In today’s special episode we honor the unforgettable life of Bertie Simmons—a remarkable educator, hope‑whisperer, and lifelong advocate for social justice who passed away five years ago at the age of 87.
Born in the deep South during the Great Depression and raised amid Jim Crow segregation, Bertie’s first act of conscience came at fifteen when a painful encounter with her Black friend Dorothy sparked a promise to devote her life to making the world kinder. That promise guided her through 58 years of service in Houston education, culminating in a daring return from retirement to rescue a notorious “drop‑out factory” high school labeled a direct pipeline to prison.
Defying district policies that sent gang‑affiliated students away, Bertie brought rival gangs into the same room, earned their trust by calling them “thugs” (which surprisingly broke the ice), and organized a transformative field trip to New York City—Ground Zero, a Broadway show, and a shared moment of prayer that shifted the students’ hearts. The trip turned the school’s culture on its head: gang fights ceased, restorative‑discipline replaced suspensions, and the “black‑dot” lesson from her mother—look beyond the flaw to the surrounding good—became the cornerstone of the school’s ethos.
Bertie defined gratitude as “a joyful, love‑filled state that must be shared, not hoarded,” and she lived that definition daily. She credited her mother, a compassionate teacher, and the memory of her beloved granddaughter Ashley—a 16‑year‑old who died in a skiing accident—as the wellsprings of her enduring hope.
Although Bertie is no longer with us, her story continues to ripple through the lives she touched. Her favorite anonymous quote, which still guides us, rings louder than ever:
“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.”
Join us as we revisit her inspiring journey, reflect on the lasting impact of her work, and discover how one person’s gratitude can still transform entire communities. Press play, and let Bertie’s legacy remind you that all things truly are possible—today and forever.
Resources:
Bertie's book: https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Hope-Story-My-Life/dp/1734060409
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Timestamps:
- 00:25 – Guest Introduction – Meet Bertie Simmons, 86‑year‑old educator with a 17‑year high‑school leadership legacy.
- 01:13 – Highlights – 10‑million‑dollar Super School grant, launch of Whispers of Hope memoir, and a second‑time recording.
- 02:03 – Gratitude for the Re‑recording – Bertie expresses thanks for the chance to share her story again.
- 02:40 – Early Life & “Dorothy” Story – Growing up in Depression‑era, Jim‑Crow Louisiana; a pivotal moment at 15 that sparked her lifelong commitment to social justice.
- 04:36 – Lifelong Activism – How that childhood experience drove her fight for equality.
- 05:53 – Definition of Gratitude – Joy, love, and the intent to spread those feelings to others in the moment.
- 06:19 – Return from Retirement – Call to lead a “throwaway” high school plagued by gangs and violence.
- 06:49 – School’s Reputation – Labeled a “dropout factory” and a direct pipeline to prison.
- 07:07 – Personal Motivation – Loss of her 16‑year‑old granddaughter Ashley fuels her decision to accept the challenge.
- 08:43 – Becoming a “Hope Whisperer” – First encounter with a campus riot and her resolve to create hope.
- 09:14 – District Policies – Requirement to send gang members to an alternate school; Bertie refuses.
- 09:42 – Defying Rules – She keeps all gangs on campus and brings them together for dialogue.
- 10:57 – Breaking the Ice – A tense conversation about 9/11 leads to unexpected connection with the students.
- 11:39 – “Thugs” Comment – Calling them “thugs” sparks laughter and opens deeper communication.
- 12:01 – Funding Challenge – No district support; Bertie leverages contacts to secure money for a field trip.
- 12:36 – New York Trip Planning – Organizes a trip for gang members and National Honor Society students despite budget limits.
- 13:07 – The NY Experience – Broadway show, chapel visit, and the kids’ prayers for a safe flight home.
- 14:53 – Building Trust – Seeing the students’ vulnerability leads to genuine affection and cultural understanding.
- 15:16 – “Black Dot” Lesson Intro – Mother’s simple exercise to look beyond a single flaw.
- 15:51 – Early Reading Struggle – First‑grade difficulty with teacher Edna Jean Kennedy.
- 16:38 – The Black Dot Exercise – Mother’s lesson: focus on the surrounding “white” (good) rather than the black dot (flaw).
- 18:05 – Life‑Long Guiding Principle – “Look beyond the dot” becomes Bertie’s compass for relationships.
- 19:05 – Applying the Lesson to Gangs – Respect and love elicit reciprocal respect; helps transform gang dynamics.
- 20:34 – Respect & Reciprocity – Demonstrates how dignity fosters cooperation with students and parents.
- 21:32 – Discipline Philosophy – Rejects suspensions/expulsions; favors restorative discipline.
- 21:46 – Restorative Practices – Mediator room, “habits of mind,” and relationship‑repair focus.
- 23:01 – Small Actions, Big Impact – Encourages listeners to seek the whole picture, not just the “black dot.”
- 23:31 – People She’s Grateful For – Mother, teacher Mrs. Hewitt, family, friend Sharon Coons, and the podcast host.
- 24:19 – Gratitude for the Podcast – Appreciation for sharing gratitude’s power.
- 25:22 – Hope in Youth – Belief that younger generations are opening their eyes to change.
- 26:13 – Signature Quote – “Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart…”
- 27:03 – Book Promotion – Whispers of Hope available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble; invitation to connect.
- 27:58 – Closing Quote & Farewell – Re‑states the gratitude/hope quote and thanks the audience.
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