#NNPA BlackPress

How Head Start Shaped My Life

NNPA NEWSWIRE — My Head Start classroom was a warm environment that affirmed me as a learner. That affirmation has influenced my journey from Head Start to public media president.

Published

1 month ago

October 14, 2024

Oakland Post

Duchesne Drew

Head Start alumnus Duchesne Drew is senior vice president of American Public Media Group and president of Minnesota Public Radio. Duchesne’s career has been punctuated with several accolades: In 2021, he was inducted into the Hall of Achievement at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism; he received the 2022 Spurgeon Award for Outstanding Community Leaders; and in 2022, he was named to The Root 100, an annual list of the most influential Black Americans in the fields of arts, community, business, entertainment, media, and politics. He shared how Head Start played a role in his life.

I’m incredibly proud to lead Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). I’m energized by expanding the circle of people who depend on our news, information, and music programming. Our ‘going deeper’ approach helps the public to bridge gaps and form connections through meaningful community engagement and listening experiences. My professional and learning journeys started with Head Start.

I remember attending the Head Start program on Pitkin Avenue in East New York, a section of Brooklyn. I have vivid memories of my mother walking me there. My Head Start classroom was a warm environment that affirmed me as a learner. That affirmation has influenced my journey from Head Start to public media president.

After Head Start, I attended Public School #159 for the first grade, and near the end of that school year, my mother and I moved to Freeport, New York, on Long Island. My mom always seemed to be a step ahead, and to ensure I didn’t experience learning loss; she bought the first-grade reading and math books from the school before we moved and the second-grade books. I spent the rest of the school year and summer completing the lessons in those books. When I began second grade in my new school, those same books were the texts for the year, meaning I was well ahead!

I was a top performer for the remainder of my primary and secondary school years. I graduated from Freeport High School in the top 10% of my class and was accepted into three Ivy League schools. I decided to attend Columbia University to take advantage of being in New York City and remain close to home. While there, I volunteered with and worked for Upward Bound, one of the federal TRiO programs. TRiO programs identify and support high school students from historically marginalized communities as they progress through school and prepare for college. As part of my time with Upward Bound, I saw firsthand the difference that the wraparound approach makes in the lives of students and their families. When I reminisce about the program’s impact on our students, I also think of Head Start and how it offers wraparound services to children and families to provide the support they need while on the journey to self-sufficiency.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked at Columbia University as a development officer for Upward Bound and its sister program, Talent Search, for a few years, successfully securing program funding. I then earned a master’s degree at Northwestern University, focusing on journalism. While I was in graduate school, I got an internship with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, one of the nation’s largest newspapers. From that internship, I landed a permanent reporting role and ultimately rose to managing editor of operations with oversight for the copy and design desks, IT, recruitment, training, and more. This experience was an excellent foundation for my future path. After a five-year stint as a vice president of a local foundation, I was hired to lead MPR in early 2020, and I’ve been here ever since.

I’m incredibly proud to be a part of MPR. I’m energized by expanding the circle of people who depend on our news, information, and music programming. Our ‘going deeper’ approach helps the public to bridge gaps and form connections through meaningful community engagement and listening experiences.

When I look for the common thread throughout my life’s journey, it’s been a collection of intentional investments in my potential that have shaped me into who I am today. Head Start is one of those investments.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

OP-ED: The Right to Vote is Protective of all Other Rights

Don't Miss

VP Kamala Harris Unveils Extensive Agenda for Black Men, Promises Wealth-Building and Opportunity as Election Nears

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org