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Sister Aeri Clarence

@aerupthere

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…I, am a headliner 🩷💚

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Friday was a beautiful moment to experience 👍🏽 Elementary School District 159 and Marya Yates Elementary honored the legacy for long time teacher, coach and a true pillar of the community, Mr Darryl Henderson. You deserve your flowers now and I'm grateful that I was in a position to influence this dedication. First time I actually wrote a speech but it wasn't difficult to express my gratitude and appreciation for how much you poured into all of your students.

An excerpt from my speech from the day...
"You grounded us from a perspective that we probably didn’t fully understand at the time, but now as adults it all makes perfect sense. The gems that you dropped when we were 10, 11 and 12 years old stuck with not only me, but with generations of students for years to come. Those lessons have been like guiding principals throughout my life. You prepared us for the world that we would soon be navigating through as teenagers and young adults.

I can honestly say that you are the primary reason why I chose to pour into this community as much as I do."

I started freestyling and lost my place a few times but the sentiment from many about your impact is consistent and profound.

Thank you to everyone that pulled up on a Friday afternoon to show love.

🎥: @tlntd.mp3

If you couldn't make it, you can watch the entire ceremony by scanning the QR CODE on the last slide 👍🏽 taken in Marya Yates Elementary School by @aerupthere

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a month ago

I truly believe that we really only remember the great teachers and the terrible ones. The ones that land in between are often a blip on the road of this thing we call life. Fortunately, I went to an elementary school that understood the importance of having Black Male teachers teach black students.

My social studies and history teacher (also basketball coach), Mr. Darryl Henderson planted the seeds for why our stories and history as black people in this country mattered. Storytime consisted of Eyes on the Prize episodes and Rosewood to name a few. The gems dropped and picked up at 11 and 12 years old stuck with not only me, but with generations of students for years to come. Those lessons instilled from those middle school classes were guiding principals for my young adult life and my not so young adult life now.

Teaching isn't easy, teachers are also often undervalued and underpaid... The older you get, the more you realize that the best teachers leave a lasting legacy by truly caring about their students and the communities they serve, they aren't in it for the money. That's why I had to push for this to happen while you're still here to smell the flowers 🌺 🌹

Looking forward to celebrating and honoring a great person for a job well done and an excellent career.

Your legacy deserves this 💪🏽

🗓️ September 11th, 2026
📍Mr Darryl Henderson Library Naming Ceremony - 1PM taken in Marya Yates Elementary School by @aerupthere

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a month ago

An outtake from New Years Day. We had way too much fun. Nothing like bringing in the new year with family 🫶🏾 by @aerupthere

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9 months ago

taken in Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center by @aerupthere

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a year ago

Happy Black History Month to the real 🖤 by @aerupthere

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2 years ago

by @aerupthere

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2 years ago

A little outside ⚡️
Thank you @natame for a great party with the fam 🤎 by @aerupthere

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2 years ago

Felt cute might delete later taken in Montreal, Quebec by @aerupthere

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2 years ago

Once again, @_stylezbymia SNAPPED!!
Stylist: @_stylezbymia
Bundles: @ygwigs
#chicagobraider #chicagobraids #bohobraids #bohemianstyle #blondehair #27 #knotlessbraids #foryoupage by @aerupthere

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3 years ago

Back where I belong 🔝💚
#MVP #bestplacetowork #ATEAM

🎶: Breakfast at Bally’s @alexmmack @erv100 taken in Chicago, Illinois by @aerupthere

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3 years ago

Truth: that first year y’all almost lost me! But 1-2? It’s lit! This last year has been a blast. Watching him learn & expand his vocabulary, explore the world around him, becoming more and more fearless everyday- getting to know this little dude has been so amazing to witness and he fills my heart with so much joy 🥲

He’s a learner, an observer, and a cuddle butt. He is obsessed with cars and airplanes, enjoys his chicken nuggets and fries, and can and will talk your ear off (my Virgo baby lol).

Ace is truly my fav. My handsome baby, my smart baby, my genius baby, my caring baby, my loving baby, mommy’s little baby 💙

2 down, infinity to go! Happy birthday son 🧁 by @aerupthere

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3 years ago

Happy Mother’s Day to the real 💐 by @aerupthere

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3 years ago