“Medicine was the only type of ‘Doctor’ that I knew and was aware of.” - Dr. Burgess

Dr. Burgess parents spoke life into him and wanted the best for him, but he didn’t believe them. His teachers said something different. So did society.

Dr. Burgess experienced culture shock and resentment during his first years of college. He struggled trying to maintain his grades and academic standing while classmates were racially and/or economically privileged

“I had nothing in common with any of my cohort or any of my faculty.” - Dr. Burgess A singular Black woman mentor got him through the toughest times, was always there

Being a McNair Scholar and Upward Bound participant compelled Dr. Burgess to work to transform education for Black youth.

“There wasn’t really a pathway or handbook for me to follow. As a grad student, I didn’t know when I needed things. And when I did need things, I didn’t know how to ask for them.” - Dr. Burgess

“It became very apparent to me as a student (in grad school) that I’m in this space surrounded by white people that have this degree that I’m pursuing. They’re saying things that don’t make sense, and I’m like, how did they get here?” - Dr. Burgess

Dr. Burgess takes criticism and rejections that don’t understand his work with a grain of salt.

Dr. Burgess educated himself beyond Science Ed, e.g., reading James Baldwin and other formative works.

The tension of navigating the tenure track structure while trying to push back against harmful traditions that can attack one’s self-worth

“My interest is talking about race specifically!”- Dr. Burgess #RESPECTFULLY

“If I figure something out, then you shouldn’t have to if you are traveling along that same path.” - Dr. Burgess’ framing for mentorship, especially of Black students

“You don’t have to be on a yoga mat. You can meditate anywhere. It is what you make it.” - BGSA Secretary and event cohost Deja with the masterful recap of key points

“I found a couple models of narrative analysis and using poetry as a research method.”

There is power of creative writing when working with youth! - LeConte Dill

“Service is what sustains me. That’s why I do what I do. For me, it is important to make sure that the things I write about or believe in that I actually embody those things and believe in them.” - Dr. Burgess

Dr. Burgess is speaking on the expectation to do humanizing (service) within a dehumanizing system

“Just know that what you are doing is important even if you have white colleagues or people pushing back and telling you that your work isn’t possible. Doing work that you believe in just carries you further than doing work that you think others want you to do.” - Dr. Burgess

“I hope that the BGSA reminds you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You have spaces…create those spaces.” - LeConte Dill

Stop using this. Today, please.