We are so excited to have Willie Adams join our team as our first full-time senior staff member! Willie has been an educator for the past 22 years and his background in education, film, music, non-profit leadership, and professional development will be a huge addition to The Practice Space team. Learn a little bit about his story…
Greetings! My name is Willie Adams and I am so honored to introduce myself as the very first Director of Education for the Practice Space!
I am a Bay Area native, born in 1970’s San Francisco and raised in 1980’s Oakland. From 1991-1996, I moved to Southern California, where I attended UC Irvine and graduated with a BA in Film and Media Studies. From 1996-1997, I lived in London, England where I worked as a professional DJ and did voiceovers for radio commercials. When I returned from England, I decided that I wanted to explore education as a career. From 1997-2020, I’ve worked tirelessly as an educator, artist, and advocate for the under served. In 2008, I received my MA in Multi-Cultural Education from the University of San Francisco.
As I reflect on my journey, understanding the power of my voice and knowing how to use it effectively to help myself and others realize their dreams has been an invaluable gift. As a proud member of the Black diaspora, I feel a strong connection to our rich history of storytelling and oral traditions. Oration and public speaking have always been an important part of my life. My earliest memory of public speaking was giving an Easter speech at age 7. In 8th grade, Mrs. Flanagan chose me to deliver the famous “I Have a Dream” for the all-school assembly, and in high school, I led meetings and gave speeches as class president. I love public speaking! I also love 70’s and 80’s popular culture, music, especially Prince. In 2016, I co-founded Purple Playground, a non-profit organization that teaches students songwriting and music production, as well as the history of Prince’s life, career, and the Minneapolis sound. I am also the proud father of Zion, my amazing 16-year old son.
I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to bring my love and undying passion for educating and elevating underrepresented voices to The Practice Space. My hope is to inspire all students to not just find, but refine and use their voices to make life better for themselves and all of humanity. I look forward to meeting and working with the community on this difficult, challenging, yet most important work.
Willie Adams
Director of Education