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Podcast panel urges mentorship and emotional-literacy supports for Black boys in LRSD
Summary
Guests on the Little Rock School District podcast describe "toxic shame," daily emotional needs observed in students, and recommend mentorship, emotional-literacy curricula and community collaboration to help Black boys thrive in school.
On the Write On Education podcast, guests including a school counselor, a former student and an architect described what they see as unmet emotional needs among Black boys and urged practical, school- and community-based responses.
Brandon Campbell summarized the problem as "toxic shame," a deep sense of unworthiness that can drive low confidence and behavioral issues in school. "You internalize everything...you internalize it to mean that ' I'm the reason why my dad isn't showing up for me," Campbell said, arguing that schools must teach emotional literacy and offer consistent outlets.
Pastor Maurice Cooper, a counselor at Jafare Middle School, described seeing students arrive to school "angry" and stressed that teachers should not take behavior personally but instead open a conversation: "I can't teach you until I've talked to you," he said, explaining that counselors first try to let students speak about what's causing the reaction before instruction begins.
Panelists recommended a mix of approaches: curriculum that builds emotional vocabulary and breathing techniques, more mentorship (including what one guest called "micro mentorship" through short, targeted interactions), and community projects that expose students to careers and local history. Ernest Banks described "Beyond the Divide," a community project tying West N Street's history to architecture, arts and civic engagement as a way to expand students' imaginations about career pathways.
The panel also noted existing LRSD programs such as VIP reading days, a "gentleman's club" mentoring group and Metro career-technical offerings. Wright and guests urged adults to lead with empathy, meet students where they are and coordinate programs rather than operating in silos.
The discussion closed with an invitation to the district's Black Male Educator Summit on March 14 and contact information for suggestions to writeon@lrsd.org.
