Icon (Close Menu)

Logout

Past Mentors Keep Tamika Edwards in Step

3 min read
As executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College, Tamika Edwards is responsible for infusing social justice principles on campus and beyond. She has been director of governmental affairs for Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families and director of public policy at Southern Bancorp Community Partners. She worked for 11 years in the office of U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, and was on Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott’s transition team.

A Little Rock native Edwards earned an English degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a master’s in professional and technical writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a law degree from UALR’s Bowen School of Law. She was a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2010.

What is the mission of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College?

The mission is “to educate and inspire students, academics, administrators and community members to do the work of eradicating systems of inequity so all people are able to live with dignity.” This mission is inextricably connected to the college’s mission, “to graduate academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to change the world for the better.”

When you were a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2010, you were working for U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln. What did you learn from her that helps you in your current position?

I learned to always ask for what I need. Senator Lincoln used her influence for good and was never afraid to ask for what she wanted or needed to assist others. She always advised that “the worst they can say is no, but they can’t say no if you don’t ask.” Also, as a young woman in the political arena, I watched her balance myriad roles and responsibilities I would eventually come to know for myself: being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, volunteer, supporter, juggling career and life in general.

As you work for social justice, what encouraging trends do you see? Discouraging?

I am most encouraged that more young people are becoming engaged in speaking out against injustice. This generation is less tolerant of business as usual; they speak up and work to address wrongs. They are also more accepting of others.

What is discouraging is how much more we need to do to eliminate systemic racism. While we have come far as it relates to laws and opportunities, many hearts have not changed — and those same hearts are still in charge. Since we cannot legislate a change of heart, injustice remains prevalent.

As America becomes browner, is the role of historically black colleges changing?

No, the role of historically black colleges and universities has not changed. Because America is becoming browner, HBCUs remain as relevant as ever. As an HBCU graduate, I know that the mission is unchanged; however, their agenda has heightened now because of the elevated pervasiveness of systemic inequality. As think tanks and incubators, HBCUs are producing agents of change to address and resolve these issues.

Tell us about the mentor who has meant the most in your life.

My mother is and will always be my greatest mentor and “shero.” When I was a college sophomore, she began her collegiate journey at Philander Smith. Working two jobs, she attended school full time and completed her degree in four years with honors. When I began working at PSC, I bought a brick inscribed with her name for the college’s Legacy Walkway. As I go into the office each day, I pass over this walkway. Seeing my mother’s name is a daily reminder of the good that she poured into me. With her display of beauty, grace and resilience in the face of difficult situations, she is the reason I fight like I do. I am so thankful that she taught me to be the woman I am today.

Send this to a friend