Jesus Walks

Humility goes a long way.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to connect with educators from all over the country. I sat next to a superintendent and dined with principals. I crash at the home of 3rd grade teacher, who also just so happens to be my uncle.

But anyways, I was initially hesitant, fully preparing myself for some cold shoulders and puzzled stares. Black men are no strangers to being the only black man in the room. But I digress. One of the cats I got to build with was a 35-year-old elementary school principal from Virginia. He reminded me much of many friends I grew up with who, despite us living in and growing up in the South, were not off-putting or standoffish, but the most down-to-earth and pleasant people ever. Suffice to say, I was damn near floored when I heard that he was later honored with the Outstanding Young Educator of the Year award by the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He is a pioneer blazing a trail to empower his students and greater community; maintaining 2-way lines of communication and producing video updates to keep parents informed and engaged. But what really set it off was his acceptance speech, in which he quoted Hova's So Ambitious, "I’m not sure that’s how teachers should speak to kids." He really brought the point full circle, illustrating that even though there were barriers for himself, he circumvented them by being resourceful, focused, and diligent. It's a point that goes a long way. Jesus walks with both sinners and then saints; and everyone in between. Don't victimize yourself by not dreaming.