We had the good fortune of connecting with Tarece Johnson-Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tarece, can you walk us through the thought-process of run for reelection?
I am running for re-election to represent District 5 on the Board of Education in Gwinnett County.

I will continue to authentically and courageously advocate for the needs of the students, teachers, and staff in the Gwinnett County Public School system. I have and will continue to unapologetically advocate for equity, which is meeting the needs of each and every child. Equity does not take away, it gives to all to ensure access and opportunity for each and every. This is my WHY and any school leader in any capacity should care about meeting needs because this is directly correlated to academic achievement and social emotional success.

I will continue to work to ensure physical, social emotional, and environmental safety for our students, teachers, and staff. I will continue to champion academic excellence by ensuring we are engaging in innovations, interventions, and initiatives that build and strengthen literacy and comprehension skills in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. As a multicultural and multilingual advocate, I will continue to seek ways to support the language and cultural needs of our students, teachers, and staff.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an author, activist, advocate, and artist, I am also a wife, mother, and community leader. I am an educator, public servant, poet, and painter.

“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,” – Langston Hughes

This poem sums up my life and current experience as an educational leader who does not “fit the box” of the typical “politician”. I dare to be perfectly imperfect as I believe in the humanity of people. I am a courageous advocate and activist who challenges status quo that does not serve the needs of the people. I hold accountable anyone regardless of race and gender, etc. who upholds structures, creates barriers, and maintains systems that do not benefit the people, I overstand that managing change is challenging and I submit to you that it takes courage to charter a boat through the rough seas of change. We must do it strategically, precisely, boldly, and with focus to reach our destination… student success for all. Addressing the most marginalized students, those with disabilities, those learning English, BIPOC students, etc. must be bravely addressed, because when we help those with the greatest of needs, we uplift the entire system. We all benefit when we address the needs of everyone (equity).

Below are links that share more of my story:

https://votetarecejohnson-morgan.com/about

https://tarecejohnson-morgan.godaddysites.com/

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love that Gwinnett is one of the most diverse counties in the U.S. and as a multiculturalist, I appreciate the varied cultures in this county. So I encourage people to visit Gwinnett and explore its eclectic community. Patronize the small local businesses, eat at the community restaurants, and chat with the people. Experience foods, fashion, music, and dance from Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, North America, and Europe. The world is here in Gwinnett, intentionally and respectfully appreciate and explore it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out all of the people who are like warriors in the night, the people working the “underground road”, and those in the shadows supporting the needs of others. These people are unsung and unseen heroes and heroines who are making sacrifices to ensure needed changes. These people deserve credit and recognition for their service to humanity. I am eternally grateful to the people who support me even when I am criticized for unapologetically fighting for equity, I am thankful to the people who hold me up and boldly walk with me in this battle for equality, equity, justice and liberation.

Website: https://votetarecejohnson-morgan.com/why-re-elect-dr-tarece

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtarece?igsh=MmVqY3pmYWk4NTAy&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTareceBoardOfEducation?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Self

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