Gavin Smith (LeadBoston Class of 2020), Head of School at Boston Latin Academy, spoke with YW Boston about Black History Month, his career and advice for young professionals, and his experience with LeadBoston. 

What does Black History mean to you?  

Black History Month continues to be a time to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of Black people in the US. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge and revel in the triumphs of Black Americans. It’s more than Black firsts, but a true reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we’ve got to go.  

What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?  

In 2019, I was a finalist for Teacher of the Year in Massachusetts. For me, that is a moment I am most prideful about because I believe that was a communal award for the efforts of my students and myself in setting goals and overcoming odds. Those groups of students are students I still connect with to this day. Many of them are still inspired by and working towards goals we set years ago.  

How has being Black shaped you? Has it had any influence on your accomplishments?  

Being Black is one of the most important things for me. I know the legacy and power that I come from as a descendant of honorable, powerful, and intelligent people. My accomplishments are in service of community and growth within the Black community of Boston and ultimately the diaspora. 

Professionally, I’ve seen the many challenges that come with the territory but am grateful for the many learning opportunities that I have experienced. I’m grateful to my ancestors for instilling in me the will to be courageous, vulnerable, and a lover of people at all times. 

What are some of the things you love most about your heritage? Or what are you most proud of regarding your heritage?  

I am of Jamaican origin, from a plantation town in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, W.I. We have a saying that is “We likkle but we tallawah,” meaning we are a small but mighty group of people. I take great pride in that heritage and the many experiences that I’ve had that taught me about humility, purpose, faith, and the power that is in each of us as individuals and all of us as a collective. 

What is a family tradition you wish to pass down to the next generation?  

The art of storytelling; shout out to Andre and Big Boi. 

What are your thoughts on recent efforts to reduce or remove lessons on Black history in public schools?  

There is always an effort to minimize and reduce our abilities to learn about Black history. It is an unfortunate truth nationwide. I’m fortunate to exist in a state in Massachusetts where many of those things aren’t overtly present, but I also know that within my purpose I have an opportunity to mold and shape young minds through my contributions in school and beyond. 

What advice would you give to young Black professionals who are looking to get into your field? Or, what advice would you give to your younger self?  

Teaching and education are the most noble professions in the world. We as a people are needed in many spaces, but it all starts with education. I want to encourage more youth of the diaspora to bring their experiences to the classroom and help shape our future generations. Our ancestors understood how much power there was in this profession and so should we. 

What were your reasons for joining LeadBoston and what was your biggest takeaway from the program?  

I’m always looking for opportunities to learn and grow as well as opportunities to provide new perspectives; challenge and be challenged. I saw LeadBoston as an opportunity to do that and while my experience was mostly online, I am grateful for the community that I’ve built. We continue to impact each other’s lives personally and professionally to this day.  

How do you feel you are breaking barriers in the workplace?  

I’m the 17th Head of School in the history of my institution and the second Black Male. I acknowledge that unfortunately I am going to continue to be in the category of Black firsts, but I also see opportunities to leave institutions better than I found them and hopefully make the path for the next Black male in my position that much easier. 

What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now? Do you have any Black History Month book, documentary, or podcast recommendations?  

I am currently reading King: A Life by Jonathan Eig and Their Eyes Were watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I am watching Murder in Boston and listening to the Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop podcast from the Washington Post. 

About LeadBoston

Our signature leadership program, LeadBoston, supports all individual participants as they create and implement a leadership commitment. This leadership commitment is an action plan that confronts some of the systemic inequities they’ve learned about and that are showing up in their organization. This plan, and the collective LeadBoston experience, empowers leaders to create meaningful change in their workplaces, in their communities, and in the city of Boston itself. Staff work alongside alums for a year following the program to ensure participants have what they need to see their plan through. Click here to learn more.