"You are capable and it is possible."

Darius Stanley

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, Author

To order his book: https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682538869/blackeducatorsmatter/

"I realized that I don't think they hired me to teach."

This week, we are joined by Dr. Darius Stanley, an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Stanley shares his journey from being one of the few Black students in his K-12 classes to attending Florida A&M University, an HBCU that felt like home. His experiences in predominantly white schools and later at an all-Black high school shaped his understanding of the importance of representation and community in education.

"Black educators are the shepherds of maintaining the wholeness of Black students."

Dr. Stanley reflects on his career, from teaching social studies in Orlando to pursuing a PhD to enact systemic change. He discusses the challenges Black educators face, such as being seen as disciplinarians rather than teachers, and the critical role they play in creating spaces where Black students can see their potential. His book, "Black Educators Matter: The Experiences of Black Teachers in an Anti-Black World," explores these themes and emphasizes the importance of addressing anti-Blackness in educational systems to truly support Black educators and students.

Special thanks to Mr. Burgess, Dr. David Jackson, and all the Black educators who have influenced Dr. Stanley's journey and continue to inspire others.