Tony Lamair Burks II - We Listen & We Don't Judge
From Black Art Is Lit | Black Literature, Culture and Iconic Stories by Nykieria Chaney
March 19, 2026 · 13 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the complexities of decision-making in educational settings through the lens of Tony Lamair Burks II's work.
This week on Black Art Is Lit, we’re reading We Listen & We Don’t Judge by Tony Lamair Burks II. Chapter 1, “The Principal, the Pastor, and the Pep Rally,” places us in a real-time decision where leadership, community expectations, and student safety all collide. What seems like a straightforward moment quickly becomes a deeper question of power, responsibility, and who is actually being protected. In this episode, we move through the chapter and sit with what it asks of us. Not just what we think—but what we would do when there isn’t enough time, enough information, or an option that satisfies everyone. We explore: what it means to make decisions under pressure why there is no such thing as a neutral choice how power shows up in adult and student dynamics and who we choose to center when it matters most While rooted in education, this conversation extends far beyond the classroom. These are the same tensions that show up anywhere people are sharing space and making decisions that impact others. If you’ve ever had to make a call that affected someone else, this episode will sit with you. Black Art Is Lit is a podcast dedicated to reading, reflecting, and discussing Black…
People in this episode
Host: Nykieria Chaney
Guest: Tony Lamair Burks II
Topics covered
- decision making
- leadership
- community expectations
- student safety
- power dynamics
- responsibility
Keywords
- Black literature
- education
- community
- power
- responsibility
- student dynamics
- decision under pressure
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