Shows
unMASKing with Male Educators: Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms & Schools for Male Students#53 | You’re Worth the Pause: Building Brave Spaces for Black Male Educators – w/ Ayodele Harrison – Founder, BMEsTalkWhat if the leadership move you need most right now isn’t to push harder… but to pause?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ayodele Harrison, educator, facilitator, and founder of Black Male Educators Talk (BMEsTalk) joins host Ashanti Branch for a real, layered conversation about the masks Black men learn to wear in schools, in leadership, and in life. Ayodele shares how BMEsTalk is building a leadership ecosystem rooted in brotherhood, wellness, and nonjudgmental connection, because too many men are expected to “hold it down” while quietly running on empty.In this episode...
2026-01-1458 min
BONDcastBlack Male Educators TalkAyodele Harrison, the leader of Black Male Educators Talk, shares how BMEs Talk fosters the personal development, professional growth and economic mobility of Black men working across the education sector.
2024-10-0833 min
BONDcastBlack Male Educators Talk (Video)Ayodele Harrison of Black Male Educators Talk describes how BMEs Talk fosters the personal development, professional growth, and economic mobility of Black men working across the education sector.
2024-10-0833 min
The Education ConciergeA Conversation with Ayedole Harrison, Senior Partner, Education Community Build Ventures | Director, Black Male Educators Talk (BMEsTalk)Ayodele Harrison is a leadership development coach and racial equity practitioner. He has over two decades of experience teaching and leading public, private, and international schools. Ayodele spent six years as an administrator in a teacher residency program. Ayodele is currently the Senior Partner of Education at CommunityBuild Ventures (CBV) - a pro-Black solutions-focused firm committed to eliminating racial disparities by developing powerful, impactful racial equity-driven leaders and organizations. Ayodele's primary role with CBV is leading their signature initiative, Black Male Educators Talk (BMEsTalk). This initiative offers a suite of culturally affirming in-person and virtual affinity spaces and leadership development...
2023-07-1257 min
Ayodele SpeaksAre Black Male Educators spending too much time with Students?New survey data released by DonorsChoose states that “Black male teachers spend more time mentoring and counseling students than any other demographic.” This is great. And, I wonder, by spending so much time with students, are they missing out on opportunities for personal growth and professional development. I discuss this and more in this episode. Enjoy
2022-05-2027 minAyodele SpeaksSelf-Confidence - What are the key ingredients?Self confidence can be defined in a lot of different ways under many different circumstances and situations. When thinking about self-confidence is the face of ambiguity, uncertainty, complex, what are the ingredients for self-confidence? Well, I explore a few, such as emotional intelligence, lives experience and others) in this episode. Take a listen.
2022-05-1222 minAyodele SpeaksComing to terms with Pain - Part 2In this episode, part 2, I share some new thinking about how I hope to better communicate my pain to others AND how to create brave spaces where Black men can more effectively come to terms with and manage their “pain”.
2022-05-0926 minAyodele SpeaksComing to terms with Pain - Part 1I have been away for a bit, so I decided to drop a two part series on the topic of pain. In the this episode, I share my recent experience coming to terms with pain. It’s not that I’ve never felt pain, its just that the way I classify it has been heavily influenced by my upbringing and socialization in these here United States of America. Take a listen.
2022-05-0917 minAyodele SpeaksWhat would I prefer less of in my life?Sounds like a simple question. Yet, it is difficult for me to answer. In this episode I explain why. Enjoy!
2022-03-2417 minAyodele SpeaksMore Armor Won’t Help MeIn this episode, I reflect on some advice my chiropractor gave me concerning how best to prevent a chronic injury from occurring. Spoiler Alert: Their answer was less stress in your life, not a new stretch or strength routine.
2022-03-1713 minAyodele SpeaksJourney in Leadership- the learning curve is realIm in the process of launching a project that will expand the services and reach of BMEsTalk, while deepening our impact. All that said, I’m learning a lot while on this journey. Take a listen.
2022-03-0416 min
Favorite Librarian, the PodcastEpisode 14: "But They Look Like Me..." A Lack of Black Artist and Writer CollaborationsThis week, enjoy Episode Fourteen with Your Favorite Librarian as she continues the conversation about "Measure of Authenticity. This episode is broken into two portions for readers to properly examine and are, also, paired with great titles to support any reader's discovery. Scars are Beautiful: Unresolved Trauma and Reclaiming Black BeautyHealing Legacies of Trauma and Abuse in the Queer Community Masculine of Centre, Seeking Her Refined Femme Just Not Beautiful Enough... balance, attention, care, effort and specialness Provided Examples of Great Black Illustrators: Ashley Evans, Floyd Cooepr, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Frank Morrison, Vashti Harri...
2022-02-2838 minAyodele SpeaksJudgement vs Evaluation - my inner voice needs workIn this episode I talk a bit more about my journey to cultivating my inner voice. No one talks to me more than myself.
2022-02-2422 minAyodele Speaks“What’s the difference between being a Black principal or anyone else I don’t get it?”I respond to title of this episode and more in this week’s episode.
2022-02-1720 minAyodele SpeaksGrowing my “Coaching Tree”!I want my tree to full of successful Black men educators inspired to reach their full potential.
2022-02-1015 minAyodele SpeaksTaking an “L” is ok, but it’s not ok to ask for help.Let’s celebrate. It is now ok for us men to admit we took an “L” (a loss, failed, came up short). This is definitely progress, but we still are having a hard time asking for help. I’m having a hard time asking for help. Even when the stakes are at their highest.
2022-02-0339 minAyodele SpeaksI was too afraid to lead, so I left.I haven’t been completely honest with myself. I was afraid that I wasn’t smart enough. I was afraid that I didn’t have the skills or know how to lead a team of adults. I was afraid that I would not be able to work with colleagues that didn’t see/view instruction the way I did.
2022-01-2723 minAyodele SpeaksIt’s time to take up space!As a large Black man, I am always conscious of the way I inhabit physical spaces. That awareness, I’m learning, has kept me safe AND has stunted my growth. Take a listen.
2022-01-2028 minAyodele SpeaksVirtual Learning in my house is done!It’s been two weeks of virtual learning and my 7 year old daughter is falling apart. In this episode, I explain more and share my solution, for now.
2022-01-1416 minAyodele SpeaksAll Black men means “ALL” Black menIn this episode, I share a little bit of my learning journey to ensure that ALL Black men in education feel welcome, seen and valued on our affinity spaces.
2022-01-0623 minAyodele Speaks3 Foundational Practices of a Racial Equity PractitionerIn this episode, I share what I learned “ear-hustling” a conversation my wife had with one of her clients. The three practices are: Noticing, Holding Space and Accountability. Tap to hear more.
2021-12-1617 minAyodele SpeaksThank you Youth Sport CoachesIn this episode, I share my gratitude for the College Park Parks & Rec facilitating fabulous youth sport leagues around the city.
2021-12-0913 minAyodele SpeaksFree the MONEY - stop forcing Black educators to work in your schoolsIn this episode, I talk about professional development opportunities and accompanying stipends (or loan forgiveness) that are offered to Black educators in exchange for long term commitments to work in a particular type of school or district.
2021-12-0221 minAyodele SpeaksCritical Feedback - drives innovationIn this episode, I reflect on some critical feedback James and I received concerning the delivery of the BMEsTalk Leadership Lab. The feedback pushed us to examine what we do in the lab and rethink the way we describe the work. The sharp, yet constructive feedback from past participants was needed, welcomed and was the fuel we needed to take the lab to next level. Take a listen.
2021-11-1827 minAyodele SpeaksWe are more than 2% - Let’s articulate a new narrative togetherBlack Male Educators are DOPE! Research statistically proves our positive impact on students. However, in this episode, I stress the need for a new narrative that talks about why we are so dope.
2021-10-2817 min
The Equity ExperienceEP 42: Creating Affinity Spaces for K-12 Black Male Educators w/Mr. Ayodele HarrisonHow can we create inclusive spaces for Black male educators to share ideas, connect, and build a community?
In this podcast, we have an exciting conversation with Mr. Ayodele Harrison, a community leader and an educational consultant who created a platform that reflects his passion of bringing together Black male educators. We discuss the issues and challenges surrounding Black males educators in the classrooms, such as difficulty in navigating relationships and being able to freely express themselves and their creativity in a teaching environment. In this podcast, we discuss BMEsTalk (Black Male Educators Talk)– a suite of pro...
2021-10-2333 minAyodele SpeaksPlay through the Pain - Parenting/coaching a 7 year oldIn this episode, I talk about the challenge of parenting a 7 year old when my default is to always encourage her to push through the pain.
2021-10-2138 minAyodele SpeaksWarrior in a GardenIn this episode m, I explore the quote, “I’d rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardner a war”.
2021-10-1417 minAyodele SpeaksLife Lessons: Walking to school in the rain.I drop my kids off to school in the mornings and pick them up. Are they missing out on life lessons not having to walk to school or ride the bus.
2021-10-0726 minAyodele SpeaksBlack men seek fellowship and moreIn this episode, I talk about the importance of Black men fellowshipping with one another and it being the doorway to lasting relationships, greater self examination and self improvement.
2021-09-3022 minAyodele SpeaksImposter Syndrome among Black MenIn this episode, I talk about feeling the like an imposter when I am among a new group of Black men. This one is interesting. Enjoy!
2021-09-2326 minAyodele SpeaksSomething Different: white supremacist culture is alive and wellIn this episode, I talk about the work of Tena Okun, a Racial Equity Trainer, whose work centers around “white supremacist culture”. I discuss how I am beginning to integrate her work with mine.
2021-09-0534 minAyodele SpeaksSimone, Naomi, and Sha’CarriIn this episode, I talk about confidence/certainty, mental wellness and the “yips”.
2021-09-0223 minAyodele SpeaksWorkforce Development - who are we kidding?In this episode, I talk about what’s missing in the workforce development industry and how that is harming Black people, specifically educators.
2021-08-2631 minAyodele SpeaksGroundwork: Dismantling White Supremacy can waitIn this episode, I talk about how schools will never become equitable places of learning if the people running them avoid exploring their own identity.
2021-08-1917 minAyodele SpeaksCOVID Chronicles: Back to virtual learningIn the episode, I share why I think we will be returning to hybrid, if not 100% virtual learning by Labor Day.
2021-08-1218 minAyodele SpeaksBuilding Relationships with Students: It takes more than handshakes and correctly pronouncing namesIn this episode, I talk about ways I built healthy relationships with students before I meet them in person.
2021-08-0513 minAyodele SpeaksI don’t know why daughter is failing pre-AlgebraIn this episode, I talk about a recent conversation I had with a friend who has a teenage daughter failing pre-Algebra. She can’t seem to understand why, since her daughter is testing through the roof on math aptitude assessments. I provide a possible explanation.
2021-07-2925 minAyodele SpeaksLet’s talk about Racial Affinity GroupsIn this episode, I spend some time talking about the benefits Black educators (and their students) receive when they consistently engage in Racial Affinity Groups
2021-07-2626 minAyodele SpeaksIm so grateful for Summer CampIn this short episode, I express my gratitude for all the youth Summer Camp administrators and leaders. I have a 7 year old daughter and during the summer of 2020, my household experienced cabin fever. So this summer, with camps open, my daughter has a safe place to make new friends, learn about the history of Black artists, swim and exercise all that energy God gifted her.
2021-07-1509 minAyodele SpeaksBeliefs, values and ideas can be trash, but not people.In this episode, I talk about how some people feel the need to say they like you, just prior to saying how they don’t like your stance on a particular topic or the way you handled a situation. Are they afraid that if they disagree with me, I would take that as an attack on my personhood? What’s up with that?
2021-07-0809 minAyodele SpeaksI never wanted to be a school principal.In this episode, I talk how there is more to leading in education, than becoming a school principals. I never wanted to be one and I’m finding many other Black men in education who feel the same way.
2021-07-0113 minAyodele SpeaksSummers Off - Don’t get it twisted, we workin’In this episode, I talk about the incomplete truth that teachers and educators have the summer off.
2021-06-2413 minAyodele SpeaksWe need Truth and ReconciliationIn this episode, I talk about the healing that power of the Truth and Reconciliation process.
2021-06-2433 minAyodele SpeaksWorkforce Development: Is it causing more harm?In this episode, I share a short conversation Natasha (my wife and President/CEO) and I had concerning the responsibility incubators, non-profits, and other entities have when trying to support people of color and people from under resourced communities, with entering “professional” spaces that have historically been unwelcoming to them.
2021-05-2711 minAyodele SpeaksI’m an awkward “Girl Dad.”In this episode, I talk about the awkwardness of attending play dates and other social activities with my daughter and being one of 2 (or only) guy there.
2021-05-2028 minAyodele SpeaksSelf compassion might be the most important form of self care.In this episode, I talk about an awakening I had one day listening to the song “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange. It started me down a path of thinking that my self care practices needed to include exercising more self compassion.
2021-05-1321 minAyodele SpeaksExploring our Blackness: The power of Racial Affinity GroupsIn this episode, I spend a moment reflecting on my experience participating in a Black centered affinity group. Over the course of four (4) 75-min meeting, all we did was bask in our Blackness and it felt great!
2021-05-0626 minAyodele SpeaksWhere can school leaders turn for help and support?In this episode, I reflect on a recent Facebook post from a school leader seeking advice on how to honor/remember students who tragically died in a car accident at their upcoming graduation ceremony. I “give flowers” to our school leaders facing challenges like these every year while trying to build equitable world-class learning communities.
2021-04-2916 minAyodele Speaks“Cold calling” ain’t for the faint of heartIn this episode, I talk about the necessary task all sales people and consultants do at some point in their career - cold calling. I get really nervous every time I sit down to go thru my aspiring client list. Tap play to listen to how I navigate through each call and a success story from the other week.
2021-04-2324 minAyodele SpeaksAccess doesn’t necessarily mean equityIn this episode, I share my thoughts on a comment I heard a school board member make during a recent board meeting concerning high students having access to a wider variety of courses via the districts virtual school platform.
2021-04-1523 minAyodele SpeaksYou ain’t recruiting Black teachers with that ad!In this episode, I react to seeing a very deficit minded social media advertisement that was intended to invite Black professionals to start their journey towards becoming a teacher. Very disappointed. Take a listen.
2021-04-0914 minAyodele SpeaksDo Not Disturb: Visioning in progressIn this episode, I share about how I am using Spring Break to vision the next steps in my work with Black Male Educators. I want to design, build and lead a learning and leadership institute. I’m using the Camelback Ventures and Echoing Green fellowship applications to help me move my vision from the back of my head onto paper (or the computer screen). Writing has never been easy for me, but I have learned over the years to welcome an optimistic attitude during the process.
2021-04-0817 minAyodele SpeaksTransformative work requires intimacyIn this episode, I talk about how transformation begins when we start infringing upon and crossing personal boundaries. The topic of this episode comes from a passage in a book called Sexual Intelligence authored by Dr. Marty Klein.
2021-03-2521 minAyodele Speaks“I wish you well” - One fiercely compassionate and life saving phraseIn this episode, I share a brief story about an interaction I recently had with a neighbor and how I used the statement, “I wish you well,” to save my day.
2021-03-1212 minAyodele SpeaksIt’s like we’re seen as barbariansIn this episode, I answer the question, “How do you get Black Male Educators to be open, honest and authentic during your BMEsTalk professional learning experiences?”
2021-03-0434 minAyodele SpeaksVeteran Black Male Educators find joy and excitement in affinity! (5mins)In this episode, I share a recording of a short phone conversation I had with one of the BMEsTalk Leadership Lab participants reflecting on his experience in the first workshop. He is an Assistant Principal in Atlanta.
2021-02-2605 minAyodele SpeaksCould equity-centered communication be the key to retaining Black Male Educators?In this episode, I talk about the communication challenges Black Male Educators experience on their jobs and how the BMEsTalk Leadership Lab was specifically designed to address them. The BMEsTalk Leadership Lab is a series of five (5) virtual workshops that offers Black Male Educators the rare opportunity to learn how to and hone skills in designing and leading equity-centered learning experiences for their fellow educators, parents and students. Learn more here: https://bmestalk.com/leadership-development
2021-02-1923 minAyodele SpeaksBlack LoveIn this episode, I reflect on my experience talking about “Black Love” with 3 other Black men from our BMEsTalk Twitter chat. Like me, they are married and have children. I also talk about the 5 Love Languages and the challenge set before me to learn to speak my wife’s love language.
2021-02-1119 minAyodele SpeaksAmerican Skin: Do I support Black art?In this episode, I take a moment to share my thoughts on Nate Parker’s movie American Skin. Before I do, I start with sharing why I was initially not going to watch the film and then my hesitation to record my thoughts after seeing it.
2021-02-0422 minAyodele SpeaksOne Night in Miami - Black males in affinityIn this episode, I reflect on 4 Black men (Malcolm X, Sam Cook, Jim Brown, and Muhammed Ali) sharing a moment in Miami. The movie is a demonstration of compassion in action.
2021-01-2122 minAyodele SpeaksThe Talk - my son and the police (Follow Up)In this episode, I reflect on my wife and I sitting down to talk with my son about navigating interactions with police. Specifically, I share the equity-centered facilitation tool we used and what I learned over the course of our conversation.
2021-01-1422 minAyodele SpeaksDo you really want Black Male Educators?In this bonus episode, I talk about my experience wanting to grow as a teacher -leader, but being stifled by my school administrator. Ultimately, leading me to look for a job outside of the classroom and the school I was working at. This is a common experience for Black Male Educators. I also offer a solution —> https://BMESTalk.com
2021-01-0725 minAyodele SpeaksThe Talk - my son and the policeHappy New Year! In this episode, I talk about preparing to have a talk with my 17yr old son, who is a senior in high school, about how to navigate interactions with the police, if stopped in the car or on the street. I also reflect on why it has taken so long for me to have the conversation.
2021-01-0718 minAyodele SpeaksSteve McQueen, Small Axe and Black men holding space for one anotherIn this episode, I reflect on the genius of Director Steve McQueens new movie series entitled Small Axe, specifically episode 2, Lovers Rock. In this particular movie, the Black male characters hold a non-verbal space for one another, making way for healing to happen right in the middle of a house party.
2020-12-0839 minAyodele SpeaksBefore you join a DEI committeeIn this episode, I talk about DEI committees and the racial identity-based barriers that often go unaddressed. I also share two community agreements that every DEI committee should consider adopting in order to increase the cohesiveness and effectiveness of the group.
2020-12-0434 minAyodele SpeaksAttention White Men! It’s time.In this episode, I talk about White men and how they adopt a “listen and learn” stance when they are invited into conversations about race, racial equity, structural and institutional racism and/or White Supremacy. Both while facilitating and participating in professional learning experiences that center around race, White men will choose to and many times positioned to just sit in listen. I challenge that stance and want to call White men in and ask that expert facilitators intentionally make space for their voice. I share why this is key for their learning, as well as the person/people they are...
2020-11-2156 minAyodele SpeaksParenting a 6-yr old during a pandemic (part 2)In this episode, I provide an update on how things are going. Spoiler alert: there has been very little improvement in my daughter’s behavior. I also share a few new consequence my wife and I cooked up.
2020-11-1227 minAyodele SpeaksParenting a 6-yr old during a pandemicIn this episode, I talk about my daughter’s mischievous behavior, the challenges of setting consequences, and reflect on what her behavior says about me.
2020-11-0635 minAyodele SpeaksEmpathy is a start, but it ain’t enough! Part 2In this episode, I talk in more depth about empathy, empathic fatigue, and need to move beyond empathy into engaged compassion.
2020-10-292h 03Ayodele SpeaksEmpathy is a start, but it ain’t enough! Part 1This is the beginning of a two part episode on the topic of Empathy. In part 1, this episode, I define empathy and briefly share a 6-part strategy for cultivating it. In part two, the next episode, I describe empathy in greater detail, talk about the danger of empathic fatigue, and introduce the compassion. Empathy paved the way to compassion, but they are two different things. Take a listen, like, comment, share.
2020-10-2241 minAyodele SpeaksNov 4th: The day after!What are you doing to prepare for the day after the 2020 election? Racism in America. Anti-Black culture in our schools ain’t just gonna disappear with in one election cycle. In this episode, I share my thoughts about how I am preparing myself and provide some suggestions for what you can do.
2020-10-1523 minAyodele SpeaksFirst Year Teachers: Have you checked in on them?In this episode, I talk about a phone call I received the other day from 4 first year teachers. They were nervous and not sure how to react to schools re-opening for in person learning in less than 3-weeks. Take a listen, like, subscribe, share.
2020-10-0133 minAyodele SpeaksUpdate - Leading Learning at home: Part 3In this episode, I discuss the progress my 6yr old daughter has made in becoming a more independent, patient and preserving learner. Take a listen. Hit the like button. Leave a comment.
2020-09-2415 minAyodele SpeaksMy interview with NYC Men Teach for their Men Teach Monday Speaker SeriesIn this episode, I share a recording of my interview with Mr Nathaniel Smith, Director of NYC men Teach at CUNY Queens College. He invited me to share with is Men Teach Mondays Series. Topic covered: 1. My journey into teaching, 2. Cultivating and releasing my authentic voice as a classroom teacher, and so much more. Take a listen.
2020-09-171h 03Ayodele SpeaksVirtual Instruction is ChallengingIn this episode, I talk about the challenges teachers face transitioning from in-person instruction to virtual instruction. Many were caught unprepared at last March when schools closed. Some, even after spending the spring and summer participating in professional development, still don’t feel ready. Confidence can be hard to come by.
2020-09-0323 minAyodele SpeaksWhen White male principals check in on their Black Male EducatorsIn this episode, I share a recorded conversation I had with a friend and fellow Black Male Educator by the name of James Price. He called me last week and wanted to share something that had never happened to him before. His principal called to check in on him as a Black Male in the wake of the state sanctioned shooting of Jacob Blake.
2020-09-0318 minAyodele SpeaksJacob Blake and facilitating tough conversations in your classroom.In the episode, I share my reaction to the state sanctioned shooting of Jacob Blake. I also share a strategy for facilitating tough conversations with and among students when they arise in the classroom.
2020-08-2739 minAyodele SpeaksWhat would you do when the camera is on?Educators are being beamed into their students home on a daily basis. We have unprecedented daily access into homes. What do we do if we see something ‘questionable’ happening in our students homes? In this episode, Ayodele explores this topic. Last week, a parent was murdered while their child was participating in their first day of virtual learning. What would you do? What advice, policies or procedures are guiding our educator’s decision?
2020-08-2024 minAyodele Speaks11 pounds, childhood obesity and my weight issuesIn this episode, I share how I are struggling to ensure that my daughter stays healthy during COVID.Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-08-1223 minAyodele Speaks4 ways to center the voices and experiences of our studentsIn this episode, I talk about the 4 ways to center the voices and experiences of youth: 1. Performance Data 2. Survey Data 3. Interview Data 4. In-person Observation Data. Collecting, disaggregating and interrogating these 4 types of data gives an educational community the evidence they need to make decisions on how to best serve ALL students, particularly those on the margins.Contant Ayodele and Episode Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-08-0622 minAyodele SpeaksBlack Male Educators are not a monolithIn this episode, I talk about the start of our 4th season of BMEsTalk. I talk about the intense planning that went into designing a full season of chats for with a team of 6 BMEs - we are not a monolith, so we spent a lot of time discussing intentionality and impact. I also discuss the Aug 3rd launch of our new podcast, The Rewind presented by BMEsTalk. Tap to listen now!Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-07-2915 minAyodele SpeaksWhat are we going to teach this year? What goals do we have for student learning amidst a pandemic?In this episode, Ayodele moves the focus from when and how we are returning to schools, towards y’all about what should be the focus this school. Ayodele shares his framework he used to strengthen his student’s abilities to learn math. This episode will leave you with more questions than answers. Contant Ayodele and Episode Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-07-2226 minAyodele Speaks“Sawubona” - I see youIn this episode, Ayodele shares how he builds "Brave Space" that provides an opportunity for Black Male Educators and others to show up as their authentic self. Click on the resource link to learn more. Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-07-1620 minAyodele SpeaksEncouraging myselfIn this episode, I take a moment to lead a meditation in which I share a few affirmations I lean on for encouragement.Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakdMeditation: Kindness Towards Self May I be safe from inner and outer harm. May I be healthy and strong. May I be happy and content. May I live with ease and well-being. May whatever blocks my heart be dissolved. May I know joy and freedom. May I have food, shelter and good care. May I be free from animosity and hatred. May I know pe...
2020-07-1216 minAyodele SpeaksCoach, I want to play!In this episode, Ayodele takes a moment to share a few reasons why a you college student athlete (or any athlete for that matter) would return to their college/university to train for the upcoming season, amidst our current pandemic.Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-06-2516 minAyodele SpeaksWhat if Atlanta doesn’t love me? Part 2On June 12, 2020, Mr Rayshard Brooks was shot dead by officers of the Atlanta Police Department (APD). In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on this recent murder and dive into the 4 Is of oppression (Ideological, Institutional, Interpersonal and Internal). The four Is of oppression offer a framework to better understand the far reaching impact structural and institutional racism in American society. I then turn to talking about equity center school improvement and how it can be used to address systemic racism in schools. Upcoming Virtual Workshops: Black Male Educators leading sc...
2020-06-1829 minAyodele SpeaksWhat if Atlanta doesn’t love me?This episode is a response to a sign I saw in my neighborhood. It read, “8pm Curfew, If you love Atlanta, please go home.” I talk about the Changing the Odds report released by the Annie E Casey Foundation that sheds light on the ever widening gap between Atlanta’s haves and have-nots.Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-06-1140 minAyodele SpeaksAm I doing enough?In light of the continued uprising against the ideology of White Supremacy and structural and institutional racism, I ponder the questions: Am I doing enough? Should I join the protestors in downtown Atlanta? Want to do more? Vote. Complete the 2020 Census. Donate to those people and organizations you believe represent your voice. Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-06-0425 minAyodele SpeaksCranes in the SkyIn this episode, I reference Solange’s song, Cranes in the Sky, to talk about the challenging nature of navigating emotional interruptions. This is a follow up to episode 1 - Black Male Educators aren’t safe, where I first introduced the concept of emotional self care.Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-05-2222 minAyodele Speaks1.7 million students in GA, $3.6 billion in cutsThe Georgia State Legislator is slated to cut over $3.6 billion from state agency budgets. Some say 14% or more from the budget of the GA Department of Education. What impact will this have on the 1.7 million students in GA?Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-05-1616 minAyodele SpeaksLeading Learning at Home: Part 2T.R.I.P. Thinkers (Thoughtful, Resourceful, Independent, Persistent)Critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communication, and assessing and analyzing information have been identified as necessary skills in the 21st century. In this piece, I talk about how I am working with my Kindergartner to hone these skills. I also provide a few strategies. Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-05-1615 minAyodele SpeaksLeading Learning at Home: Part 1I talk a moment to respect on how closing of in person schooling has thrust me into leading learning for my 5 year old daughter. It’s been an exceptional experience.Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-05-1615 minAyodele SpeaksBlack Male Educators aren’t safe!The title says it all. Click and learn more. Resources: https://tinyurl.com/y7o6gakd
2020-05-1517 min
The DashEP 141 Black Male Educators Talk with Ayodele Harrison"Teaching is an art form and it does start... with people and relationships."- Ayodele Harrison
Ayodele has worked in education for 20 years, with 16 of them being in the classroom. His company, CommunityBuild Ventures, LLC focuses on building equity in schools by engaging the community and team-building within those communities. We talk about how to build equity in schools, the importance of learning your students' names, and what he's doing through BMEs to help develop black male educators in our education system.
02:00 - What's in a name?
05:55 - What is equity-centered school improvement?
13:00 - Teaching is an art form that...
2020-04-0630 min
Leading By HistoryEp. 20 - Where are all of the Black Male Educators?In this episode 20, Specialist Ma'asehyahu Isra-Ul speaks with Mr. Ayodele Harrison (Host of Black Male Educators Talk/Community race and culture consultant) concerning the plight of the black male educator. With so few black men entering the field of education, there are yet too many obstacles keeping potentially excellent black male educators from serving the communities they reflect. This episode is a call to action to address this need and to work diligently to ensure that this "2 %" of educators increases immediately to reflect the demographics of the schools which need them most. Support this episode by listening, sharing and speaking...
2019-09-1641 min
Wanda's PicksWanda's Picks Radio ShowThis is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Sgt. Yulanda Williams, President, Officers for J...
2018-09-192h 47Wanda's Picks Radio ShowThis is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!
1. Sgt. Yulanda Williams, President, Officers for J...
2018-09-192h 48
Rectify PodcastThe Importance of Emotional Self-Care with Ayodele HarrisonAt a time when teacher shortages are on the rise around the country, it is imperative that we properly care for those who have decided that they would like to be teachers. Ayodele Harrison joins the show to discuss the importance of Emotional Self Care.
2018-08-2138 min
The Marvin Byrd ShowThe Importance of Emotional Self-Care with Ayodele HarrisonAt a time when teacher shortages are on the rise around the country, it is imperative that we properly care for those who have decided that they would like to be teachers. Ayodele Harrison joins the show to discuss the importance of Emotional Self Care.
2018-08-2138 min