Discovering the excellence within | Nehemiah D. Frank | TEDxUniversityofTulsa

Summary

In a powerful narrative, the speaker reflects on their journey from being labeled as a statistic in the school-to-prison pipeline to achieving academic excellence and becoming a teacher. They share the transformative impact of a dedicated educator who taught them to read, and how this newfound literacy inspired them to reclaim their heritage, particularly the legacy of Black Wall Street. Through this journey, they emphasize the importance of believing in oneself, the value of education, and the duty to uplift others in the community, ultimately embodying the concept of excellence.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Excellence was not a familiar concept in the speaker's upbringing, as it was rarely mentioned in school or home.
• 📚 The speaker faced significant educational challenges, including learning to read at the age of 10 after being labeled as slow.
• 👩‍🏫 A pivotal teacher in the 5th grade played a crucial role in the speaker's journey toward literacy and success.
• ✏️ Despite struggles in high school, the speaker found support from dedicated teachers who recognized their potential.
• 📖 The book 'Up from Slavery' by Booker T. Washington inspired the speaker and highlighted the power of literacy.
• 🔗 The speaker's family history reveals a legacy of limited education and opportunities due to systemic racism.
• 💪 The concept of 'black excellence' was emphasized through the history of the Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street.
• 🕊️ The destruction of Black Wall Street served as a tragic reminder of the fear surrounding black success and economic power.
• 🏫 Today, the speaker is a teacher, dedicated to helping Black students achieve literacy and excellence.
• 🌍 As the founder of a digital news media company, the speaker aims to empower their community with information, embodying the spirit of excellence.

Q & A

What is the speaker's initial relationship with the concept of excellence?

The speaker did not encounter the word 'excellence' during their childhood, neither at home nor in school, and only began to understand it as a young adult.

How did the speaker's educational journey begin?

The speaker struggled with reading and did not learn to read until the age of 10, having been placed in special education classes and labeled as 'slow' by teachers.

Who played a pivotal role in the speaker's ability to read?

A fifth-grade teacher took the time to teach the speaker how to read, significantly changing their trajectory toward excellence.

What does the speaker recount about their high school experience?

Despite continuing struggles with reading and writing, the speaker achieved good grades, particularly in Spanish, thanks to a supportive teacher, Senor Ortega, who believed in their potential.

How did literacy impact the speaker's view of history?

Reading the book 'Up From Slavery' by Booker T. Washington profoundly moved the speaker, particularly the story of a young boy who risked his life to read to formerly enslaved people, highlighting the importance of literacy.

What historical context does the speaker provide about African Americans and literacy?

The speaker notes that African Americans were historically forbidden from becoming literate, which contributed to a cycle of disadvantage and limited opportunities.

What was the speaker's family's educational background?

The speaker's grandfather never learned to read and had only a third-grade education, while their family aspired for future generations to complete high school and obtain good jobs.

What influence did Dr. Jeremiah Wright have on the speaker?

Dr. Jeremiah Wright's sermon on the excellence of Black Wall Street inspired the speaker by revealing the historical prosperity and achievements of Black communities, motivating them to reclaim that excellence.

What is the speaker's current role and mission?

The speaker is now a teacher and entrepreneur, focusing on educating Black children to read and write, while also running a digital news media company to provide information for their community.

What does the speaker compare themselves to in the conclusion?

In the conclusion, the speaker identifies with both the young Negro boy who read to his people and Nehemiah, indicating their commitment to excellence and community empowerment.