Research to Practice - The Anti-Racism Leadership Institute

The Good Fight - Navigating Education, Advocacy, and Autism

The Good Fight - Navigating Education, Advocacy, and Autism Guest: Will Adams, Sr. Host: Dr. Tracey A. Benson Available on: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Amazon Music · YouTube Episode Overview In this powerful episode, Dr. Tracey A. Benson sits down with Will Adams, Sr., founder and host of The Village — a podcast community built to support families raising children on the autism spectrum. Will opens up about his journey as a Black father raising his nonverbal, Level 2 autistic son, Sir William (age 7), and the community he is building so no family has to navigate autism alone. From navigating school placement decisions and fighting for proper services, to launching a nonprofit and creating a legacy for his son, Will’s story is one of love, advocacy, vulnerability, and purpose. About the Guest Will Adams, Sr. is the founder and host of The Village, a podcast and growing community dedicated to building awareness around autism — especially for Black fathers and caregivers who are too often left out of the conversation. After being laid off and searching for his purpose, Will channeled his personal experience raising his Level 2 autistic son, Sir William, into a platform for connection, education, and advocacy. He is also the founder of The Village Network, a nonprofit committed to providing resources and support to autism families. What We Cover •       Sir William’s journey: Level 2 autism, early intervention, and a milestone “Happy New Year” moment •       Navigating the public school, private school, and homeschool decision for a nonverbal child •       Why Will believes most public schools are not yet equipped to serve children on the autism spectrum •       What school leaders would need to do to earn the trust of autism families •       The 80%+ divorce rate among autism parents — and the loneliness that comes with the diagnosis •       Why Will started The Village: creating space for Black fathers to be vulnerable •       Elopement: the leading cause of death among autistic children, and what families can do •       Hippotherapy: how horseback riding is unlocking development in nonverbal children •       The Village Network nonprofit and the vision for community-led support •       How educators, advocates, and community members can get involved  Notable Quotes "Don’t let a diagnosis be a handicap when it’s not — these kids are very smart. They just see the world differently than we do." — Will Adams, Sr.  "Autism is a lifestyle. We’re building a community where our kids don’t have to wonder if they belong." — Will Adams, Sr.   "We want to be a partner with the school, not an enemy. Our goal — and should be every teacher’s goal — is to make sure every student gets the proper education and treatment." — Will Adams, Sr. Episode Timestamps 0:00  Introduction — Dr. Benson introduces Will Adams, Sr. and The Village 1:07  Meet Sir William — Level 2 autism, early intervention, and the school placement decision 3:24  Public school, private school, or homeschool? Weighing the options in Texas 5:39  The power of early intervention and the “Happy New Year” breakthrough 9:40  What public schools would need to do to earn Will’s trust 17:00  Parents as partners, not problems — a message for school leaders 19:19  The origin of The Village — a layoff, a prayer, and a purpose 21:32  The loneliness of autism parenting and the 80%+ divorce rate 24:00  Elopement: the number one cause of death in the autism community 27:09  Hippotherapy and the power of horses for nonverbal children 29:19  The Village Network nonprofit and building a legacy for Sir William 31:11  The Village is for everyone — not just autism parents 32:43  How to connect with Will and get involved Resources & Links The Village Podcast Find everything at The Village Linktree [https://linktr.ee/ThaVillagePodcast] Listen on: •       Apple Podcasts •       Spotify •       Amazon Music •       YouTube Contact Will Adams, Sr. For collaborations, partnerships, or community inquiries: Email: bigsir8419@gmail.com [bigsir8419@gmail.com] The Village Network The Village Network is Will’s nonprofit dedicated to bringing back-to-school events, fundraisers, and community resources to autism families. To get involved or learn more, reach out via email above. For School Leaders & Educators Will shared a direct challenge to public school systems across the country. Here is what he says families like his need to feel confident enrolling their child: •       Hiring trained behavioral specialists (RBTs, BCBAs) — not repurposing existing special needs staff •       Genuine careness and commitment from teachers who see students as more than a check •       Proof points of measurable success in autism programs — not checkbox compliance •       An open-door partnership with parents, treating them as experts on their own child •       Adequate funding and resources so that autism programs are not under-resourced from the start If you are a school leader listening to this episode and want to connect with Will about partnership opportunities through The Village Network, reach out at bigsir8419@gmail.com. About Research to Practice The Research to Practice Podcast is produced by the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute, hosted by Dr. Tracey A. Benson. Each episode bridges the gap between research and lived experience, centering the voices of those working on the front lines of equity, advocacy, and education.

From Intention to Impact: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Fiarman

In this episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Research to Practice Podcast, Dr. Tracey A. Benson speaks with Dr. Sarah Fiarman, Harvard Graduate School of Education lecturer and author of Instructional Rounds in Education, Becoming a School Principal, and Unconscious Bias in Schools. Together, they explore the challenges and growth of school leadership through an equity lens—discussing humility, trust, and the shift from intention to impact in anti-racist educational practice. Dr. Fiarman reflects on supporting principals at all stages of their careers and offers candid insights on sustaining anti-racist leadership amid today’s political and cultural tensions.

Public Education in Peril? Unpacking Federal Policy, Funding Cuts, and the Future of ED with Dr. Catherine Pozniak

In this critical episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Research to Practice Podcast, host Dr. Tracey A. Benson welcomes Dr. Catherine Pozniak, independent education finance consultant, for a candid conversation about the uncertain future of public education under the current federal administration. Dr. Pozniak demystifies the role of the U.S. Department of Education, explains the implications of proposed cuts to programs like Title I and Title II, and outlines the potential consequences of dismantling the Department altogether. From funding uncertainty to DEI rollbacks, from recession threats to the strain on state infrastructure—this episode unpacks the policy shifts that could reshape the American education landscape. Whether you’re a parent, a policymaker, or a principal, this episode provides essential context for understanding how national-level decisions reverberate through classrooms and communities—and what we can do to stay informed and proactive. Follow Dr. Catherine Pozniak on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinepozniak/] for accessible, nonpartisan analysis of education policy and funding.

Breaking the Cycle- Understanding the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Dr. Sean Darling-Hammond

In this episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Research to Practice podcast, hosted by Dr. Tracey Benson, Dr. Sean Darling-Hammond, an assistant professor at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health, is invited on to have a discussion on the education system. Together, they examine restorative practices, exclusionary discipline, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Dr. Darling-Hammond emphasizes the psychological harm of exclusionary discipline and advocates for restorative approaches that foster psychological safety and community in schools. The conversation also touches on the complex role of school resource officers in creating an inclusive educational environment. 🔗 Links: Spotify: Research to Practice - The Anti-Racism Leadership Institute | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/01RxwWeM9mMRYJ9s7pwqWc] Apple: Research to Practice - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/research-to-practice-the-anti-racism-leadership-institute/id1712393020] LinkedIn: Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Overview | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/antirinstitute/] "Unconscious Bias in Schools" Book, Co-Written by Dr. Tracey A. Benson: Unconscious Bias in Schools (harvard.edu) [https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682535851/unconscious-bias-in-schools/] Dr.Darling-Hammond on Google Scholar: https://lked.in/9rY8pG [https://lked.in/9rY8pG] Dr. Darling-Hammond on LinkedIn: https://lked.in/pPuW [https://lked.in/pPuW]  Subscribe to our channel for more videos!

Porches as Archival Spaces, A New Perspective: An Interview with Dr. Hilary Green

In this episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Research to Practice podcast, Dr. Tracey A. Benson engages with Dr. Hilary Green, an esteemed scholar of African American history and author of Unforgettable Sacrifice: How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. They delve into the transformative role of family history in understanding the Civil War, the cultural importance of African-American porches as living archives, and the integration of African-American history into educational frameworks. Dr. Green highlights the value of community engagement, the vital contributions of everyday individuals to historical narratives, and the obligation of higher education institutions to address historical injustices while fostering equity. This conversation is a profound exploration of history, memory, and anti-racist education.