Brenda L. (Townsend) Walker, Ph.D., J.D. has been an educator for the past 30 years. Raised in both public housing and low-income communities, she attended urban schools. Dr. Walker continues to work with urban teachers, children, adolescents, and their families, remaining intimately connected with urban realities. Dr. Walker is most proud of the rich experiences she was afforded while growing up "poor." She has first-hand knowledge of the ways low-income families and communities support each other, especially when families are in crisis. In a sensitive and positive way, her children's books reflect those problem-solving strengths. Dr. Walker has published papers and book chapters for teachers on issues related to urban schooling and has conducted focus groups with students on their perceptions of their schools and communities. Additionally, she writes and performs in the oral tradition of "spoken word" about critical social issues. Learning is truly lifelong for Dr. Walker. In December, 2006, she received her Juris Doctor and continues advocating for, and writing about, urban children and families.