Too Much Confidence Black Man

There was a time where my actions were complicit with inequities for our scholars. I remember a time where all students were not getting opportunities as other students. And a fellow colleague of mine actually spoke up as she should in an open meeting with the entire grade level team about the inequities. I knew she was right — and I saw how people were scolding her and people kept saying — “It’s just hoops that our students gotta jump through sometimes” — I started to formulate my words but I backed out because of fear of losing my job or being viewed as confrontational. I did eventually go talk to the principal about the concern — but equity matters — we have to be giants in this work and confident that we can speak up now! Because what do our “now scholars” gain by “our now” silence — separate outcomes.

And I’m not okay with that — which brings me to an interesting moment at the library. I was reading with my daughter when a prior colleague noticed me. We had a conversation and he was intrigued by some of my recent social media posts. And before I continue in this writing piece — it is important to note that I reached back out to the colleague before completing this current writing piece and I asked the colleague was it okay to utilize our exchange as a point of learning or encouragement for others in this space and the colleague was more than happy to do so— we had another conversation also to align our differences and values and he endorsed the final draft of this piece.

So — the library — the colleague asked me about some concerns his team was having with some instruction— we had a coaching conversation — and by the end, we had unlocked some major things that the colleague could possibly do to unlock their (His PLC Team) best instructional approach. The great thing about this conversation— I never once suggested one instructional strategy — but the colleague did all the heavy lifting. So we ended our conversation and gave our goodbyes— but then he turned back around and said, “You have way more confidence now — I mean not arrogant of course — but I know you are ready to be principal — right?

I said, “Yes I am.”

He responded, “Can I be real with you right now”

I said, “Sure — of course”

“I think if you want to get to that you may have to bring it down a bit.” So of course I inquired,

“Please explain.”

He went on to say — “I just don’t remember you being able to have such a command in this way — it can be intimidating to some”

I said, “really” and with a smile — “well that’s a risk that I’m willing to take”

I have been quiet for far too long — so please know when Mr. Givens is onsite —

Equity will be there.

Excellence will be there.

Instructional practices that highlight meta-cognitive orientations will be there.

Restorative Practices will be there.

The highest of expectations will be there — in which I hold myself to that same standard first.

Grace will be there

Effective Communication will be there.

Confidence will be there.

And most of all, what is best for optimal learning and individualizing each student experience will be there by an inclusivity to our approach.

All this is rooted through love, care, and deep understanding that every person simply wants to be seen, heard, and valued!

Finally, if all this makes you uncomfortable -- well buckle in -- because equity is not a destination -- it is a journey. There are some bumpy roads ahead.

And I must be Confident that every action takes in account every staffs', teachers', stakeholders', caregivers', and students' lived experiences.

And Confident that everything we do is best for every single scholars' ever excelling learning journey.

What may seem as too much confidence to one -- is decades of oppressions for another -- or centuries of oppression for our BIPOC communities.

The wait is over.