Richmond Brown, Jr.

In the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris's ascension as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, the Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion conducted a poll on the opinions of Black voters July 22-24 in relation to Harris's candidacy. The report includes results from more than 2000 respondents from more than 30 states, weighted by gender and education level. Results suggest that Harris is best known for her advocacy for reproductive rights, that her best path to victory is to select a white male running mate, and that respondents view her as a politically moderate Democrat. The poll results also show that 93% of those polled plan to vote for VP Kamala Harris. https://lnkd.in/e_S57qf7

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These findings are quite surprising. I wonder if the data has been disaggregated by school type (urban, suburban, and rural) and length of service. I can see teachers that have been in the field for 7 or more years matching the data. Those that leave in the first 5 or less not so much. It would be interesting to survey those that left. While those of us who remain have hope and are mission driven there is still much work to be done. One other point in this article I found surprising is the feeling respected response. The level of respect contemporary Black teachers receive is nowhere near what it has been historically. Education and teaching have lost value as a source of cultural capital in the Black community for a variety of reasons.

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🗣️ Calling ALL Black Women Superintendents    I am conducting a research study as part of my doctoral studies. The focus of my study is on intersectionality and the lived experiences of Black woman superintendents.   I am extending an invitation to participate in this study because of your valuable experience as a superintendent. 👉🏾To be eligible, participants should self-identify as Black, a woman, and currently serve in the superintendent position or have served in the role in the last three years.   Participation in this study involves ⤵️ ✔️An electronic questionnaire that will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. ✔️A semi-structured interview conducted via Zoom lasting about 60 minutes. Interviews will take place between May 17th - June 6th. Please be assured that your participation is entirely voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential.    If you are interested, respond to this message confirming your interest OR schedule an interview using this link: https://lnkd.in/ex9G6QtD   Thank you for considering this invitation. If you have no availability between May 17th and June 6th, please let me know and we will find a different time. #schoolleaders #edleadership #whenbrowngirlslead

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Let's make something CRYSTAL CLEAR: I am NO exception, and neither are the countless brilliant black boys across this country. The real difference lies in the way someone chose to look at me - not as an exception, but as a potential. 🌟 You see, it's not that I'm inherently different; it's because a teacher decided to view me differently. It was that pivotal moment when someone saw my potential, my thirst for knowledge, and decided not to turn me into a token. They didn't just see me as an outlier; they saw a world of possibilities within me. I'm the result of a teacher's belief system, a belief in the limitless potential of a young black boy in a classroom. It was Mrs. Simmons who pushed me out of standard 8th-grade math and into Algebra 1 in 8th grade. She didn't see an exception; she saw promise. But here's the truth: I'm not unique. There are countless others out there, just like me, waiting for a teacher who will look beyond the surface and see their brilliance. We don't need tokenism; we need genuine belief, support, and opportunities. So, let's challenge the narrative, let's shatter the stereotypes, and let's ensure that every black boy, every student, knows that they're not exceptions; they're the rule. 📚💪 #BelieveInStudents with me! I’ll coach your teachers to success. Fill out the form TODAY! https://buff.ly/49OVxXZ #MathConsultant #MathCoach #ProfessionalDevelopment #NoTokenism #UnlockPotential #EducationLeaders #MasteryForAll

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Want to learn more about the HBCU Alumni Takeover, take a look at this video. https://lnkd.in/gax8xDUU

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Let’s talk black tax. My American Story 😅 😭 😵 (Part 3). The subtle ones, the entitled ones and the ones that we feel a burden for. $10 is N16000 right now, yes. But sometimes, I do not have that $10 to give you. I know I look well, and I am glowing, but I am living off my credit card, free money that I will still pay back. My stipend is called a stipend for a reason, I pay rent, and then I have a place to starve. So, I hope you understand me when I cannot gift you, or I cannot simply give you the money you so forcefully asked me for. Don’t help me calculate my money, I am living off vibes, benevolence and “God please”. I am considered “low income” in America, lol. So please, understand this, on behalf of all international students hustling it out. We care about you, we will support you, surprise you and cheerfully give to you but please be sensitive to our hustle. Thank you! --------------- 𝐌𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝. 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭? 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

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What's on your Juneteenth reading list? Here are 3 book recs just for you! #1: A Black Women's History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry, Kali Nicole Gross This powerful book tells the stories of African American women across over 400 years, beginning with the first African women who arrived in what became the United States to African American women of today. #2: The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini The Illustrations will keep your kids engaged! And, it's an easy to understand history of Juneteenth for kids that details exactly what happened and why and how we celebrate this historic day! #3: Black People Breathe by Zee Clarke While Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, we still have a long way to go as injustices and inequities continue to exist. If you are a person of color, you’ll learn new tools to feel your best regardless of the challenges that come your way. If you’re an ally, you’ll get educated on the realities that still happen in this country, and breathwork practices that can help you manage the stressful situations in your life! #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #BookRecommendations #Diversity #ChildrensBooks

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Today, I had the opportunity to engage in an enriching debate with someone whose views differ from my own. While I value these conversations, it is concerning when factual information and precise definitions are met with responses like "just my perspective" or "it's my opinion." In an age where information is readily accessible through platforms like Google and ChatGPT, claiming ignorance is no longer a valid excuse. Those who choose to remain uninformed are, in essence, complicit. This mindset is often prevalent among individuals who vehemently oppose DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives without genuinely considering the well-documented facts and benefits these efforts bring. For instance, organizations that embrace DEI practices experience twice the change management effectiveness, directly enhancing their ability to mobilize employees and adapt swiftly. This directly impacts the bottom line of organizations. Despite these clear advantages, some companies have pulled back due to fears of backlash from state legislators or they simply were never genuine to begin with. A compelling example of the positive impact of diversity can be seen in the shift in momentum when Vice President Harris took the reigns of the campaign. While she herself is not a #DEI candidate, as some have ignorantly stated, her ability to connect, engage, and invigorate the campaign is precisely what DEI initiatives can and do achieve within organizations. I encourage open discussions about these issues, but only with those who demonstrate a genuine desire to learn. Resharing this post sparked a thoughtful conversation, highlighting the importance of staying informed and open-minded.

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Join in the conversation

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Women Education Leaders: Sometimes we need to walk straight into the fog. This one's for you. Black Women Education Leaders National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) AASA, The School Superintendents Association Women Leading Ed Women Education Leaders in Virginia WomenEd #women #education

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Representation matters: Black boys face fairer discipline with Black teachers. Black boys thrive with Black educators, benefiting from strong role models, cultural understanding, and personalized support. Let's prioritize representation for academic success. #Empowerment" #RepresentationMatters"

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I remember being at a point in my career when I decided to apply to work at a new school district, and I all I could think was, "Anything is better than this." Because of this, I applied anywhere and everywhere because it was like I was in survival mode. I HAD TO GET OUT. But if I knew then what I know now, I would've paused to ask myself these key questions first: 1. What are the things you absolutely must have or won't compromise on when considering your next school or job opportunity? 2. What specific qualities or characteristics do you hope to find in the leadership team at your next school? 3. How do you want to feel each day in your future role or position? These questions are important because they provide you with a VISION, almost like a GPS, for the next job you get. Why is this critical? Because going from one toxic school to another one SUCKS. I do not wish that upon anyone. Sometimes, this could've been prevented by having the mentality that YOU ARE THE ASSET. THESE SCHOOLS NEED YOU. And that means it is so important to have a clear vision for the next school you work at and to have specific questions you would ask during the interview process. They aren't simply interviewing you; YOU are interviewing them. Read that again. In the first section of my Land the Job Workbook (a 50+ page resource filled with interview questions, scenarios and tips for educators & aspiring leaders), I provide you with three key exercises you can do to clarify what wasn't working at your current school, what your vision is for your next school, and how to create questions to ask during the interview process to ensure that there is alignment between what you are looking for and what the school is showing you. ​ In this season of your career, you can not enter the job market blindly. Around here, we STAY READY.

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We designed a week of activities specifically catering to black boys! This empowerment week will help families build a master plan for their sons to thrive. You will hear from several experts this week sharing knowledge and dropping gems on the following topics: 🖤 Mental Health 💚 Self Talk/Affirmations 💛 Wealth and Financial Literacy 🖤 Entrepreneurship 💚 Leadership Stay locked 🔒 in this week and gain the tools you need to effectively empower your son. #SoulfullyEmpowered #SoulBAcademy

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Don't Let Up Off the Gas! Formula for Success Congratulates Gabby for her relentless pursuit of scholarships! I am so proud of all of your hard work and NEVER giving up. I encourage each of you that are applying for scholarships to keep putting in the effort. Do not give up! Here are three strategies to help plan your scholarship work effectively: 1. Create a Scholarship Spreadsheet: Keep track of scholarship deadlines, application requirements, and important dates by creating a spreadsheet. Include columns for scholarship names, deadlines, requirements, and status updates. Set reminders a month, a week, and a day before each deadline to ensure you have ample time to complete each application thoroughly. 2. Organize Your Documents: Maintain a digital folder with all necessary documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and resumes. Having these ready will make the application process more efficient and less stressful. 3. Set Regular Application Goals: Dedicate specific times each week to search for scholarships and work on applications. Setting a goal, such as applying for a certain number of scholarships each month, can help maintain steady progress and prevent last-minute rushes. F4S recommends submitting 5 scholarships a week. Podcast for an Overview https://lnkd.in/ewtXqJ9k #keepapplying

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My journey to entrepreneurship began with resigning from an incredibly toxic job in the k-12 educational space. Since sharing more about my healing journey and how I was able to shift from toxicity to thriving - while centering my wellness - has resonated with SO many women. Watch this powerful conversation about my journey and learn more about the work that I am doing to support women of color leaders so that they will not need to compromise their wellness: https://lnkd.in/eYUnt5hB

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