Videos

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jason B. Allen—educator, activist, and policy advocate—to discuss the systemic barriers Black students and educators face in traditional school systems. Jason shares his personal journey from school administrator to special education teacher, revealing how he fought against discriminatory practices that misplace Black students into special education programs without proper support. He details how systemic racism influences school discipline policies, the struggles of Black educators navigating certification roadblocks, and the larger implications of anti-Black policies in education. Jason also discusses his transition from the classroom to education policy work, emphasizing the need for community-driven solutions, Black educator retention, and the importance of dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in educational equ…

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jason B. Alleneducator, activist, and policy advocateto discuss the systemic barriers Black students and educators face in traditional school systems. Jason shares his personal journey from school administrator to special education teacher, revealing how he fought against discriminatory practices that misplace Black students into special education programs without proper support. He details how systemic racism influences school discipline policies, the struggles of Black educators navigating certification roadblocks, and the larger implications of anti-Black policies in education. Jason also discusses his transition from the classroom to education policy work, emphasizing the need for community-driven solutions, Black educator retention, and the importance of dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in educational e…

What keeps Black educators in the classroom? For this mathematics professor, it’s all about impact. In this SXSW EDU street interview, Dr. Ajai Simmons (Instagram - @dr.aic54) reflects on their 27-year journey through education—K-12, undergrad, master’s, and PhD—and the fact that they only had one Black teacher. Just one. And yet, that teacher left an unforgettable mark. Representation in education isn’t just about diversity; it’s about belonging, affirmation, and inspiration. Black educators make a difference every day by simply being there. 📍 Filmed at SXSW EDU 2025 🎙️ From The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators 💬 Drop a comment: How many Black educators did you have growing up? 🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more real conversations about Black educators! #SXSWEDU #BlackEducatorsMatter #RepresentationInEducation #EdEquity #TheExitInterviewPodcast #BlackTeachersRock #StreetInterviews #EducationForChange #DiversityInTeaching

From the tensions between Black women educators and Black male leadership to the systemic silencing of Black educators’ voices, we uncover the themes that consistently emerge in our conversations. 🔹 The rise of misogyny in Black male-led educational spaces 🔹 Black educators being unheard and undervalued in curriculum development 🔹 Pushback from administrators when educators create and share their own work 🔹 The reality of isolation—being the only Black educator in a school or even a district 🔹 How workplace racism and racial battle fatigue impact not just educators but their families as well This discussion highlights why Black educators are not only being pushed out of the profession but are also choosing to pull themselves out for their well-being. #TheExitInterviewPodcast #BlackVoicesMatter #EdPolicy #EdLeadership #EdCommunity #EducatorWellness Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn mo…

Description: Racial battle fatigue isn’t racism itself—it’s how our minds and bodies respond to the racism we experience. From hypervigilance and panic attacks to resentment and disconnection, these responses are real and deeply impactful, especially for Black educators navigating racism both in and outside the workplace. In this episode, I break down the concept of racial battle fatigue, first coined by Dr. William Smith, and explore how it manifests in our daily lives. From seeing racial injustice on social media to experiencing discriminatory policies in schools, the toll is undeniable. But understanding it is the first step toward healing and reclaiming our well-being. 🎧 Listen now and let’s talk about what healing looks like. #RacialBattleFatigue #BlackEducators #HealingFromRacism #MentalHealth #RacialTrauma #BlackWellness #TheExitInterviewPodcast Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Le…

For Black educators, speaking up can often come with consequences—being labeled "too radical," "too vocal," or "too difficult." But what if the real power lies in fully owning our voices and our experiences? What if Black educators didn't have to soften the truth to be heard? In this powerful moment from The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, award-winning educator Keisha Rembert shares her personal journey of self-discovery, unlearning, and stepping into her full power. Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

Why are Black educators leaving schools at alarming rates? How does racial battle fatigue impact retention? And what can school administrators, unions, and policymakers do to truly support Black teachers? In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Keisha Rembert, an award-winning educator and advocate, to discuss: ✅ The real reasons Black educators leave the profession ✅ How racial battle fatigue impacts teacher wellness & retention ✅ The role of affinity spaces in keeping Black teachers in schools ✅ Why school unions and administrators must do more than performative DEI ✅ How homeschool parents & alternative education models can support Black teachers Keisha shares her journey as a middle school educator for 17 years, her experience being Illinois History Teacher of the Year, and how she transitioned to higher ed while advocating for teacher retention and racial literacy. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE 📌 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: …

Keisha Rembert shares the power of co-teaching with students and how building relationships in the classroom transforms learning. #BlackEducators #EducationMatters #StudentVoice #TeacherLife Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with award-winning educator and advocate Keisha Rembert to discuss her journey in education, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of racial literacy, affinity spaces, and wellness. Keisha reflects on her 17-year career as a middle school educator, emphasizing how she initially resisted entering the profession. Coming from a lineage of Black educators, she found herself drawn into teaching after a series of experiences, including substitute teaching, which led her to recognize her passion for learning and co-teaching with students. She shares how her students played an integral role in shaping the curriculum, a strategy that strengthened engagement and student agency.

You gotta remove ego to heal. One of the most fascinating things about this work is watching how people—especially women—show up saying, “I’m here for my community. I’m taking notes. I’m bringing this back to help others.” They’ve accomplished so much, they’ve learned to push through, and they think they’re good. But then… the tears come. And I hear the same thing over and over: “I don’t usually cry.” “I don’t know why I cry every time I come here.” Because you’re supposed to. Because you’re tired of not crying. 💡 Healing starts when we stop holding it all in. Have you ever been surprised by your own emotions in a space of rest and reflection? Drop your thoughts below.👇🏾 #Healing #RestAsResistance #EmotionalWellness #CommunityCare #LetItOut #YouDeserveRest #BlackEducators #TeacherPipeline #EquityInEducation #SupportTeachers #RacialJustice #EducationMatters Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsultin…

The Black educator pipeline isn’t growing the way we hoped—so what do we do now? In this clip, we get real about the numbers. As a former educator in Atlanta and professor at Spelman, Dr. Franita Ware had the same conversations over and over again—waiting for more Black educators to come to Colorado. But here’s the truth: they’re not coming. Colorado has less than 1,000 Black teachers in the entire state and about 5,000 Latinx teachers. We’re not hitting 2,000. We’re not hitting 3,000. So instead of waiting on a magic fix, we have to focus on supporting and valuing the Black and Brown educators who are already here. 🛑 Treat them well. Full stop. Period. 🔥 What are your thoughts? How do we build sustainable support for the educators in our communities? Drop a comment below! 👇🏾 #BlackEducators #TeacherPipeline #EquityInEducation #SupportTeachers #RacialJustice #EducationMatters Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyo…

From teacher to mentor, Ms. Jane Walker shaped generations. But her legacy didn’t stop in the classroom—it lived on in laughter. At her visitation, guests found a bowl of “jokes to go,” a final gift from a teacher who believed in joy until the very end. 🥹✨ Who’s an educator you’ll never forget? Drop their name in the comments! 👇🏾 #TeachersMatter #LegacyOfLaughter #EducatorLove #MentorMoments #FeelGoodStory #WholesomeContent #teacherlife #teachersday #faithwalk #faith Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

As teachers we have to make sure that we are always looking for opportunities to grow and sometimes that means leaving a school or district so that you can learn from others that you may have never met otherwise. #faithwalk #podcast #wellnesstips #wellness #teacherlifestyle Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Adrienne Davenport on the power of trusting your instincts and making a career pivot. Are you feeling stuck in your role? This one's for you! 🚀 #careerchange #EducatorJourney #faithoverfear #blackeducatorsmatter #podcast #podcastclips #wellness #healing Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, and author, to talk about career transitions, leadership, and the realities of being a Black educator. Dr. Davenport shares how she unexpectedly entered the field of education, her journey from teacher to administrator, and why she made the bold decision to leave her role as a principaleven before knowing what was next. She reflects on what schools need to do to attract, support, and retain Black educators, the importance of instructional leadership, and why stepping outside of your comfort zone is the key to growth. If youre an educator thinking about making a shift, an aspiring leader, or just someone who needs a reminder that faith, preparation, and trusting your instincts matter, this episode is for you. What Youll Hear in This Episode: [00:02:00] Dr. Davenports unexpected journey into education and how she pivot…

📢 “I didn’t know what was next, but I knew this wasn’t it.” What does it take to be a great leader in education? How do you know when it’s time to pivot in your career? And what can schools and districts do to truly support and retain Black educators? In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, and author, to talk about career transitions, instructional leadership, and the realities of being a Black educator in today’s school systems. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How Dr. Davenport transitioned from teaching to administration—and why she walked away from her principal role ✔️ The barriers Black educators face when entering the profession and moving into leadership ✔️ What schools, districts, and unions can do to attract, support, and retain Black educators ✔️ The importance of mentorship, instructional leadership, and affinity spaces for Black teachers ✔️ Why…

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview, I sit down with Najmah Ahmad as she shares her insightful perspective on what it truly means to be well. For Najmah, well-being is about self-liberation—the freedom to embrace the messiness of life, to be imperfect, and to show up as your authentic self. 🌱 She talks about the importance of giving yourself grace and compassion, allowing yourself to rest without feeling the need to earn it, and how self-liberation leads to deeper healing and balance. Tune in for a transformative conversation on personal well-being and the power of embracing imperfection. #ExitInterviewPodcast #SelfLiberation #WellBeing #MentalHealthMatters #BlackWellness #GraceAndCompassion #RestIsRevolutionary #Authenticity #ImperfectlyPerfect #HealingJourney #SelfCare #BlackExcellence #PersonalGrowth #BlackVoices #PodcastCommunity Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more…

Najmah Ahmad pulls back the curtain on a harsh reality in the nonprofit sector: when staff wellness is ignored, but happy hours, gift cards, and branded swag take its place. As Najmah shares, many nonprofits claim to be about liberation and social justice, but in reality: ❌ Employees are overworked and underpaid ❌ Burnout is rampant, but instead of true support, staff get free drinks and cheap incentives ❌ Systemic issues within the organization go unaddressed because leadership prioritizes “peace” over justice “We didn’t need another open bar. We needed real investment in our well-being.” 💭 💡 In This Clip, We Discuss: Why nonprofits struggle to truly support Black and Brown employees How superficial perks (happy hours, swag, free snacks) are used to pacify burnout The deeper systemic issues in nonprofit culture How funders and leadership contribute to cycles of exhaustion What real wellness and support should look like in nonprofit spaces ✨ Have you ever worked in a nonprofit tha…

What’s up, beautiful people? It’s me, Dr. Asia. How are you checking in on the Black educators in your life? Drop a comment below. Real quick—check on your Black teacher friends. Seriously. After this weekend’s Black Educator Wellness Cohort session, I’m feeling the weight of what Black educators are carrying. From ECE to higher ed, our educators are not only trying to support themselves but also their students, their immigrant families, and their communities. If you have Black educators in your space—whether they’re teachers, administrators, or professors—stop by, check in, hold space, bring a gift, or just let them know they’re not alone. It’s real out here. Let’s show up for them. #BlackEducators #TeacherWellness #SupportBlackTeachers #t#BlackTeacherJoy #EducationMatters #TeacherLife #BlackTeachersMatter #WellnessForEducators #MentalHealthMatters #EducatorSupport #SelfCareForTeachers Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email:…

"In this clip, Najmah Ahmad explains how ‘achievement addiction’ pushed her to the edge. Watch the full episode of The Exit Interview for more powerful insights on wellness and liberation." #PodcastHighlights #AchievementAddiction #MentalHealthMatters #BlackVoices #TheExitInterviewPodcast #NonprofitBurnout #HappyHourCulture #RacialBattleFatigue #BlackEducators #WorkplaceWellness #HealingJourney #SelfLiberation #BurnoutCulture #SpeakingTruthToPower #NonprofitWork #CareerTransitions #SystemicChange This should spark engagement and encourage discussions about workplace wellness in nonprofit spaces. Let me know if you’d like to add anything! Search ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info. ? Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

Black women, let’s talk about it. "Work twice as hard. Be twice as good." Black women in leadership are told we have to be Superwomen—but at what cost? On The Exit Interview Podcast, Najmah Ahmad shares how perfectionism, achievement addiction, and the pressure to be "the best" led to exhaustion, stress, and a moment of reckoning. 💬 Black women, have you ever felt this pressure? Drop a 💜 in the comments if you’re working on unlearning it. 🔗 Watch the full conversation now! #BlackWomenInLeadership #SuperwomanSyndrome #BurnoutCulture #TheExitInterviewPodcast #BlackExcellence #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

🚨 LIVE PODCAST RECORDINGS ALERT! 🚨 Dr. Asia, host of The Exit Interview, will be recording episodes LIVE in two exciting locations! 1️⃣ Denver, CO - Join me at Quince Coffee House on February 22nd at 1:00 PM for a free live recording that’s all about education, community, and Black excellence. 2️⃣ Austin, TX - Catch me at South by Southwest EDU on March 5th from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM at the Hilton Austin. If you’ve got an SXSW ticket, come by and let’s connect! Don’t miss out—make sure to come through if you’re in either city! 🎙️ #ExitInterviewPodcast #BlackEducators #LivePodcast #SXSWEDU #DenverEvents #AustinEvents #CommunityVibes #BlackExcellence #EducationAndCulture #PodcastCommunity Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dpnl4PffXHvuIlLE0CKUEa8/view?usp=sharing

In this powerful and reflective episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to discuss her nearly 20-year journey through education, from working in nonprofits and higher education to leadership roles in school districts and national policy. Najmah candidly shares her experiences navigating systemic challenges, microaggressions, and the often overwhelming toll of racial battle fatigue. Listeners will hear how Najmahs desire to support people in moments of transition shaped her career and led her to create transformative programs for young people, such as leadership curriculums and paid internships. She also opens up about the pivotal moment when her physical health forced her to confront the toll her work was taking on her mind, body, and spirit, leading to her decision to leave traditional education spaces and build her own consulting business. This episode explores themes of wellness, self-liberation, and the i…