Servant Leader Educator at WA BLOC

Jerrell DavisServant Leader Educator at WA BLOC

Seattle

Sociology and Business Economics majors 2014

As a servant leader educator at WA-BLOC, Davis serves the community in which he lives whether that be through teaching or performing art (spoken word, poetry, music), coaching or playing basketball, or participating in activisim, advocating for justice and against the systems that create marginalized communities. He says his work, service, and rejuevenation are intertwined.

How does your time at SPU connect to the work you’re doing today?

My education helped give me the language to put to work, service, and conceptions I was already familiar with. If anything, my time in SPU classrooms helped build a stronger academic foundation and the social difficulties during my time at SPU helped supply the passion and fire to inspire my line of work.

Who made a difference in your SPU education?

Susan Lane, Contina Kemp, Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, Ashley Reese, Tali Hairston, Caenisha Warren, David Diekema. They reminded me of the value of my voice and influence, they prayed for and with me, they gave me a place to vent and voice my frustrations while affirming my criticisms of certain systems that we recognized as combative, and most of all they just showed me LOVE. That really was the difference maker.

What advice do you have for students about life after graduation?

Don’t assume a degree is the springboard or the catalyst to reaching your goals, it is merely a step in the process. The degree is leverage but your education, passion, and commitment to growth is what also needs to be enlightened in order to achieve your dreams.

 

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