Pierce Boyd-Bagby (He, Him, His)

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Pierce spent his first year as a teacher during the pandemic--a difficult task to which he brought the enthusiasm, leadership, and curiosity he brings to his many involvements in the Jewish community. Described as a "rising leader" and an "active and critical member of our Chicago Jewish community," his widespread connections beyond the classroom help him share his passions of racial and LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion.

Through his involvement with Metro Chicago Hillel, Base, Anshe Emet religious school, and YLD's inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, he is dedicated to helping every Jew find their place in the community. His volunteer work with the Color of Change PAC and JCUA's Kol Or Jews of Color caucus shines a light on Jews of color in the Chicago area. And when he teaches children with Chicago Public Schools or Anshe Emet's Hebrew school, he provides a positive role model of a diverse future.

AGE:
23

PRIMARY GIG:
Public school teacher

ON THE SIDE:
Hebrew school teacher

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
I've been told I look like Donald Glover, before he grew a beard. Like “Community” era Donald Glover

WHAT IS YOUR NEWFOUND PANDEMIC TALENT OR HOBBY:
I did not jump on the sourdough train. Instead, I used that energy making challah because I knew I was going to make it post-pandemic as well.

HOW HAVE YOU CREATED A SOCIAL IMPACT THIS YEAR:
Making sure to take care of my students and whatever their needs are. Working at a school on the West side of Chicago where trauma has impacted my students, it's very important to continue to advocate with them for their needs. Teaching my students how to advocate for themselves has been my work for this year. Additionally, I helped register voters in the state of Georgia for the election and helped stop three school closures on the West side of Chicago. Outside of my impact on my students, within the Jewish community it was important for me to help build community among those who just moved to the city.