Danielle Brooks: Story, Voice, and Purpose – An ELA Classroom Series

The series supports composition skill-building in the following areas: analyzing informational text, conducting research, writing personal narratives, understanding perspective and creative writing - all inspired by themes from Danielle’s journey.

This classroom-ready series centers an inspiring interview with South Carolina native and award-nominated actor Danielle Brooks, inviting students to explore storytelling, identity, mentorship, and purpose through engaging, standards-aligned learning experiences.

The series supports composition skill-building in the following areas: analyzing informational text, conducting research, writing personal narratives, understanding perspective and creative writing - all inspired by themes from Danielle’s journey.

Resources are easily implementable as a single lesson, a multi-day mini-unit, or a full instructional sequence.  

Opportunity, Arts Education & Giving Back | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Opportunity, Arts Education & Giving Back | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks gives special thanks to arts educators and those who keep arts education alive in South Carolina. She highlights their important role in creating opportunities and inspiring the next...
Through Line of Life's Story | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Through Line of Life's Story | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks explains that her life’s “through line” is being a giver and living a life of service. She emphasizes the importance of giving back both personally and through your work, using your...
Happenstance | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Happenstance | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks explains how “happenstance,” or unexpected moments, can lead to new opportunities.
Secret Sauce | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Secret Sauce | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks shares that everyone has a “secret sauce” — the unique qualities and talents that make them special. She encourages embracing what makes you different and using it to stand out and...
Mentorship, Family Support & Teachers | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Mentorship, Family Support & Teachers | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks explains how mentorship, family support, and teachers all play important roles in success. She highlights how guidance from mentors, encouragement from family, and support from...
Black Playwrights | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Black Playwrights | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks highlights the impact of Black playwrights on theater and storytelling, emphasizing how their work reflects culture, history, and real-life experiences. She encourages appreciation for...
Mentorship | Danielle Brooks

Video

Grades

  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development
Mentorship | Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks discusses how mentorship helps guide personal and career growth, offering support, advice, and encouragement. She highlights the value of learning from others’ experiences and building...