Richard D. Terrell, assistant principal with Saint Paul Public Schools, writes about the joy of educating Black boys, calling on schools, families and communities to celebrate their brilliance, nurture their gifts and speak life into their futures.
Richard D. Terrell
Richard D. Terrell is a native of Minneapolis, MN. He is the father of three; Zyree, Raymond and Vivian.Richard has a passion for community, education, and youth development. For the last 15 years, he has served at various schools working with and supporting students, families, and teachers. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal with Saint Paul Public Schools. For more information on Richard D. Terrell or to purchase his book, visit his website at https://mrrichardterrell.com.
Posted inLet them Rise
They can own the store, not just shop in it
Let Them Rise columnist Richard Terell argues that teaching entrepreneurship to Black boys is not just about business but about building a mindset of ownership, leadership and community impact.
Posted inLet them Rise
Seeing the innocence and leadership in Black boys
Before diving into this column, I want to be clear: this is not a critique of any one school, district, or institution. Rather, it is a broader reflection. A blend of research, observation, and personal experience on the current state of education for Black boys in America. Over the past 15 years in education, I […]
Posted inLet them Rise
Culturally responsive teaching
Let Them Rise: A Blueprint for Educating Black Boys examines how culturally responsive teaching affirms identity, strengthens relationships and improves educational outcomes.
Posted inEducation
The need for more Black male teachers
Black male teachers are critical to the academic, emotional, and social success of Black boys, yet they remain severely underrepresented in classrooms nationwide.
Posted inLet them Rise
Going back to ‘the village’Â
Black boys succeed when surrounded by a strong village of care. This column explores why rebuilding community support remains essential to education, healing, and long-term success.
Posted inLet them Rise
Disabling the ‘school-to-prison pipeline’
Richard D. Terrell breaks down how the school to prison pipeline impacts Black boys and offers real strategies for schools, families and communities to disable the system. His column calls for shifting from punishment to restoration so Black boys can rise.
Posted inLet them Rise
The state of Black boys in education
Black boys carry more than backpacks into classrooms. Through lived experience and data, educator Richard D. Terrell examines the inequities, brilliance, and potential of Black boys in America’s education system — and outlines a path forward.
Posted inEducation, Let them Rise
Let Them Rise: A blueprint for educating Black boys
MSR launches Let Them Rise, a 10 part blueprint for Black boys education that pairs honest reflection with practical solutions for families, educators, and communities. The series debuts alongside Richard D. Terrell’s new book on Oct. 11.