Kwame Simmons Sr. still remembers the parent-teacher conference that changed his life.
He walked in expecting praise. After all, he was a straight-A student. But that day, Dr. Marvin Youmans, his sophomore Biology teacher — and the first Black male teacher Simmons had ever had — gave him a C grade.
Simmons’ father was stunned. But Dr. Youmans came prepared — with notes, data, and conviction. He didn’t just hand out grades. He fulfilled expectations. And what could’ve been a moment of embarrassment became a spark.
“In that moment, I saw what it meant to expect excellence and not apologize for it. That wasn’t just about Biology,” Simmons said. “It was about believing Black boys could be great.”
Detroit Public Schools (DPS) taught Simmons resourcefulness, resilience, confidence, and leadership skills, all of which have been crucial in his mission to give back to the city that raised him.
“DPS didn’t just teach me content. It taught me character,” Simmons said. “It taught me to believe that no matter what room I walk into, I belong there. Because I was built for it.”
From a graduate of Northern High School to a nationally respected school leader and founder of The Simmons Advantage, Simmons’ journey has taken him from paraprofessional to chief of schools, serving communities in Detroit, D.C., St. Louis, the state of Virginia, and beyond. He holds degrees from Hampton University, Columbia University, and Georgetown University, but he says his real foundation was built in the halls and classrooms of DPS).
“DPS taught me how to navigate systems with confidence,” he said. “How to lead from within. How to be unapologetically Black and excellent.”
In 2016, Simmons launched The Simmons Advantage (TSA), an education consulting firm focused on whole-school improvement and inclusion — particularly for students who are neurodiverse and those who’ve been historically underserved. Today, TSA supports districts, government agencies, and organizations across more than 10 U.S. states and in Africa, helping leaders build cultures of accountability, equity, outcomes and innovation.
“Coming home to Detroit will always mean coming back to the roots that shaped me — and giving back to make sure more students rise with the power to lead.”
Simmons urged current students to follow their own path – whether that is college, trade school, business or something else – with intention and integrity.
“Don’t shrink your dreams. Don’t water down your brilliance to make others comfortable. You don’t have to wait to be great,” he said. “The world is waiting on your voice, your vision, your leadership. So, stay curious. Ask hard questions. And don’t play small.”
Are you a student who would like to give back like Simmons has, reach out to connect with an alumni today. We are committed to continuing the legacy of DPS, now Detroit Public Schools Community District.
