Legacy Work: The Resilience and Dedication of Dr. Tiffany S. Brunson for Education Equity
As the morning sun began to peek through my office window, I picked up my steaming cup of coffee and opened my email. Among the usual notifications that populated my inbox on that quiet Thursday morning, one message caught my attention – it was the fifth of its kind, a response to my quest for an enlightening interview.
The name at the bottom was Tiffany S. Brunson, Ph.D. A native of Chicago, an acclaimed educational leader, and a proud Army veteran, Brunson had an impressive resume that spanned nearly three decades. A mother, wife, sister, and friend, she was also a highly sought-after speaker, presenter, author, and what she described as an “equity warrior.”
Dr. Brunson’s early life was a testament to resilience. Born in a housing project on Chicago’s Southside, she was a gifted student and athlete who had to navigate the hardships of poverty and trauma. “School became my sanctuary,” she said, “it was where I thrived and learned to navigate the world.”
Her education journey was a detour from her initial aim of becoming a veterinarian, a change brought about by becoming a scribe for a fellow classmate in college. That experience, she said, led her to discover her true purpose in life: teaching diverse learners.
As an educator, Dr. Brunson believes in humanizing learning spaces and providing young people, especially Black and Brown children, with opportunities to see reflections of themselves and observe differences in the world. This approach, she explained, helps to create spaces for them to be “brave and courageous enough to show up as their authentic selves.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Brunson faced challenges, particularly as a Black woman in education. But she remained firm in her belief that education is a civil right and leaned into discomfort and tension, which she said helped her overcome these obstacles.
Her journey has been filled with many ‘firsts,’ from co-founding a new school to creating pioneering educational programs. Her work, she said, is her superpower: “Making the invisible visible and the impossible possible.”
For Dr. Brunson, her impact extends beyond the awards and recognition she has received. On a macro level, she understands the implications of her presence in positions of influence. On a micro level, she believes it’s paramount that Black and Brown children are exposed to her brilliance, which she said can cultivate strength and resilience.
Dr. Brunson is also a contributor to the ‘Centering Our Voices’ anthology, a collection of stories from Black women educators across the nation. Her chapter, titled “Legacy Work,” delves into her belief that everyone can leave a great legacy if given access and opportunities. “I spent time reflecting on my origin story and a few experiences in my life that shaped who I am,” she said. “Legacy work helps to transform your thoughts into action. It’s about purposefully creating something for those you are leading that is rooted in love and trust and is committed to fostering deep partnerships. It gives you an opportunity to live for a purpose that’s bigger than yourself.”
To educators navigating their path, Brunson advised against perpetuating the inequities they aim to eliminate. Instead, they should focus on cultivating the genius in every young person. She also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement.
Dr. Brunson’s story, resilience, and unwavering dedication to education, especially for Black and Brown children, is a testament to the power of belief and the pursuit of a purpose bigger than oneself. It’s a story that can serve as a compass for others in their journey, a testament to the transformative power of education, and an inspiring narrative of resilience and purpose.
To connect with Dr. Brunson and to order a copy of ‘Centering Our Voices’, she can be reached via email at power2thepupil1@gmail.com or on (X) @drbrunsonGo.
