Sharhonda Bossier’s Blueprint: Cultivating Multiracial Solidarity in Educational Leadership

Despite the undeniable contributions of Black leadership in education, numerous opportunities for growth and advancement continue to exist. There remains a need for philanthropic investment in Black-led organizations like EdLoC and professional mentorship for young leaders of color.

EdLoC is embracing those opportunities by creating a diverse community and connections for members. It’s a solution that has impacted Bossier personally.

“Nineteen years ago, when I entered the classroom as a teacher for the first time, there were not a ton of Black women social studies teachers. A lot of the support that I received came from teachers who didn’t look like me, a community of educators deeply invested in my success.”

Bossier encourages leaders from all backgrounds to consider investing in Black leaders and future Black leaders.

“It is really important for people who are not Black to think about investing in and mentoring Black leaders,” emphasized Bossier. “Far too often, I talk to Black leaders that either don’t have a mentor or mentors who have five or 10 professionals they’re working with. So, the weight on Black people who have also made it to a certain point in their career, the demands on our time and the desire to access us are much greater because there are so few of us. “

“Our work is not just about recruiting people to the sector or to high level roles, it’s also about sustaining them once they’re there.”

Through EdLoC’s community, they are advancing the legacy of cross-cultural bridge building left before them.

“I will often remind people that the Civil Rights Coalition was a very diverse coalition, and we [EdLoC] are intentionally diverse by design. That is part of a legacy of Black leadership, understanding the need to win over the hearts and minds of other folks. We are building on that.”