Trauma & Black Men in Education: Healing Out Loud

In Season 4, Episode 2 of A Note From the Principal’s Desk, Dr. Shepard is joined by three dynamic Black male educators and leaders—Leo Heath. Jr., Dexter Strowman, and Tyler Jones—for a raw, honest roundtable on trauma and Black men, especially those serving in schools and leadership.

Together, they unpack:

• What trauma really looks and feels like for Black men—from childhood bullying and broken friendships to loss, church hurt, and family expectations
• How unspoken pressures show up for Black male educators: having to be “perfect,” code-switching, being “Black enough” yet “professional enough,” and constantly carrying the weight of representation
• The reality of being the “strong friend,” struggling to find safe spaces to be vulnerable, and what it means to heal out loud while protecting your peace

The conversation also dives into forgiveness, boundaries, faith, gym time, quiet time, and how writing, prayer, and solitude help them stay grounded. Dr. Shepard holds space as these men share their truth on loyalty, bias in schools, racism and microaggressions, emotional regulation, and the deep desire to be who they needed when they were younger—for students, for family, and for themselves.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, families, and anyone who loves or leads Black men. It’s candid, layered, and full of moments that will make you pause, reflect, and see our brothers with more compassion.

Season 4 continues the trauma series with this powerful reminder: Black men deserve room to feel, heal, and be fully human—out loud.