By Nathaniel Smith

My name is Nathaniel Smith, and I am the Director of NYC Men Teach at CUNY Queens College. My journey in education has taken me from the public school system in the Bronx to higher education, and through it all, leadership, mentorship, and love have been central to my work and my life. As a Black man in education, my mission is to empower others like me to rise, grow, and build a legacy. Today, I want to share some thoughts on leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the role of love in our community.

The Foundation: Leadership as Influence

Leadership, to me, is simply influence. It’s not about a title or position but about the impact you have on others. From an early age, I understood that leadership starts within—knowing who you are, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to grow. Leadership is a skill that anyone can learn, regardless of their background. It’s about being accountable, teachable, and most importantly, relatable. I believe Black people, especially Black men, need to know that they too can be leaders. We don’t need to wait for a title or permission; we just need to tap into our potential.

Throughout my career, I’ve strived to lead by example. Whether I was teaching ELA in the Bronx, directing programs in higher education, or mentoring young Black men, my goal has always been to use my influence to uplift others. Leadership is about creating spaces where others can thrive, and that’s what drives me every day.

Mentorship: Learning from the Wisdom of Others

Mentorship has played a crucial role in my life. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who have guided me, supported me, and challenged me to grow. From my spiritual leaders, like the late Bishop Charles Henry Harris Sr., to educational leaders like Dr. Marvin Lynn at the University of Colorado Denver, these individuals have shown me what’s possible and how to get there. They’ve taught me the value of humility, accountability, and continuous learning.

But mentorship isn’t just about receiving guidance—it’s about giving back. As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve made it a priority to mentor other Black men who are looking to grow professionally, spiritually, and personally. I want them to know that they are not alone on this journey. They have the potential to achieve greatness, and it’s my job to help them see that.

One thing I’ve learned about mentorship is the importance of being a sponsor as well as a mentor. A mentor shows you the way, but a sponsor creates opportunities for you. They speak your name in rooms where you’re not present and help open doors that might otherwise remain closed. I’ve been blessed to have sponsors in my life, and I strive to be that for others.

Love: The Foundation of Our Community

If there’s one message I want to leave with you, my brothers and sisters, it’s this: I love you. Love is the foundation of our community, and we need more of it. Love drives everything I do, from mentoring young Black men to leading educational initiatives. It’s what keeps me going through the challenges and setbacks.

As Black men, we often face environments that are toxic and demoralizing. I’ve been there. I’ve had to leave spaces where I didn’t feel safe, where my voice wasn’t valued. But through it all, love for my community and my family has kept me grounded. My wife, my children, and my extended community are my why. They are the reason I strive to create a legacy that will outlast me.

Moving Forward: Building a Legacy

Looking ahead, my vision is to continue building a legacy for my family and for the Black community. I’m working toward completing my doctorate, and my goal is to influence education policy on a larger scale. I want to collaborate with other Black educators and leaders to make our institutions better for us. Whether it’s in the United States, the West Indies, or Africa, I envision working at a higher level to create real change for Black students in higher education.

At the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about the legacy I leave behind. It’s about the young Black men I mentor, the students I serve, and the community I love. I want to see us all rise, to see us all succeed, and to see us all build a future where we are safe, valued, and empowered.

So to my brothers and sisters, especially my Black men: I love you. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep leading. The world needs you, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.