Leadership ISD Heroes: Reggie Robinson ('18)
Across Texas, our Leadership ISD COVID Heroes continue their commitment to equity and excellence for our students. Their commitment inspires us to continue to lean into this work, knowing that while the road ahead is long, the destination is worth our time and energy. Check out this week's LISD Heroes below!
Reginald Robinson
Tarrant County, Class of 2018
Assistant Principal, Crowley ISD Chef, Lil’ Boy Blue BBQ
LISD: WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION CURRENTLY DOING TO RESPOND TO COVID-19?
Reggie Robinson (RR): I'm preparing meals for others in bulk. My approach stems from a mission space: serving love and loving serving since 1919 - where I actively seek to do both in this work. And, my approach stems from a space of privilege: recognizing that I am gainfully employed in a time where MILLIONS have lost their main source of income. I get to be philanthropic with my gift - it's amazing!
LISD: HOW HAS LEADERSHIP ISD PREPARED YOU FOR THIS MOMENT?
RR: LISD raised my level of consciousness around the factors that affect student learning. One of them being access to resources; one of those resources being health meals. With schools being closed, students of low socioeconomic status miss out on their one, oftentimes two, meals per day. Bridging the gap.
LISD: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INVOLVED?
RR: To whom much is given, much is required.
LISD: WHY IS WHAT YOU’RE DOING ESSENTIAL TO PUBLIC EDUCATION?
RR: Maslow's hierarchy has long since reminded us that there are certain buckets that have to be filled before we can fill a bucket with learning. You can't teach a hungry belly.
LISD: HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR VIEWS ON HOW WE ADVOCATE MOVING FORWARD?
RR: This pandemic made me sharpen my focus, be armed with data, and act. It's made me, a proud product of the public education system and worker in the public education system, take pause to ask the tough questions and to really seek answers to those questions. Then leverage advocacy, activism, and allyship to move the needle closer to equity for all.
LISD: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO WANT TO TAKE ACTION IN THIS TIME OF CRISIS?
RR: Do what, when, and all that you can. It's the straw that breaks the camel's back. Nothing is too small. Everything counts.
LISD: WHAT CAN OTHERS DO TO EITHER SUPPORT YOUR WORK OR GET ENGAGED?
RR: Wake up: understand that food insecurity is a real thing state wide, especially in our Tarrant county backyard.
Wise up: understand that COVID-19 has shined light on the glaring gaps in our education system. We need advocacy now, more than ever! Rise up: understand that there is work being done around food insecurity, and the North Texas Food Bank is leading that work. Plug in. Support. Or, if you want to donate funds to Lil' Boy Blue BBQ, I will continue to "cook for the cause." Email me.
