inspiration from her ancestors (including her father!), leaning on their guidance to navigate her path forward as an activist educator.



“We’ve been doing all of this work. It’s time to take it to the next level.”

Cecily's commitment to her students goes beyond the classroom; she is a fierce advocate for racial justice and equity in education. She emphasizes the importance of representation, stating that "our babies need to see us in these spaces." Through her leadership, she has worked to dismantle harmful systems and create safe environments for all students. Cecily's dedication to her students and community serves as a powerful example of how educators can make a lasting impact by being their authentic selves and advocating for change.

“I feel like I found my revolution in teaching.”

Rodney Powell

School Principal, Founder EdArchy



“I want to see free kids have free thoughts.”

"In education, we have the power to construct freedom," shares Mr. Rodney Powell, a school principal and founder of EdArchy, as he reflects on his journey and vision for education. His path into education was not conventional, but driven by a deep-rooted desire to be a revolutionary and create meaningful change. Despite not attending an HBCU himself, he recognizes the value and impact they have, particularly in fostering a strong sense of pride and community.



“My journey was meant to be seamlessly integrated with the community.”

Over the last two decades, Mr. Powell has been at the forefront of innovative education, founding schools with African-centered curricula and empowering students to be agents of change. His work extends beyond the classroom, advocating for a paradigm shift in education that prioritizes Black joy, ownership, and freedom. Through EdArchy, he aims to incubate and amplify the ideas of young people, emphasizing the importance of creating communities and spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Mr. Powell's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education when grounded in community, empowerment, and liberation… a “villatucian”. 

“We have yet to reckon with the influence of racism and white supremacy in all of our spaces, but especially schools.” 

Dr. Daman Harris

Manager of Higher Education Partnerships, Co-Director BOND Project, Author

www.damanharris.com

Bondeducators.org

Book: The Antiracist School Leader



“There have always been people around me that poured into me.”

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the journey of Dr. Daman Harris, an educator, author, and co-director of The Bond Project (located in the Baltimore/DC Metro area). Dr. Harris reflects on his experiences as a Black student in different states, highlighting the profound impact of key moments and individuals in his life (including the significance of the 1975 Peanuts Dictionary). He shares how a chance encounter and wise words from a supervisor led him to discover his true calling in education, despite facing setbacks like losing a full scholarship.



“If you are ready… I got you.”Throughout the conversation, Dr. Harris emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration in education, and why he’s excited about the critical mass that’s coming. In a time of book bans, he speaks about the data and how the stagnant demographic hierarchy hasn’t changed. His book, a heartfelt tribute to his school, serves as a beacon for those who recognize the need for change and are willing to challenge the status quo. Dr. Harris's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship, reminding us all that Black educators are the anchors, the rocks, and the roots for Black students, providing food for their souls, not just food for thought.

“Each generation has to make sure that the next generation does better.”

Dr. Don Parker

Educational Keynote Speaker, Author, Former Administrator, Dean and Educator

https://drdonparker.com/about/



“I absolutely knew what I wanted to do. I knew what I wanted my future to look like."

#Shoutout to the PE Teachers! As a Black male educator, author, speaker, and coach, Dr. Don Parker has carved out a unique path. He’s been able to blend his content expertise, social emotional learning framework and gap closing interventions into meaningful professional development sessions that help educators move beyond survival mode and create environments where all students can be successful. His journey from first generation college student to instructional leader is a testament to the transformative power of education,  mentorship, and prayer.



“Bringing out the best in teachers, so that they can bring out the best in their students.”

Through his work, Dr. Parker emphasizes the importance of restorative practices, relationship building, and recognizing the gifts and assets in every student. For those ready to grow their careers outside of the classroom, he teaches fellow educators how to amplify their impact and income, embodying the belief that each generation should strive to do better than the last. His story is one of resilience and determination, rooted in the belief that with the right support, guidance, and environment every student can reach their full potential (#shoutout to the College Fit discussion!). You can learn more in his new book, “Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity.” 

“Education is like a game, there are rules to the game. Black children, often time, are not given the rulebook.“

Dr. Tracee Perryman

CEO / CoFounder of Center of Hope Family Services, Author

https://cohfs.org/



“I became energized by teaching children how to learn, how to think.”

Dr. Tracee Perryman, CEO/Co-Founder of Center of Hope Family Services, shares her journey and passion for education. Raised in a family deeply rooted in education, with a grandfather who was an educator during Jim Crow and a mother with over 30 years of experience, her work is designed to be an intentional and supplemental approach to education. Her belief in self-reliance and the empowerment of students is reflected in her father’s quote, "You will not depend on another system or structure to feed you education." Despite facing challenges, including being the only Black student in some of her classes, Dr. Perryman's love for learning and teaching has only grown over the years.



“Inequities in funding… creates inequity in access.”

Driven by a desire to create opportunities for every student to feel smart, Dr. Perryman started her work right out of high school, beginning in a church fellowship hall. She believes that education disparities are a social justice issue, inspiring her to pursue higher education to be more effective in her interventions and learning about legislation that impacts education. She discusses barriers to entry in the field, class and cultural differences about how we view choice, and emphasizes the importance of mentor educators to help you refine and elevate your work. 

“Being an educator is a lifestyle.”

Tierra Jones

Classroom Teacher (Spanish, World History), Paraprofessional



“I get those kids because I was that kid.”

Ms. Tierra Jones, a classroom teacher and paraprofessional, emphasizes the significance of representation in education, recognizing her own journey from a skeptical student to a dedicated educator. With quotes like "I am a teacher" and "State of Emergency," she highlights the urgency of addressing challenges within the education system. Despite facing personal struggles and doubts about schooling, Ms. Jones has found purpose and confidence in her role as an educator, striving to create safe and supportive environments where all students can thrive. She navigates the complexities of balancing her roles as an educator and a mother, recognizing the cyclical nature of the school year and the need to prioritize human connection over corporate agendas. In the face of societal challenges and the devaluation of education, she remains steadfast in her belief that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through her experiences and memories, she underscores the transformative nature of teaching as more than just a profession but a way of life. As an empath, she harkens to the day where educators were allowed to be extended members of their students' families. She discusses the emotional and mental cost involved with this work, and she emphasizes wellness and self care, and staying in touch with the human side of education.