12 Comments
User's avatar
Noelle's avatar

This Substack made me tear up, they remind me so much of my students. For you to not only open your space with compassion, but to dedicate so much time and care into their futures is such a wonderful journey to read about. They will carry these lessons with them forever.

Nik Stephney's avatar

This warms my heart. Thank you so much! These students change and shift me as much as I do them. I'm grateful for this journey 🦋

Lucie's avatar

This is wonderful and important work! Black boys deserve to know that redemption and transformation is possible, especially when a lot of the times their mistakes or “garbage” is not their own fault. They deserve to have their questions and contributed honored, and I am glad you are making space for that to happen!

Nik Stephney's avatar

Asé! I wish them more spaces that offer them loving correction over cruel punishment.

Joy Path's avatar

This is the best thing I've read all day. Thank you for sharing this piece of beauty. 💙

Nik Stephney's avatar

🥹 thank you so much!

Layaali's avatar

So beautiful, and I am learning so much about how se should orient our attitude towards service. Thank you

Nik Stephney's avatar

I love that. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate you so much!

Layaali's avatar

🥹🩷 so thankful your presence and me coming across it. Please take care

Zakiya's avatar

Nik thank you for your willingness to not only share your heart and your knowledge with the boys but also to be a witness to their wonder. Sharing this reflection with us is an additional gift way to important to be called a “cherry on top”. I appreciate all of your offerings…layers on layers I give thanks for you!

Nik Stephney's avatar

🥹Thank you, thank you, thank you. You know these words mean so much to me. I’m a reflection of our beautiful community. So grateful to be gang 🤎 Endlessly inspired by you!

Jasmine's avatar

This was a very nourishing story to read! Our ancestors knew the technology of the land, its power & what it unlocks. Thank you for guiding these young black boys to unlocking something ancient within them. May they remember the unconditional love that is always present, through everything they do.