July 28th 2023.
Award-winning actor Tyler James Williams’ on-screen portrayal in Abbott Elementary of first-grade teacher Gregory Eddie highlights the importance of having Black male role models in the classroom. However, his mission to ignite change within the education system isn’t just an entertainment persona but a passionate mission that extends offscreen.
In leading the charge, the former child star has partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support educators in creating equitable learning and development opportunities for children nationwide. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Williams alongside WKFF CEO and president La June Montgomery Tabron about systemic barriers, ways to empower the next generation, the importance of fostering cultural awareness, and in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, why hip-hop education in the classroom is beneficial.
The two discussed what is missing in today’s school system to ensure students are motivated to learn. La June Montgomery Tabron said in order to support young people, a reorientation of the education system focused on the entire child development cycle is needed, including human interaction, inspiration, motivation, and critical learning tools. Tyler James Williams added that what is missing is a spotlight on what can be done to shift from a pessimistic view of the system. Abbott Elementary is a great example of humanizing teachers’ experiences and connecting the dots between teachers in communities and their lives.
The conversation then shifted to Tyler’s on-screen character’s teaching style. When asked if there was anything he would change, he said he wouldn’t change a thing because part of what he loves about Gregory is that his teaching style is continually evolving as he figures out what his kids need, which is how you address inequity.
Finally, the two discussed why hip-hop education in the classroom is beneficial. Tyler explained that hip-hop can meet the kids where they are and allow them to understand how they got to where they are. He added that hip-hop is a way to speak about the things in our community that nobody was speaking about and remind people their voices can be heard and can affect change.
La June Montgomery Tabron then discussed how someone like Tyler can spark change on a day-to-day basis. She said it’s important to be engaged in what’s happening with local elections, school board elections, local mayoral races, and all of the places where one can use their voice to advocate for young people and the equity of educational systems in their community. People are stepping up, and millages are now being passed in communities where people understand that access to resources and putting pressure on public officials is critical.
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