Joshua Michael King

Joshua Michael King is a powerful voice in the Syracuse, New York community and beyond. Through his accomplishments and experiences he uses his various platforms to uplift, educate, and inspire. King is some one who cares and is all the way for the betterment of families and students, especially in the black community. He is a parent, entrepreneur, activist, teacher and media professional . Through all his hard work and advocacy which can be exhausting while fighting for social change and economic justice, Joshua always looks amazing while doing it all. Joshua is very easy on the eyes. In this article you will get to know Joshua Michael King and all he stands for.

Vocal readers please enjoy our interview!

Tammy Reese:

Please tell us about Joshua Michael King for Students & The Academy of Excellence and how your passion for teaching began?

Joshua Michael King:

Immediately upon starting at the Syracuse City School District as a daily substitute, I made it my goal to teach in every building in the district. I was successful in reaching all but 5, then began taking over classrooms for long-term assignments at H.W. Smith, Van Duyn, and STEAM@Dr. King Elementary Schools which are all in Syracuse, New York. After three years, it was evident that teachers, students and families were in need of a powerful voice. I announced my intentions to be elected as a Commissioner of Education in the 2021 Election. The Academy of Excellence began in my home, whilst homeschooling my two Young Kings, since we were experiencing such systemic barriers and inefficiency as a family attempting to transition to SCSD from Jamesville-Dewitt. Currently our 501c3 facilitates supplemental and complimentary curriculum to over 4 dozen families across the country, whilst also managing two Tribes of 8 Student Ambassadors (SAs). Our unique model places one Teacher with SAs that work collaboratively in an innovative and cooperative environment; each Tribe is comprised of a mixture of grade levels and/or strengths.

Tammy Reese:

What needs work in the education system?

Joshua Michael King:

The education system is a complete failure for a majority of students, especially within impoverished urban and rural communities, which both face extreme situations and circumstances that impact the access, resources, and support for the educative process. Equity is not reflected in the ways funding is allocated, the State Performance Standards, or the curriculum itself. Even suburban schools face challenges, despite a different privilege, and students that are accelerated must maintain the pace set for them. ALL STUDENTS DESERVE AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN that reflects and capitalizes on their strengths, while identifying and addressing opportunities for growth and advancement.

Tammy Reese:

What is your take on the idea of the BLM Movement?

Joshua Michael King:

The BLM Movement is pivotal to our existence as a Country. I am proud to support the movement; however, we must be sure that we understand that not everyone shares the same values or principles. One of things that I pride myself in is being receptive to listening and attempting to understand other worldviews. Just as we are expecting a dramatic change in our institutions, systems, and social hierarchy; we must meet others where they are and avoid the culture of cancelling out those that disagree with us. We are not nearly as far as we believe to be, since the Civil Rights Movement. People of Color have a long way to go, beginning with us being able to love and support each other, above all else.

Tammy Reese:

What other social awareness issues are you passionate about?

Joshua Michael King:

After being diagnosed with HIV in 2001, following my first undergraduate degree, and have been a staunch advocate ever since. Sexual Health education has seemingly all but disappeared from public education, and is sadly only captured as a small piece component of health class. I am unyielding in declaring the need for Sexual Health Education to be normalized and ongoing, beginning in as early as possible. I am also very active in civics and voter engagement.

Tammy Reese:

Please tell us about #TheUprising Podcast?

Joshua Michael King:

#TheUprising with #UnapologeticallyJosh & Ranette was my way of ensuring I was being attuned to the community, and offering my perspective to an international platform with over 15K Subscribers. We feature content that is current and relevant; keeping inline with the Masking & Kompany legacy brand's vision: to engage, educate, and empower. Our guests are experts in their fields, as well as many of the individuals elected or charge with our sustainability and advancement.

Tammy Reese:

Please tell us about other ventures you have such as Masking & Kompany and how it was established?

Joshua Michael King:

Masking & Kompany legacy brand was established in 2001, as a component of my undergraduate program. My love of fashion and art built one of the pillars of this legacy brand, and design couture and ready to wear apparel and accessories. Since then, I have created other pillars that include professional consulting services, building the podcast platform and owning half of Straight Independent Radio and www.str8indieradio.com, as well as supporting several entrepreneurship ventures that are operated by the Student Ambassadors at The Academy of Excellence including King Kuts Lawncare, Auto Klean Detailing, and the #Tr3sKINGquito line of spirits & libations.

Tammy Reese:

What are some memorable moments in your career so far?

Joshua Michael King:

As a professional consultant, I have acquired some pretty outstanding contracts, including SUNY Upstate PrEP/PEP Program, Cazenovia College, Peaceful Schools, and New York State Department of Health's HIV Stops With Me Campaign. I have had the privilege of being the keynote speaker at national events, received numerous recognitions, and sat on dozens of committees and boards. The highlight of my career was meeting, working with, and being acknowledged by Vice Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris, who publicly commended my work here in Syracuse.

Tammy Reese:

What are some obstacles you have overcome?

Joshua Michael King:

My entire life has been an ongoing trauma, beginning with my life nearly ending before I was even born. I have overcome so much, including growing up without a father and the absence of a hard-working single mother that broke our some of our generational circumstances in education. Severe health issues involving asthma kept me isolated and often in the hospital. Growing up in a suburban community was no easy feat, and I was incessantly bullied for being poor, Black, and too flamboyant. After being diagnosed with HIV in 2001, I slipped into clinical depression, and was additionally diagnosed with PTSD and Anxiety. I overcame a 10 year drug addiction, several suicide attempts, and an accidental overdose that allowed me to meet Christ. My life has never been the same, since.

Tammy Reese:

What do you want your legacy to be?

Joshua Michael King:

I need my legacy to be one that has engaged, educated, and empowered individuals and the entire community to advance our collective power. I want my truths and living life purposefully to influence others to embrace and share their own stories, leverage their capacity, and overcome their own adversities. I desire to have a legacy that changes the way people think and interact with one another; building stronger relationships with God, themselves, and each other.

Be sure to check out The Uprising Podcast on www.straightindieradio.com