Two nationally respected education leaders are reshaping how Black children see themselves, their history, and their limitless potential. Dr. Sheka Houston, former middle school principal, and Dr. Tammy Taylor, former elementary school principal, have joined forces to release Amir’s Awakening: His Amazing Journey to Ancient Egypt – From Classroom to Consciousness—the first title in their powerful Resilience Series, a five-book collection created to inspire, educate, and empower Black children.
Based in South Carolina, Dr. Houston and Dr. Taylor bring more than 25 years of combined experience in education. At a moment when African American history is being challenged, restricted, or removed from classrooms across the country, these two trailblazing Black educreators are boldly flipping the narrative. Their work offers a culturally grounded, academically rich alternative that places Black excellence, history, and identity at the center of learning.
Amir’s Awakening takes readers on a vividly illustrated journey to ancient Egypt—introducing children to pyramids, pharaohs, and purpose. Rather than beginning the Black story with oppression, the book opens with brilliance, innovation, and legacy. The result is not only an engaging story, but also a consciousness-shifting educational tool that parents, teachers, mentors, and administrators can easily integrate into classrooms and homes.
Research consistently shows that African-centered education significantly boosts Black student achievement—by as much as 45 percentile points on standardized tests. When students encounter curricula that reflect their identity and ancestral contributions, it activates more than pride; it enhances performance, engagement, and confidence. As the authors—collectively known as the Resilience DoctHers—explain, Amir’s Awakening is about reigniting genius, not simply retelling history.
The importance of representation is equally profound. Studies confirm that Black students who have at least one Black teacher by third grade are 13% more likely to enroll in college. Culturally responsive education does not exclude other learners; it elevates everyone. Schools that embrace inclusive, identity-affirming instruction are academically stronger, emotionally healthier, and more unified.
Beyond the page, Dr. Houston and Dr. Taylor continue their impact through The REALL Academy podcast, where they have produced and hosted more than 200 episodes. What began as a resource they wished they had as school leaders has grown into a global platform, reaching nearly 200,000 educators worldwide with free tools, conversations, and strategies that educate and activate communities every week.
Amir’s Awakening is available for purchase through Create and Educate, LLC’s online store and on Amazon. Schools, families, nonprofits, and organizations nationwide are already ordering the book, with many calling it a must-read for both children and adults seeking cultural grounding and academic empowerment.
Why Amir’s Awakening Matters
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Centers Black history in excellence, innovation, and global legacy
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Supports higher academic achievement through culturally relevant learning
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Strengthens student confidence, identity, and classroom engagement
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Provides educators and parents with an accessible, engaging teaching tool
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Aligns with research on representation and long-term student success
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Launches a broader Resilience Series designed to build lifelong empowerment
Together, Dr. Houston and Dr. Taylor are more than authors—they are nationally recognized education leaders with a proven record of school transformation, award-winning academic growth, and community impact. Through Amir’s Awakening, they are not just telling a story—they are changing the future, one child at a time.
