Videos

In this thought-provoking clip, Jason B. Allen speaks directly to a truth that’s often left unsaid: being Black doesn’t automatically mean you understand the realities of all Black children. With clarity and conviction, Jason calls out how some Black educators—though well-intentioned and highly credentialed—may still miss the mark when it comes to connecting with students from marginalized or underserved communities. This conversation challenges educators, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and professors to move beyond cultural assumptions and lean into deeper understanding, humility, and growth when working with Black youth. 🖤 In this clip: Misconceptions about Black student identity Class, culture, and disconnects within Black communities Cultural humility in education Black educators and trauma-informed practice Dismantling respectability politics in schools Building authentic relationships with students If you believe in educating the whole child, this episode will challenge yo…

When we have the right folks in front of our children we all win. 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

For you, what does it mean well? 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

When was the last time you were fully rested? 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

After 60 interviews there a quite a few themes that have surfaced on the podcast. #bewell #educationmatters #theexitinterviewpodcast #podcast #blackpodcast 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 #Shorts (for YouTube Shorts) #ViralPodcast #MustWatch #EducatorTalk #TalkThatTalk #RealTalk

This powerful shout out celebrates Black motherhood, immigrant resilience, and the impact of educators who lead with love, even outside traditional classrooms. #BlackEducators #BlackMoms #TeacherTribute #BlackMenInEducation #NigerianMoms #LifelongEducator #TheExitInterviewPodcast #EducatorLegacy #BlackPodcasts #BIPOCVoices #BlackStoriesMatte 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

What advice would you give someone who is starting out in your field? 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 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…