Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. Wenimo Okoya
During Women's History Month, we're asking educational leaders to share insights with us. Up next, we hear from Dr. Wenimo Okoya, Founder and Executive Director, Healing Schools Project.
What does it mean to you to lead as a Black woman in education at this moment in history?
In this moment in history, being a Black woman in education is everything. It means that I get to be part of paving the path for what education becomes for the next generation. I want joyful resistance to be the norm in my daughter's future because we will be here again. We fight, but we luxuriate in joy because our ancestors fought for our right to laugh, dance, and play.
What is one belief about Black educators that you are actively working to shift in your field?
I want to shift the paradigm that Black educators must be martyrs to the cause to prove their commitment. Our sustainability matters as much as what we are willing to do for our communities.
Where do you see the greatest opportunity to grow and sustain the Black teacher pipeline?
The greatest opportunity to grow and sustain the Black teacher pipeline is to invest in making it a joyful, meaningful career again. We can't solve the recruitment issue without making education attractive and we can't retain teachers if folks don't experience joy and purpose in their work. We need to, at a bare minimum, remove the occupational hazard of being a Black teacher.
