I’m an educator whose work is rooted in a question that has followed me since I was an adolescent: How can we provide equitable English Language Arts and literacy instruction in ways that affirm student identity and help dismantle systemic racism in education? Hip-hop was one of the first things that made English Language Arts feel relevant and meaningful to me as a student, and that experience continues to shape how I think about education today. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve explored the intersection of policy, poetry, and pedagogy to better understand how educators can create learning environments where students see themselves, their cultures, their voices, and their experiences reflected in what and how they learn. I know these are complex questions without simple answers, which is why I deeply value learning alongside educators, leaders, thinkers, and community members who share similar curiosities and a commitment to educational equity. I’m grateful for every opportunity to expand that community, exchange knowledge, challenge existing systems, and continue learning from others, because meaningful change in education is not something any of us can accomplish alone.