Harris Voices: EMP Associate Director Tempris Daniels on Finding Your Voice

As a part of Harris Public Policy’s celebration of Black History Month, we asked what Black joy means to members of the Harris Community. These are their opinions and perspectives, informed by their own life experiences and worldviews (and do not necessarily reflect the views of Harris).

“Are you sure that’s your dad?” A question I so clearly remember being asked on a fall day at my new school in 5th grade. You see, my dad worked for Amtrak, which meant he had a combo of on/off days (example: a run of 4 days on the train and then 6 days off). This usually meant my mom would pick me up most of the time. As one can imagine, it was a treat when my father picked me up and often meant that an adventure was in store for us. When I was asked this upsetting question for the first time, it was annoying. The second time it was bothersome. The third time was when it truly shifted my mindset and I started to let doubt sink in and believe this could be true. I considered this narrative so much so that I asked my parents, “Am I adopted? The kids at school say I don’t look like dad.” This recollection is still so clear in my mind to-date and really caused damage to my voice (not to mention it probably wasn’t a great feeling for my parents).

Truthfully, I continued to ask my parents every few months or so the same question until after a couple of years I stopped having any doubt they weren’t my parents. I also would say along with family and those closest to me, I had a happy and striving childhood except for this memory. People may also believe, I’ve always had an opinion yet I know, that it really took me years to find my Black voice and not just a voice that felt comfortable and cushy.

I spent much of my early childhood going to a predominately Black church located on the Southside of Chicago witnessing Black voices in the community my parents grew up in. I understood and saw that Black wasn’t a single shade, yet the kids I went to school with simply didn’t know that. On the other hand, living on the Northside of Chicago and going to a Catholic school that was majority White brought a different lived experience. There was a bit of the tetter totter game being played here, and while I fit in enough in both spaces because I liked sports, music, and dancing; I also didn’t fit into either situation.

I truly loved my childhood and appreciate my parents for providing me with a great life. What I didn’t realize was that I internally learned to not “rock the boat” and cherished being loved by all. Since then, I’ve learned that it is just a boring way to live especially when you have something to say. I credit my graduate school advisor and instructor for helping me see just how powerful knowing yourself and using your voice is. They taught me to see how much power my voice really has. She also was the first instructor I had that looked like me; seeing someone who looks like you and teach you is such a powerful learning tool.

Some of the things I prioritize to date are peace, my mind, and joy. You ask me my thoughts; I’ll let you know. If I have an opinion I want to share, I will likely share it. Knowing who I am to the core and what I value is important to me.

This is Black Joy. Being able to authentically live as you wish in the spaces you chose while knowing that you are safe and with the people who love you. A world where you don’t have to wonder; which me do I have to be today?

About Tempris Daniels, M.Ed.

Tempris Daniels began working at the University in January 2014 and currently serves as the Associate Director of the Evening Master’s Program (EMP) at the Harris School of Public Policy. Additionally, she works as a Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call serving as an official emotional administrative support to students who are survivors of gender-based violence and is on the Dean-on-Call Special Events team.

Tempris is the owner and lead designer of Glowing Moments, a wedding and event planning company she founded in 2019. Her company focuses on inclusivity, social justice and affordability to individuals.

Tempris holds a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College and Masters in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. In her downtime, she likes to go move to the beat of the music in hot yoga, travel the world, and listen to podcasts.