Dr. Erick Witherspoon, a long-time student and equity advocate, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 48. Witherspoon was an elementary school principal in Rialto, and his career in public education included time as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, district leader and adjunct professor. He most recently worked for Generation Ready and held many local, state and national offices in the National Alliance of Black School Educators, served on the California Staff Development Council and received many awards for his work in education. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Kansas Newman University, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Wichita State University and a Doctoral degree in Leadership for Educational Justice from the University of Redlands. Witherspoon had a passion for equity and justice and quickly steered Generation Ready into its Cultural Proficiency consultancy. He became the National Director of Equity and was passionate about pushing the valuable work forward across the country. Many teachers, schools and districts nationwide have grown and changed in their thinking and policies as a result of the great work that Witherspoon has done. His legacy of positive change will live on for years to come. Witherspoon was incredibly well respected in national and state education circles, especially throughout California, for his work around equity and his love of people – he was a great socializer with a wicked sense of humor. Witherspoon is survived by his wife, Chantal Witherspoon, who is also in education as a middle school principal.