Why Run, Why Now?

For far too long, our educational system has not only failed to help the masses of Black and Brown students meet basic academic standards, but it has not provided them with an understanding and experiences needed to transform public policy, drive local economic development, and grow healthy community relationships in the communities they come from. Recently, there have been small victories toward educational equity, student-centered approaches, and targeted investment, but we are in the midst of another potentially catastrophic time period. Our city, state, and country is facing major economic turmoil on the horizon while there is a rising conservative tide of right-wing anti-Black political pressure and control. Locally, we are challenged by continued enrollment decline, faculty and staff shortages, and students and families still recovering from the mental and economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, more than in recent years, the people need an educational leader that will UNAPOLOGETICALLY fight for Black and Brown students and families to protect them in the short term and empower them for the long term. We need someone that will maintain a deep commitment to equity during hard times and transform our school system to empower students to bring about better times. As a community organizer and education advocate I have a unique and demonstrated commitment to centering the voices of the people closest to the issues while holding the ability to understand district policy, systems and operations to drive meaningful action.