Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Traelon T. Rodgers! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
I always wanted to be an attorney, but I chose civil rights because of my lived experiences. Witnessing numerous individuals being marginalized and mistreated while growing up in one of the largest metroplexes in the country has fueled my passion for justice. This is my way of giving back. My goal isn’t just to ensure my rights are protected, but this is a start.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
There are several sources of inspiration, but three stand out as the driving forces in my life. Firstly, Matthew 25, where Jesus tells a story about taking care of the ‘least’ among us. Secondly, the tragic story of Troy Davis, deeply impacted me when I was just eleven years old. Lastly, the heartbreaking case of Jordan Edwards, a boy from my hometown who was shot at the age of 15 by a police officer. These incidents combined serve as my motivation.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life and career?
I take great pride in the advocacy efforts I spearheaded on behalf of students in the City of Dallas. In 2016, I collaborated with a coalition of leaders to eliminate discriminatory suspensions in the Dallas Independent School District for students from kindergarten through second grade. In 2018, I opposed a discriminatory curfew in Dallas and led initiatives for enhanced security measures in the Dallas Independent School District. In 2020, I advocated for police reform and increased investments in parks and recreation centers for the city’s youth.
What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you are doing?
When allowed to speak to school-aged children, I share with them the concept of the fractions of life, which serves as my formula for motivation. The denominator represents the ‘why’ – your purpose, passion, and the reason you fight. On the other hand, the numerator comprises the obstacles hindering your progress, such as procrastination, laziness, and lack of motivation. Importantly, I make sure my numerator never surpasses my denominator because that would create an improper fraction, and nobody likes those. Therefore, I always keep my focus on the ‘why’ in my denominator.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love fishing. I’ve been a fisherman since I was able to stand. It was the hobby my granddad enjoyed the most. We used to go fishing together, sitting there for what seemed like the entire day. Fishing is a stress reliever for me, allowing me to be still.
What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m passionate about ensuring that folks’ civil rights are protected. I vividly remember attending my first protest at the age of 14, following the tragic killing of Mike Brown in Missouri. His story frightened me, as I couldn’t believe that such a thing could happen. In many ways, it became a call to action for me—a chance to do something great. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
Don’t let your talent take you places that your character can’t keep you. This quote resonates with me because much of what I do, both professionally and leisurely, comes to me with ease due to my talent. However, I’m mindful to ensure that my character doesn’t taint my talent. After all, no one appreciates a talented person with poor character. Thus, I use this quote as a reminder.
Is there a person in the world with whom you would love to have a private lunch and why? He/she might just see this! 🙂
I would’ve liked to have lunch with Lyndon B. Johnson. I think the things he was able to do as president were great. He had great people in his corner, but his thoughts were years beyond his time. When we look at the programs he created and the legislation he pushed for, it makes up much of modern time. Without him, we’d be in a different world.
Why did you choose to be a Board Member of Educate. Radiate. Elevate.? *
I chose to be a board member because of the work that “Educate. Radiate. Elevate.” is doing. Access to quality education is seen as a privilege, but it is a human right. Students around the country are suffering, but their trajectory could be changed with one person helping and believing in them. But, it doesn’t happen by chance, it takes intentionality. Educate. Radiate. Elevate. is doing that work, and I want to help in any way that I can.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why? *
Often, there are grand ideas about how to solve the world’s issues, but they generally fall short of action. The language in the focus “Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Teaching,” speaks to me the most. Students need culturally competent educators who can also empathize. Much of the growth happens when the educator recognizes who they’re working with. Trauma-informed teaching is also important because it uses proven methods to meet the student’s needs.
