By: Maria Williams

The Xavier Institute of Louisiana recently highlighted the significant achievement gap between Black students and their White and Asian-American peers. The study highlighted several contributing factors, the prominent being a lack of self-esteem and the absence of peer support programs. As an educator and activist, Dr. Deborah Darbonne has devoted her career to confronting these issues.

As the Principal of Florida City Elementary School, Dr. Darbonne has made significant efforts in closing the achievement gap and advocating for social justice. She believes that fostering healthy school environments can reduce racial inequities through the promotion of strong relationships, restorative justice, and equity-focused interventions.

Championing Mental Health

Dr. Darbonne emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellbeing. She advocates for peer support programs and maintaining a healthy mental balance. “I’ve learned not to trade my health for success. I also avoid overextending myself by saying no to things that cause stress. I prioritize what truly matters. Meditating in the morning and taking short breaks during the day keeps me focused and productive. These practices have been transformative in my journey toward a balanced life,” shares Darbonne.

Poor self-esteem can lead to negative thoughts, anxiety, and depression. Nurturing self-esteem through supportive relationships and positive affirmations is vital for maintaining mental well-being and overall happiness.

Inspiring Through Volunteerism

Dr. Debbie Darbonne has continued to grow professionally, dedicating herself to making a positive impact in education and society.

Her commitment to kindness and compassion extends beyond her professional life. Her volunteer work with organizations like Guardian Ad Litem and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has reinforced the importance of advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. “The rewards of giving your time and energy to support others are immeasurable,” she says. “The positive impact you can make on someone’s life is profound.”

Fighting for Equity and Justice in Education

Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s leadership style, Dr. Deborah Darbonne is passionate about equity, social justice, and equal education. Throughout her three-decade career, she has integrated technology to personalize learning and developed robust social-emotional learning programs for underprivileged children. She has forged partnerships with local organizations in Florida to provide additional resources for students and their families.

Dr. Darbonne believes parents’ and teachers’ involvement is crucial for a child’s development. She recalls one particular incident in her career that came from an unexpected phone call. A former student, Alice Brown, invited her to attend her high school graduation. Brown had come from a high-crime, low-socioeconomic neighborhood and struggled academically. As her second-grade ESE Resource Teacher, Dr. Darbonne saw Brown’s potential and became her mentor. By third grade, Brown was out of special education. They continued their meetings for the next three years, and by middle school, she was excelling academically and had become a role model for other students.

“Years later, when I received the invitation to Brown’s graduation, it came as a surprise. I was an Assistant Principal then. Her deep gratitude, crediting her success to my support and belief, was priceless. Attending Brown’s graduation was more than a ceremony; it was a profound experience. Watching her walk across the stage, I was overwhelmed with pride and reflection. It reaffirmed why I chose to become an educator,” Darbonne said with overwhelming joy.

The Transformative Power of Motherhood

Dr. Darbonne’s life took a transformative turn with the birth of her son. Ambitious and career-focused, she had climbed the corporate ladder with determination. However, after holding her newborn son in her arms, she felt a sense of responsibility. Her identity underwent a radical reinvention as she became his mom. Frivolous worries faded, replaced by deeper questions about being the finest mother she could be.

Shared giggles during bath time and bedtime routines became her treasures. Life’s greatest accomplishments seemed insignificant next to these everyday miracles. Her ambition transformed, extending beyond career goals to nurturing a tiny soul, teaching kindness, and creating memories.

Becoming a mother was not just about her son’s birth; it was Dr. Darbonne’s rebirth—a transformation that shaped her into a better version of herself. Through the love and challenges of motherhood, she found a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, forever changed by the precious gift of her son.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Dr. Deborah Darbonne inspires others to adopt a growth mindset, a concept she learned from her favorite book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. In the book, Dweck explains that a fixed mindset limits our belief in our ability to learn and improve, while a growth mindset allows us to see our capacities and talents as developable over time. This mindset encourages a positive attitude, viewing challenges as opportunities with persistence and effort and accepting constructive criticism. “The book dispels the notion that we are confined to societal labels,” says Dr. Darbonne. “Anyone can excel with enough effort and a positive attitude.”

According to a 2018 study published in the Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, African-American youth with strong educational support systems and community support show improved academic outcomes and personal development. This research also points out that students who perceive their educational opportunities positively are more likely to excel and contribute to their communities​.

Within this frame, Dr. Darbonne aims to highlight the significant role of safe, supportive learning environments and equitable access to essential resources in the overall success of African-American students.

 

Published by: Khy Talara