Today we would like to introduce you to, Dr. Darryl S. Diggs, Jr.
Hi Darryl, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up with a deep understanding in the value of hard work and respect for service to others. My parents instilled in their children a foundation of faith, perseverance, and an urgency of “taking care of business.” My father’s work allowed us to travel overseas and live within a variety of cultures and become exposed to understanding the human condition on a larger scale. This moment in my life provided the firm footing for how I lead as a husband and father. During our time overseas, my mother was able to work throughout the country supporting families and becoming a bridge for native speakers and the English language.
Prior to coming back to the United States, our family grew by two and we settled in St.Louis, Missouri. I do believe in serendipity and divine intervention. We found residence in the city of St.Louis and attended Benjamin Banneker Elementary School (Colored School No. 5). Later, we attended Storman Stufflin School. The history held by these two institutions is renowned.
Later in my elementary school career, I began to attend school within the Hazelwood School District. This point in my life, I began to explore the artistic side of my personality and with encouragement from my father, I learned how to tap dance, play the saxophone, and create a hip hop dance group. These activities sparked opportunities to dance with iconic artists, develop life-long friendships and travel.
Once I graduated high school, I attended Lindenwood University and transferred to the University of Missouri St.Louis to major in Education. My teaching career began as a Middle School Science teacher in the Parkway School District. An opportunity arose to transition to the neighboring high school as an Assistant Principal. Now, I am the Principal of Hardin Middle School in the City of St.Charles School District.
As I approach my fifteenth year in Education, I contribute many of my opportunities, successes, and life lessons to the relationships I have made throughout my time in teaching, working odd jobs, and happenstance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When my family moved back to the United States, I needed to quickly adjust to a brand new life, culture, and community. As a child, I encountered tense moments in making friends, navigating adolescence, and finding my identity. Understanding who I am and my place in the world, unfortunately, lasted for decades. My path through high school was layered in a cloud of uncertainty for the future, and reliance on thinking I “knew it all.”
Throughout college, my major or choice of study changed multiple times and my parents made an incredible decision (which I appreciate to this day) to unenroll me from my first University. Then, I realized the necessity to mature and seek my purpose to others. Although, I landed in Education and experienced being one of very few people of color in my education classes. I didn’t realize that the same will be true once I earned my teaching credentials. As a new educator, my exposure to Black Educators were few and far between once I left Storman Stufflin. In reflection, getting into the College of Education was difficult, which leads me to think about how many talented people are unable to overcome the barriers preventing them from giving the gift of teaching and learning.
Once I became an educator and received my teaching assignment, seeking approval became my personal mission and vision statement. I was the only Black educator in the school and eventually at the high school as an administrator, I slowly became the only Black male administrator in the district. Finding a community in the middle of a larger community is isolating. Having the ability to have someone relate to your needs is powerful. But, what happens when you are not able to recognize yourself in the mirror?
Soon came a time when, I was used as a “joke”, and placed on Instagram littered with racist imagery, derogatory comments, and a plethora of likes from the students who I cared for or taught in my classes. The gravity of this moment, sparked fear and long term change, personally. After this incident, I met an incredible thought leader and we created several ventures with the sole purpose for creating space for educators. We cofounded, Black Males in Education – St.Louis (BMESTL), The State of Black Educator Symposium (SBE), EduConduits (501c3), and EduOpenings.
Now, I am leading in a space that is emerging out of a pandemic. I believe it is safe to say, restarting school is a tall challenge for any educator. A challenge for anyone who is new to a community, reopening during an election year, navigating political perspectives, plus other challenges. While making course corrections in any organization can create angst among stakeholders and those who are deeply invested in the fabric of the company. The conundrum becomes when personal agendas begin to hinder or prevent forward progress. To overcome these challenges takes patience, clear communication, and the willingness to venture into attempting excellence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
During a Missouri development opportunity that I almost wasn’t able to attend, I met another Black Male educator named Howard Fields. Together we started a social group called BMESTL.
After hearing an enormous amount of positive feedback, we created a symposium centered on Black Educators, a nonprofit, website, and a mobile app. Our business is about creating authentic space for educators and those to serve the field of education.
I am proud to say that we own 100% of the company and it’s 100% Black-owned and operated. We are proud of all of our endeavors and understand we are barely scratching the surface.
Outside of my work with BME and leading inside of schools, I became a writer by sharing stories via my blog and creating short Youtube videos speaking about my perspective on life and leaderhip. In March 2022, released a self-published book titles, “The Open Water.” My debut book is a testimony to my lived experiences through life and education, and the eventual transition into leadership and triathlon.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice would be to seek someone who you admire and see them in you. But, to do this, get out of your comfort zone and be bold, brave, and courageous. A strategy I use to find those who champion diverse thoughts on life, leadership, and service to others. During my late high school career and throughout college and teaching, I worked in the fast food industry and for a major retailer until I graduated with my masters degree. Throughout those years, I met some incredible people and those relationships are the foundation for my success and the success of others whom I interact with.
Contact Info:
- Email: ddiggs@achievementfourall.com
- Website: achievementfourall.com
- Twitter: @Achievement4ALL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3xP4BSEg4MC-mjZOc9eAA
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Water-Navigating-Perspective-Community/dp/B09V1L3DH1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VMISVWJN0BYF&keywords=the+open+water&qid=1649900014&sprefix=the+open+water%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1
