Lyrics, Literacy, and Community
Written by Bailey Newsome
Quan Neloms, an educator from Detroit, has dedicated 20 years of his life to the field of education. Quan says Detroit raised him, whether it was his blood family or community members who poured into him.
With experience as both a classroom teacher, mentor, and school counselor, Quan has spent 18 years working with Detroit Public Schools and currently is in his second year with Wayne RESA, a regional educational support agency. He actively engages in various projects, including "I Am In Demand," a mentoring program that connects Black men with volunteering and educational opportunities in Detroit. Quan also founded an after-school program called Lyricist Society, which employs hip-hop, digital storytelling, documentary making, and music video creation to empower students.
While initially pursuing engineering, Quan's journey in education began when he was in college and volunteered as a mentor at Rosedale Park Baptist Church. The church had a connection to the local school, Peter Vetal, and when given the goal to enrich students' lives during the summer, Quan and other young volunteers established "Super Kids," a summer enrichment program. Supported by the resources, faith, and backing of the church, they successfully provided a nurturing environment for students.
The remarkable success of "Super Kids" and Quan's passionate dedication caught the attention of a youth pastor who approached him with the idea of a career in education. This pivotal moment prompted Quan to change his major to education, fully committing himself to making a difference in the lives of young students.
As a behavior interventionist, Quan worked closely with the children, forging strong personal relationships that extended beyond the academic year into the summer months. Being young, he connected with the students more effectively than older community members. Quan's proximity to the children– encountering them at school during the day and across from his office at Smith Housing Projects in the afternoons–deepened their bond. This closeness allowed him to identify areas of growth and positively influence the children, exposing them to new experiences through field trips and fostering healthy bonds through fitness and sports.
Throughout his 20-year career, Quan has devoted himself to helping young students, particularly young Black boys. He has witnessed his own transformation from being one of the youngest educators in the building to becoming one of the more experienced and respected veterans. Drawing from decades of insight, Quan emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the community for young educators. He advises against going solo, highlighting the value of being part of an ecosystem that includes parents, the community, and supportive fellow teachers. Networking and fostering positive connections is one of the most significant aspects of building one’s career.
A remarkable highlight of Quan's career is the Lyricist Society. Through music and media, he has empowered students to find their voices. As a shy kid himself during the golden age of hip-hop, Quan discovered his own confidence through recording songs. Recognizing that many young Black boys struggle to express themselves, he actively encourages his students to openly share their thoughts and feelings.
Quan firmly believes in the importance of their voices, reminding them that their ideas matter and deserve to be heard. He strives to help them recognize their brilliance and genius, fostering an environment where they can amplify their voices. He guides them to openly share their thoughts and feelings in conversations with people they trust, and through their creative expression. Students find their voices through creative outlets through; music, art, video production, and poetry. The achievements of Quan's students speak for themselves, with appearances on NPR, winning an Emmy for music video production, and creating impactful documentaries.
Looking towards the future, Quan will be producing music videos with his students, working on docu-series, and reshaping the perception and essence of being an educator. Through these endeavors, he aims to redefine the role of an educator, creating transformative experiences and inspiring the next generation.