Bold. Innovative. Gifted. These are the first words that come to mind when I think of the man called Kirk Franklin. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music, so the closest artist I found the most entertaining was Kirk Franklin. He paved the way for a number of crossover gospel artists by doing things Christian artists and churchgoers criticized him for, like collaborating with secular artists, making music church folks could dance to and play at parties, and make it okay for gospel music to be cool. He’s been in and out of the press and the topic of gossip and controversy in different church communities, but I can’t deny what he’s brought to the gospel music game. He’s inspired and encouraged generations of believers (young and old) and regardless of what anyone says or thinks about him, I’m glad and grateful he shattered glass ceilings on what could be brought to music in Christian and non-Christian environments. If you’ve never heard his work or know who he is, get to know him. Click here for one of his most memorable hits. Enjoy.
I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...