Reimagining classroom management for equity. The Sunny Side View Podcast.

This podcast episode features a conversation centered on the text These Kids Are Out of Control: Why We Must Reimagine “Classroom Management” for Equity by Milner, Cunningham, Delale-O’Connor, and Kestenberg (2019). In this episode, Sunny Brown interviews Joseph Graham, a sociologist, activist, and educational equity advocate whose work in urban schools provides a lived foundation for understanding the realities behind student behavior and systemic responses. The discussion explores how classroom management cannot be reduced to rules and compliance, but should instead be rooted in cultural responsiveness, restorative practices, humanizing relationships, and community understanding.

Throughout the episode, listeners are guided through major themes from the book, including the impact of cultural mismatch on discipline, the significance of teacher identity and positionality, and the connection between school discipline practices and the Cradle to Prison Pipeline. Drawing on course readings such as hooks’ (1994) concept of engaged pedagogy, Freire’s (1970) principles of liberatory education, and research on disproportionate discipline from the Office for Civil Rights (2016), the episode highlights how traditional management systems often reinforce structural inequities.

The conversation also examines the “pedagogy of poverty” described by Haberman (2010) and discussed in chapter three of the text, emphasizing the importance of meaningful, culturally relevant instruction as a foundation for classroom management. Examples from Joseph’s work in youth organizing deepen the discussion on restorative discipline, echoing the work of Amstutz and Mullet (2005) and connecting to political philosophies of liberation seen in the teachings of Malcolm X and Fred Hampton. Together, these perspectives create a dialogue that bridges scholarship, activism, and the lived experiences of Black and Brown youth in schools.

This episode encourages educators, scholars, and community members to reimagine classroom leadership as a practice of care, justice, and cultural affirmation. It positions teachers not as managers of behavior, but as partners in healing, growth, and liberation.

Amstutz, L. S., & Mullet, J. H. (2005). The little book of restorative discipline for schools. Good Books.

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Herder and Herder.

Haberman, M. (2010). The pedagogy of poverty versus good teaching. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(2), 81–87.

hooks, b. (1994). Teaching to transgress: Education as the practice of freedom. Routledge.

Milner, H. R. IV, Cunningham, H. B., Delale-O’Connor, L., & Kestenberg, E. G. (2019). These kids are out of control: Why we must reimagine “classroom management” for equity. Corwin.

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. (2016). 2013–2014 Civil Rights Data Collection: A first look.

contact:

sunnysideviewpodcast@gmail.com

iamjosephgrahamjr@gmail.com

In this episode of The Sunny Side View, host Sunny B. sits down with expat, mother, and trailblazer Tamara Lee to unpack what it really looks like to leave the U.S. and start a new life abroad.

Tamara shares the journey that led her family to Panama—from the leap of faith it took to make the move, to the beautiful, messy, and liberating reality of raising Black children in a new country. They talk about everything from cultural adjustments and cost of living, to education, safety, and finding a sense of belonging in unfamiliar soil.

This episode is for anyone curious about expat life, dreaming of international living, or wondering how to build freedom on your own terms—especially as a Black family navigating identity, safety, and legacy.

Topics We Cover:

• Why Tamara chose Panama for her family

• The highs and hard truths of living abroad

• How expat life has shaped her family's identity

• Practical advice for Black families considering the move

• What it means to choose freedom, on purpose

This is one of those “take notes and save for later” episodes. Tune in, get inspired, and remember—you can always choose a new story.

On this episode of The SunnySide View, I’m kickin' it with my good sis Devon — a mama, a warrior, and an advocate in every sense of the word. Devon keeps it all the way real about what it’s like raising an autistic child — the lessons, the love, the fights, the faith. We talk about the beauty and the battles of parenting, what true advocacy looks like, and how this journey stretches you in ways you didn’t even know you could grow.

Since it’s Autism Awareness Month, we’re putting a spotlight on how we can all do better — not just being "aware," but making real moves to create spaces where ALL kids, especially our neurodivergent babies, feel seen, loved, and lifted.

If you’re a parent, an ally, or just someone who knows the world needs more love and less judgment, this one’s for you. Tune in, catch these gems, and let’s be about that action. 🌞

If you ask Nicci Willis how she manages work-life balance, she’ll smile and tell you—she doesn’t. Because for Nicci, it’s never been about splitting her time perfectly between her career and her family. It’s about living fully in every space she occupies.

Nicci is a force. A Las Vegas realtor, investor, author, and community advocate, she’s the vibrant host of New House On The Block on YouTube, giving viewers a front-row seat to the hottest new construction homes in the city. She wrote the essential first-time home buyer’s guide, Before You Buy, Read This!, and co-founded Black Henderson, a nonprofit rooted in commerce, connection, and culture for the growing Black community in Henderson, Nevada.

Oh—and did we mention she’s the reigning Mrs. Silver State 2025?

Nicci doesn’t chase balance. She follows alignment. Her calendar might be full, but so is her spirit. Whether she’s leading worship at her local church, emceeing major city events, or helping a young couple find their dream home—Nicci brings joy, energy, and authenticity to it all.

In this episode, Nicci talks about redefining success, guarding your joy, and choosing freedom over perfection. Her life is proof that when you stop trying to balance and start living in purpose—you create something beautiful.

This one’s for the folks who’ve smiled through the storm, made excuses for the pain, and stayed silent way too long. In this episode of The Sunny Side View, Sunny finally opens the door for a conversation that’s been heavy on her heart—but the mic belongs to her colleague, Melody.

Melody is the founder of Courageous Shift, a powerful nonprofit that helps survivors of domestic violence rewrite their stories and reclaim their worth. She keeps it a buck about what abuse really looks like, why it’s so hard to leave, and how she found her way back to herself after years of surviving in silence.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this love—or control?” or if you’re trying to support someone in that place, tap in. Melody’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about transformation, truth, and taking your power back.

⚠️ Content Warning:

This episode talks about domestic violence and may be triggering for some listeners. If you need support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. We believe you and you are not alone.

In this powerful episode of The Sunny Side View, we sit down with Professor Matthew Mills, a Black Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), educator, and change agent from Charlotte. We dive into his journey as an advocate for mental health, social justice, and community empowerment.

Together, we discuss the impact of the current political climate on marginalized communities, the challenges and opportunities for educators and social workers, and the importance of mental health in the fight for equity. Professor Mills shares his insights on how we can all be agents of change—whether in the classroom, policy spaces, or everyday interactions.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges us to think critically, act intentionally, and stand up for those who need it most. Subscribe, share, and join the movement toward a more just and inclusive world!

In this episode of The Sunny Side View, Dr. Cole Perry, a leading authority in education liberation, shares visionary insights and out-of-the-box approaches for empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future. From reimagining the classroom to fostering creativity and critical thinking, Dr. Perry explores innovative strategies that can ignite transformative change in education and empower students to make a lasting impact on the world.

Host Sunny B. sits down with Joseph “PG” Graham, Jr., a dedicated academic who specializes in educating Black children. We delve into the joys and struggles of his profession, examining the profound impact of gaps in student performance. Through the lens of data, we uncover the complex landscape of educational disparities and explore strategies to create a more equitable future for all students. Tune in as we engage in a thoughtful conversation that sheds light on the vital importance of addressing gaps in education.