Over a Decade with @AbuBility and @cwpfairfield - The Wisdom and Life Experiences Are Immeasurable (What a Treasure for Teachers and Youth)

In my younger years, I was blessed to be introduced to, then, sophomore Abu Bility. Fast forward a decade and then some, and now I'm thrilled to have this Syracuse educator as a guest to speak with teachers in our Invitational Leadership Institute. It's been two years since we've had him in person and yesterday he ZOOMed into our conversations, shared his story, and helped us to assist our thinking of teaching writing to students who had interrupted formal education. 

When I think of the last 11 years in Connecticut - what has been built with CWP-Fairfield and our teacher core - I know that the twins were at the center.

Abu's been at my side, with his brother, from the days I was first learning global realities, relocations, the importance of educating all students, and the responsibilities we have to narratives, stories, global realities, and investing in the young people we work with. 

Abu presented his story of Guinea and Libera, as well as the Ivory Coast, and his an incredible mom, when the opportunity to come to the United States. He discussed reading and writing in school, attending college, and working to create the Young Adult Literacy Labs, including Ubuntu Academy, as a youth leader.

Favorite quote, "Sometimes, Crandall, I need you to not be so you" (I interrupted his thinking with a joke as he talked to the teachers).

Abu also helped create the educator's guide for Ger Duany's Walk Toward the Rising Sun, which gave us opportunity to talk with the actor, model, author, and activist and join him with his quest to share refugee stories with the people in Western worlds. 

Every time he presents, I can't help but think of the years of learning alongside him (and I'm so proud to see all that he is doing today). 

Today, we'll learn from William King and Jessica Baldizon, another layer in the importance of Ubuntu, building communities, and investing in one another as human beings.

It's hump-day everyone. The learning that comes with the National Writing Project tradition is something that can only be experienced. I love being part of the life-changing work.

Teachers teaching teachers is the way to go, always.