This past year has been tumultuous, especially for educators. Across the country, school leaders have had to juggle navigating a global pandemic and our nation’s racial reckoning. They’ve transitioned to virtual teaching and learning, created space to discuss police brutality and systemic racism in their schools, and addressed the physical, social, and emotional needs of their students and families. In light of all, they have persevered through. Our School Leaders Who Inspire Series is intended to celebrate and highlight the prominent and impactful educators we have the pleasure of working with.
Over the course of this series, we will share interviews with school leaders about their motivations to lead and teach, their biggest lessons, influences, and best advice. You will learn more about their contributions to the public school system and how they have worked to provide their students with a high quality and equitable education.
Our Conversation with Akeem Brown
How long have you been working in the charter school sector?
I have worked in the charter school sector for at least 4 years. I started as a Teacher in Residence and most recently lead the recruitment of teachers and staff for a growing network here in Texas. This past year has been one of the most rewarding. My fellowship year with BES has allowed me to strengthen my capacity and learn from other high-performing charter school leaders.
What motivated you to start working in the charter sector?
My own student experience was varied; I had an amazing middle school (6th grade -8th grade) experience, but I struggled in elementary school and barely made it through high school. I am now even more motivated to do this work because San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and is one of the most economically segregated. In a community where at least 64% of the population is Latinx and 6% of the population identifies as Black or African American, the data still shows that our schools are overwhelmingly failing students of color. And although most schools focus on high school graduation rates, a very low percentage of our students graduate college-ready. Essence Prep aims to build both skills and confidence. We want the city’s young people to feel confident in themselves and who they are, but also feel ready and prepared to take on any challenges that may come their way.
What book, experience, or resource has had the biggest impact on how you approach this work?
Bettina Love’s, "We Want to Do More Than Survive" hands down has resonated with me the most. I have read the book in its entirety at least three times and continue to listen to the audible version like one may do their favorite song. It's like I am engaged in a conversation with one of my several friends and colleagues who have provided an analysis of current systems intentionally designed to fail and as Love describes it, “spirit murder” children of color. Love brilliantly writes with passion and pride in a call to action for educators who claim to love all children. This book is definitely not for the fragile.
What are the biggest lessons you have learned from your school community?
We engaged with the community to design Essence Prep. What we heard loud and clear is the desire our parents have to see more Black and Brown educators in their children's classrooms. Schools can truly support students by creating models and spaces for the development of their educators.
How many Black teachers or professors have you had over the course of your own education and how has this impacted your educational experience?
I was fortunate to have plenty of supportive and dedicated Black teachers and professors who held me to high expectations. I am a proud graduate of South Carolina State University, an HBCU founded in 1896, and I went to Orangeburg Wilkinson High School, where at least 65% of the faculty and staff were Black.
Does your school have any strategies to help support your students’ racial identity development?
As a leader of color and at only 29 years old, I face several struggles. I always have to prove the knowledge I possess compared to my counterparts, many of whom are non-Black who are already assumed to possess knowledge. I think most folks hear my voice and see my face, and begin to develop a story before I even share mine. My unapologetic approach to supporting and advocating for children of color, in and out of the classroom, is sometimes deemed aggressive and not welcomed in most cases. For Black students across America, the struggle continues. Now, more than ever, is the time to develop the models, protocols, and people that are required to create a truly liberating education.
What can lenders do to more effectively to support schools and school leaders?
I think the obvious answer would be to trust schools and school leaders, and make capital more accessible to leaders in the charter school space. I also think there is an opportunity for lenders to increase their efforts in being visible partners. Schools need skill sets or human capital like most businesses to succeed. Join a board, volunteer to teach a class, or mentor a group of students. It will be valuable, not only to the scholars who will have access to you, but eventually the success of your borrower (the school in this case).
What is the best piece of advice you have gotten in your career so far and why?
No permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interest.
I learned this from a Congressional member I served as an aide to one summer. I strongly believe in this statement. I have ALWAYS been interested in making sure ALL CHILDREN have access to a quality education that meets their needs; and, to high-performing educators that ensure students are not just stable but thriving. Through this process of getting Essence Prep authorized to open, I learned that when I say ALL, I mean ALL, but when others say ALL they don't mean it; rather, they only mean some.
About Akeem Brown
In 2019, Akeem Brown founded Essence Preparatory Public Charter School. In this role, Mr. Brown is accountable for all of the aspects of the school’s performance, management, and academic program.
Prior to founding Essence Preparatory Public Charter School, Mr. Brown was a full-time Building Excellent Schools Fellow (BES) where school leaders are identified and prepared to build new schools that excel and sustain their results over time. In addition, Mr. Brown was the Director of People Operations at Compass Rose Public Schools where he helped build high-performing, student centered schools with an innovative approach to help prepare children for true participation and leadership in their community. Mr. Brown is a self-driven and transformational leader dedicated to furthering education equity and anti-racist education systems.
Our Work with the Essence Preperatory Charter School
Essence Preparatory was founded in 2019 and will open in the fall of 2022. Essence Prep’s mission is to prepare all of their students from kindergarten through eighth grade for high school, college, and beyond, as leading agents of change in their communities through rigorous academics, intentional character development, and cultivating students’ knowledge of self.
The LISC SchoolPrint initiative provided Essence Preparatory Charter School of San Antonio, Texas technical assistance around site selection to find the best location for the school’s first facility.
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School Leaders Who Inspire: Myron Long
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School Leaders Who Inspire: James F. Waller
School Leaders Who Inspire: Denise Alexander
School Leaders Who Inspire: Traci Thibodeaux