The Resistance: An Underground Educators Podcast

This episode gave me life. I got to sit down with the one and only Indomitable Black Man, Gabriel Hannas, and y’all, we went there, talking about gentle parenting, colonization, classroom culture, and how both schools and families can stop replicating systems of harm that aren't serving out students. Gabriel broke down the history of authoritarian parenting and how it shows up in schools today, then flipped it with real stories...

In this week's episode of the Black on Black Education Podcast, I sit down with the Dr. Jocelyn Logan-Friend, an education strategist who’s worked in every part of the education system, from the classroom to the U.S. Department of Ed. Together, we broke down what it means to be qualified to teach, why transforming classroom culture starts with your mindset, and how we empower students to question everything including us. We als...

In this episode of The Black on Black Education Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Cedric B. Howard—a seasoned higher ed leader who’s talks to us about what it really takes to transform education for our students.

We didn’t sugarcoat ANYTHING. We talked about the systemic barriers that keep so many of our kids stuck. We got into the deep importance of early education, the impact of trauma on learning, and why community support isn’t optio...

Welcome to The Resistance: An Underground Educators Podcast In this very first episode of The Resistance—formerly known as the Black on Black Education podcast—I’m telling the full story. The real one. The one I’ve only hinted at before. This rebrand isn’t just about changing a name. It’s about standing 10 toes down in what I believe: educators deserve better, and our kids deserve freedom, joy, and justice in their classrooms right...

In this episode, I sat down with Mariah L. to talk about the power of mentorship, the adultification of Black children, and how empathy must play a bigger role in education. We explored what makes a great teacher, how we evaluate educators, and why listening to students is the key to creating classrooms that truly support them.

Episode resources:

• Reach out to Mariah on Tik Tok

• Video that started the conversation
• Need comm...

With everything going on in education, it feels impossible not to feel stuck, burnt out, or powerless in your teaching practice. In this episode, we unpack how learned helplessness is plaguing the students, and educators alike. This conversation is about what you can do to reclaim your joy, autonomy, resistance inside the classroom. Let this be your reminder: you're not the problem—the system is.

Journal Prompt: When was the las...

I sat down with Dr. Edmund Adjapong to talk all things hip-hop pedagogy and why Teach Like an MC is the blueprint for culturally responsive teaching that actually moves kids. We got into what it means to build critical consciousness, center student voice, and stop pretending school has to be boring to be rigorous. This episode is a masterclass in standing on business for Black and Brown students—period.

• GET THE BOOK: Teach Like ...

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, I sit down with Simone Gamble and Adela Effendy for a powerful conversation about justice-centered education, the role of joy and play in learning, and the transformative work they do through OAAARS andThe Kids Are Ready program. We break down the difference between JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and traditional DEI frameworks, emphasizing why justice must b...

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, I’m breaking down what it really means to start a quiet revolution in your classroom—because waiting for the system to change isn’t an option. I’m giving you five steps to reclaim your power, center student voice, and build a classroom that actually works for you and your students. By the end, you’ll be ready to shake things up, because real change starts with you.

Episode Res...

Leading a school isn’t for the weak-hearted. It’s messy, it’s hard, and sometimes it feels like you're juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But GOOD leadership is actually the key to unlocking the student-centered classrooms we dream about!

In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse Principal Chanavia Patterson to talk about what it really means to lead schools that center students, empower teachers, and create ...

If we’re only worried aboutwhat we teach and nothow we teach it, we’re already missing the point. In this episode, I’m getting real about what it means to center students, push past the fear of policies that try to limit us, and show up as the kind of educators our kidsactually need. We’re talking about building community, making teaching joyfulagain, and using our classrooms as a space for real impact. If you’re ready to shift fro...

Science class doesn’t have to be boring, and Dr. J is here to prove it! In this episode, we dive into her journey from future doctor to biology teacher and how she’s making science come alive for students who might otherwise check out. We’re talking about real strategies to engage students, build confidence (especiawlly for kids with ADHD), and create a classroom where all students feel seen and capable. If you’re ready to shake up...

In this episode, I’m breaking down why student-centered practices aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the key to transforming your classroom into a space where students actually want to learn. Because let’s be real—when students feel heard, seen, and valued, the whole vibe shifts.

We’re talking about the power of connection, the importance of understanding our students’ experiences, and how YOU, yes you, can create a classroom cultu...

Let’s keep it real—teaching in urban schools can feel like a rollercoaster some days. But what if I told you that the secret to managing behavior and building a thriving classroom is all about your energy, mindset, and the respect you show your students?

In this episode, I’m bringing the high-energy brilliance of Rodrick Johnson, the Energized Educator, to the mic. Together, we dig into what it takes to flip the script on classroom...

Teaching is hard, but creating a student-centered classroom doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Courtney Rose, assistant teaching professor and author, about the power of teacher identity, student voice, and co-creating classrooms that empower everyone. We explore:

• Breaking down barriers to centering student voice.
• Building community and fostering authentic connections.
• Practical strategies for creating jo...

In this episode, we’re sharing how you can transform your teaching and classroom culture with actionable strategies that bring joy, balance, and purpose back to your work.

Don't forget to register for our upcoming Free Webinar: The Answer is In Your Classroom: Building the Classroom Culture of Your Dreams, happening January 14, 2025, designed to help you thrive as an educator without burning out!

Mentioned in the Episode:

• P...

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, I’m introducing the B.O.B.E Framework—a powerful tool to help you shift to a student-centered mindset. We’ll dive into why curiosity, open communication, community building, and continuous growth are key to creating supportive and engaging classrooms.

I’ll also reintroduce the Teacher Action Board, a community built to give educators like you the coaching, resources, and supp...