We had the good fortune of connecting with Fernell Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernell, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Our youth. I have taught youth for over 35 years in public schools before starting my DEI consulting firm where I consult orgs on how truly see people. Children often remind us of who we are capable of being when we center the root of our humanity. This is why when orgs hire me to teach I always invite youth with me to teach alongside me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My work as an educator spans 40 years and carries deep community trust among youth, families, educators and community members. I began as an education activist, youth advocate and community organizer as a result of my own experiences of classroom and curriculum erasure, anti-blackness and racial isolation; which began in elementary school, continued through secondary education, into college and still remain today. I rarely saw the positive representation of black identities I needed in order to see myself in the world, so after becoming an educator I returned to do just that. I came back to build in the place where I could disrupt the white narrative, while being a mirror for the Black, Brown, Indigenous and students of Color who were yearning for that representation as I did for so long.

I had to create brave spaces where I could show up with my full Identity, without apology or explaining why I needed spaces that reflect the true history of Black people; by lifting up our brilliance, beauty and the resilience of black humanity which represents who I am, and who I want to be in the world.

My consulting firm The Root of Us, helps organizations center their humanity, resolve racial conflict and bring joy back in to the workplace.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, we would drive to see my favorite fall trees! They are so beautiful! Next, a Seattle staple restaurant called 13 coins.

End the day on Lake Washington in circle!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My collaborators, Jen Self & Mollie Monahan!

We found each other online during the pandemic, a time when we were feeling isolated and alone in the work. We were seeking other educators and healers to connect with and engage in transformational change. Under the umbrella of the Equity Institute, who offered intentional online space to gather for wholeness, healing and liberation, we found ourselves gathering daily in multigenerational, multiethnic, gender fluid online spaces to share ideas, be together and heal. It was during that time that the world witnessed the heinous murder of George Floyd, and as consultants who had been in the work for years, we found ourselves asked to deepen and multiply our capacity to show up for the work. We are so grateful to have found each other. As our friendship continues to grow, we love bringing others into what we have. The collective voice grows and grows.

Website: https://www.therootofus.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootofus/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therootofus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therootofus

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCConoCXDVS6D6K7JTITYDWQ?

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