Why I Teach by Julius Crowe Hampton

I teach because I am a part of a legacy of proud Black educators in my family who have taught with courage and compassion in this country for more than one hundred years. From my great-grandfather’s pioneering work in rural North Carolina to my mom’s committed work in Los Angeles public schools, I’m honored to be part of a rich teaching tapestry that has impacted the lives of many individuals. I am inspired to know that this legacy has been resilient enough to survive the Jim Crow South, the aftermath of Brown vs. Board of Education, and many other challenges and opportunities that have affected Black folks over the years. I work to honor this legacy by being the best teacher and human I can be. Each day I teach I strive to cultivate more mindfulness, social justice, and compassion for myself, my students, and the world.

A teacher for eight years, Julius Crowe Hampton currently teaches in Oakland.