“Social justice led me to being an educator.”

Ami Relf

English Teacher

IG: @TouchingLivesTeaching

Twitter: @AmiElizabeth76 

“Every child deserves a Black teacher.”

This week, we are joined by Bellwood, Illinois native Ms. Ami Relf, an educator with over 22 years in the classroom. Due to redlining, she grew up in an environment that was incredibly affirming, before experiencing white flight (including a teacher who didn’t support integration) and segregated classrooms in high school. As an educator, she quickly realized that she needed to continue her mother’s legacy of advocacy and activism. 

“Education in this country was not set up for us to succeed.”

In spite of the lack of diversity within her own school buildings, Ami recognized that she was not alone. Over the years, she’s formed The Ebony Club, The African American Leadership Team, and the Justice Group, initiatives that highlight the power of numbers and give a voice to her students and colleagues. She is growing and evolving as an educator (she’s been at least 7 different versions!), and has incredible advice for young educators: “Keep your receipts” and also, find a Black mentor!