Reflecting on Writing Our Lives & Finding Our Joy - a Cross-District Literacy Event That Couldn't Be Possible Without @KSekouM's Vision for BLACK BOY JOY

Truth is, I hold my breath from time to time. When teachers from two districts seek a book they can share and do cross-district planning upon, I always want to find the perfect text. This year, that was Black Boy Joy edited by Kwame Mbalia, with an all-star team of writers. I suggested, "Read the stories, have the students write their own joy tales, and bring everyone together for a discussion about zip-code apartheid, U.S. diversity, stereotypes, and the question, how does happiness work given the racial histories of our nation?"

With Julian Winters representing the writers, a large event hall to pull all the students together, and tremendous break out rooms for discussions and writing, I have to say the entire day was a success. I look forward to seeing what the teachers collect as final products. What I do know is that I have a lifetime supply of water because it was over 90 degrees and everyone brought water with them...cases, and cases, of water. 

I also have to shout out Jersey Mikes who, without even being asked, contacted a teacher and said, "We'd like to donate lunch for the event." Apparently, owners from the chain in Connecticut have a connection through Harding High School. Sure enough, 11:30 a.m. hit and over 140 sandwiches were delivered. AMAZING. 

The real shout-out, however, goes to the teachers: Fola Sumpter, Barbara Robbins, and Kim Herzog. They've carrie this work forward all year and work on nights and weekend to make the collaborations possible (ah, the National Writing Project really does establish teacher leaders).

For the writers like Kwame Mbalia and Julian Winters, we simply say keep producing great work. We need these books in our school. For the CWP teachers, I simply sit back and say amazing. It is your vision that helps directors like me take it to the next level. It's easy to invest in excellence, especially when it benefits young people (and the heterogeneity of American society).

For the amazing teachers and youth? Keeping doing exactly as you're doing. It was an amazing day.