“As a Black male educator, my mission is to create equitable spaces where Black and Brown youth don’t just survive—they thrive. I refuse to shy away from the persistent inequalities in our system. Instead, I confront the power imbalance directly, because I know my lived experience and identity are essential to driving lasting change. That’s why I chose Surge. It’s a place where I can focus on racial healing and personal transformation with others who share a similar journey. I understand that both personal belonging and external perceptions shape the impact of racial identity, and I NEED to be part of the collective work of healing from systemic inequities.”
Jamie L. Enge | College and Career Equity Specialist, Chicago Public Schools